A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Caen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Caen is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Caen and Orkney Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Caen is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Caen.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Caen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Caen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Caen.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Caen is a family-friendly place to visit. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Orkney Islands makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Caen a more walkable city?

Caen is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Caen is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is best explored on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Caen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

Families should spend more time in Caen than Orkney Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Caen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Caen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Orkney Islands that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Caen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the pristine destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Caen. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Caen, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands than you might in Caen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Caen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Caen. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. Orkney Islands is cooler than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is much colder than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Orkney Islands