A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Palermo or Caen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Caen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palermo and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Caen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Caen. Palermo is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is more popular for its museums. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Palermo different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Caen?

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. 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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Both Palermo and Caen offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. 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 Palermo or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Caen?

Palermo is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Families?

Palermo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Caen are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Caen are notable destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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

Is Palermo or Caen Better for Students?

Palermo is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Caen a more walkable city?

Palermo is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palermo and Caen. In our opinion, Palermo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Palermo than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo 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 Palermo.

One day in Palermo or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Caen?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Caen?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Caen?

The colorful city of Palermo offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Caen, we can see that Caen is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen than you might in Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Caen?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Caen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Palermo or Caen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palermo or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Caen. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Caen. Many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Caen. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. Palermo is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Caen. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Palermo is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Caen. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Palermo