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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Porto and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more touristy than Caen and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Porto different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Caen.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Porto or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Caen?

Porto is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Caen Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Caen Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Porto and Caen both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Caen has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Porto or Caen a more walkable city?

Porto 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.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Porto?

How long in Porto or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Caen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Caen?

Porto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this important destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or Caen?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Caen?

Porto is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Caen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Caen?

The cultural port city of Porto offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Caen, we can see that Porto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Caen?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Caen in the Summer?

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

Porto is a little warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Caen. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Caen. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Caen. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Caen in the Spring?

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

Porto is a little warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Caen. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Porto