A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stuttgart vs. Calais for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Stuttgart or Calais?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Calais? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a dynamic, modern, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stuttgart than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stuttgart is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Calais attracts visitors for its beaches. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also well known for The Mercedes-Benz Museum. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Stuttgart different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stuttgart or Calais?

Stuttgart
Calais

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Calais and Stuttgart.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Stuttgart. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Stuttgart or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Stuttgart is an experience not to be missed. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Stuttgart is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Beaches?

Stuttgart
Calais

Calais is a popular place for the beach. However, Stuttgart is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Stuttgart is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Calais?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Calais

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Stuttgart or Calais.

Stuttgart is a family-friendly city. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Calais

With fun activities for couples, both Stuttgart and Calais make for a nice place to visit.

Stuttgart is a good city for couples to visit. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Stuttgart is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Calais is not popular with students.

Is Stuttgart or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Stuttgart. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.


Is Stuttgart or Calais a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Calais

Stuttgart and Calais are nice when it comes to walkability.

Stuttgart is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stuttgart and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stuttgart than in Calais. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Stuttgart, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stuttgart than Calais 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 Stuttgart.


  • How many days in Stuttgart or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stuttgart 2-4 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Stuttgart or Calais?

Stuttgart is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calais. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stuttgart or Calais?

Stuttgart is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Calais. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Stuttgart or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stuttgart. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Calais. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stuttgart or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the commercial big city of Stuttgart. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Stuttgart?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stuttgart and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stuttgart


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Stuttgart change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stuttgart 37
    Calais 35
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • VfB Fan-Tour at the MHPArena: $12
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Calais 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stuttgart and Calais, we can see that Stuttgart is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart than you might in Calais.

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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Calais?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart and Calais, 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 Stuttgart or Calais?

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 Stuttgart or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Stuttgart during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Stuttgart is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stuttgart. In the summer, Stuttgart often gets more sunshine than Calais. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Calais. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stuttgart in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during autumn. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Calais. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Stuttgart. In January, Stuttgart is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 3°C (38°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Stuttgart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Calais. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Stuttgart is a little warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during spring. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Calais. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)