A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Carcassonne for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit The Hague or Carcassonne?

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 The Hague and Carcassonne can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

The Hague and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in The Hague or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hague. Although The Hague and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, The Hague has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hague is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also home to The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Carcassonne?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hague or Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Carcassonne can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Carcassonne

The Hague is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The Hague has a large number of nightlife venues. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Music?

The Hague
Carcassonne

The Hague is a very popular place for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is very good for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Carcassonne?

The Hague
Carcassonne

The Hague is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Families?

The Hague
Carcassonne

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Carcassonne.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.


Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Both The Hague and Carcassonne are good destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Students?

The Hague
Carcassonne

The Hague is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

The Hague is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.


Is The Hague or Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hague
Carcassonne

The Hague is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in The Hague is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is The Hague or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

The Hague
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

For even more information, also check out Is The Hague Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in The Hague or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in The Hague than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than The Hague 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in The Hague or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in The Hague or Carcassonne?

The Hague is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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


A weekend in The Hague or Carcassonne?

The Hague is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in The Hague or Carcassonne?

The international city of The Hague offers food and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval town of Carcassonne. 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 The Hague or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting The Hague. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or The Hague?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 The Hague and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in The Hague or Carcassonne? 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 The Hague


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: The Hague Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Carcassonne 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and The Hague 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
    The Hague 55
    Carcassonne 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour: $535
  • Bicycle tour The Hague Highlights: $27
  • Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen: $187
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Den Haag: Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover The Hague's city center with an Outside Escape game tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour: $139

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Carcassonne?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of The Hague and Carcassonne, 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 The Hague or Carcassonne?

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 The Hague or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The Hague is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in The Hague. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, The Hague usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and The Hague during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, The Hague is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hague in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Carcassonne. The winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

The weather in The Hague can be very cold. In January, The Hague is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 2°C (36°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, The Hague usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Carcassonne. The activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The Hague is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Carcassonne. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and The Hague

The Hague Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)