A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a historic, authentic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thiva (Thebes). Although Thiva (Thebes) and Caen are popular destinations, Thiva (Thebes) has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thiva (Thebes) is very popular for its shopping, while Caen attracts visitors for its food. Thiva (Thebes) is famous for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also well known for The Archeological Museum. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Thiva (Thebes) and Caen.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.


Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Caen is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

It's hard to distinguish whether Thiva (Thebes) or Caen has a better nightlife scene.

Thiva (Thebes) has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Thiva (Thebes) is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Thiva (Thebes). You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Caen are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Caen offers lots of family activities. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Caen is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Caen is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Caen is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Thiva (Thebes) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses in the area.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Caen a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Caen

Thiva (Thebes) and Caen both are nice when exploring on foot.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable place. Some areas are more walkable than others.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

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

Families should spend more time in Caen than Thiva (Thebes). 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 Caen than Thiva (Thebes). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Caen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Thiva (Thebes) 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 Caen.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thiva (Thebes). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Thiva (Thebes) is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Thiva (Thebes). This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

The authentic city of Thiva (Thebes) offers nightlife and food. 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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Caen is €123. 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 Thiva (Thebes) and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or Caen? 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 Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Caen


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: Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

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

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Caen 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Caen

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

  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Caen 17


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Caen, we can see that Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Caen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 27°C (81°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Caen. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 16°C (60°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Caen. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)


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