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

Should you visit Utrecht or Calais?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Utrecht and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Utrecht is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Calais and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Utrecht different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Utrecht and Calais have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Utrecht or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Utrecht and Calais both to be notable destinations.

Utrecht offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Calais has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Nightlife?

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

Utrecht is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for its beaches. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Utrecht can be explored in its historical center. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Calais?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Calais.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Calais is a family-friendly . 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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Couples?

Utrecht is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Utrecht frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at 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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht or Calais Better for Students?

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

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht or Calais a more walkable city?

Utrecht is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Utrecht and Calais. In our opinion, Utrecht has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Utrecht than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Utrecht or Calais?

Utrecht 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.

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Calais 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 Utrecht or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Calais, we can see that Utrecht 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Calais?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Calais?

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 Utrecht or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Calais. The summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of 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.

In July, Utrecht is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Calais. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Calais. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Utrecht is cooler than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Calais. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Utrecht 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 Utrecht. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Calais. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Utrecht is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Utrecht