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

Should you visit Windsor or Caen?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Caen? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, 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.

Windsor and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen. Although Windsor and Caen are popular destinations, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Caen and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also well known for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Windsor different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Caen.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Caen.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Caen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Caen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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

Is Windsor or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Windsor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Caen is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor 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 Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Caen a more walkable city?

Windsor 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.

Windsor is very walkable. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Caen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Windsor 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.

One day in Windsor or Caen?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Caen?

Windsor 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.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Caen has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Caen?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen 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 Windsor or Caen?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Caen. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Caen. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Caen. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is cooler than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Caen. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Caen. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Windsor