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

Should you visit York or Caen?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

York and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. York is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Caen is known for its big city activities. York is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is York different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Caen have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Caen Better for Nightlife?

York is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 York or Caen Better for its Old Town?

York is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Caen?

York is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Caen Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is York or Caen Better for Couples?

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

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Caen a more walkable city?

York and Caen both are good when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or York?

How long in York or Caen?

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

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

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

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

One day in York or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Caen?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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.

Five days in York or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and museums around the important destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Caen?

The historic city of York offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The historic city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Caen, we can see that York 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 York Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Caen?

York has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

York is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Caen. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Caen. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Caen. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Caen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Caen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York 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 York in the winter. In January, York is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Caen. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Caen. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

York is cooler than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and York