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

Should you visit York or Calais?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. 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.

York and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than York. While York 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 York is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Calais and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is York different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais 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 Calais?

York is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 York or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. 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 York or Calais Better for Nightlife?

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

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 York or Calais Better for Beaches?

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

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Calais Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of York can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Calais?

Both York and Calais are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 York or Calais Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. 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 York or Calais Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 York or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Both York and Calais offer notable public transit options.

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

Calais has some public transit options. 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 York or Calais a more walkable city?

York and Calais both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or York?

How long in York or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Calais. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in York than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 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 York.

One day in York or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in York or Calais?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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 Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. This city 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.

The coastal city of Calais 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Calais?

York has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Calais. The summer months attract visitors to York 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, York is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°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. York usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Calais. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Calais in the Autumn?

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

York is around the same temperature as Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Calais. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York 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 York. In the winter, York is cooler than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Calais in the Spring?

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

In April, York is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in April than Calais. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and York