A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Carcassonne for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit York or Carcassonne? 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

York and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York. Although York and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, York has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. York is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Carcassonne is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is York different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both York and Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in York or Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is York or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

York is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

York is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

York has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Carcassonne?

York is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Carcassonne Better for Families?

York is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is York or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

York is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is York or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Carcassonne are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. 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.

Many backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Both York and Carcassonne offer good public transit options.

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

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is York or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or York?

How long in York or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

Families should spend more time in York than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fanciful city of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in York or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the medieval destination of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

The fanciful city of York offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in York or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The medieval town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Carcassonne?

York has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of York and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Carcassonne. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the autumn, York is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Carcassonne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. In January, York is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carcassonne. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

York is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and York