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

Should you visit Zermatt or Caen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Zermatt and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Caen are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Caen is known for its museums and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Caen Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Caen is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Caen is not a skiing destination.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zermatt and Caen offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Zermatt or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Caen Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Caen Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Caen?

Zermatt is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Zermatt or Caen Better for Families?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly destination. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Caen Better for Couples?

Zermatt is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt 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, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Zermatt or Caen a more walkable city?

Zermatt is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Zermatt. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zermatt and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than in Caen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Zermatt or Caen?

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Zermatt or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the iconic destination of Zermatt. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Zermatt or Caen?

The charming town of Zermatt offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Caen, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Caen. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Caen. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Caen. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In January, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Caen. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Caen. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Zermatt