Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calais?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Calais?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Calais during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene.
Many people overlook this part of France for the more popular southern regions, but those who do visit can enjoy sandy beaches and nice wine and cheese. UK visitors often arrive by ferry and enjoy some shopping as they pass through.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Calais? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Calais?
Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Calais, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Relax at the beach, browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and taste delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Calais as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 3 days in Calais
The beautiful beaches await you in Calais, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.
The public transit in Calais is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. 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.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. 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.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.
Calais is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It is a port city that is known for its scenic cliffs. Many tourists overlook this part of France, but those who visit will enjoy a more authentic side to France.
Is 4 days enough time in Calais?
Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Calais has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Calais, France
How to spend 4 days in Calais
With 4 days in Calais, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Calais is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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 5 days enough time in Calais?
Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Calais. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Calais as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 5 days in Calais
If you have more than 5 days in Calais, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Calais, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Calais, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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