A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Caen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Caen?

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

Should I visit Braga 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.

Where Should I go: Braga or Caen?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Braga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €142, while the average daily cost in Caen is €152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Braga and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Caen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Braga


Hotels in Caen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Private Sedan Transfer from Braga or Guimaraes City to Porto City: $66
  • Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $45
  • Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Transfer to/from Caen-Carpiquet Airport: $106
  • Tourist transfert from Le Havre to Paris: $576

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Braga 70
    Caen 69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Authentic Braga Food Tour with Lunch & Local Guide 3 Hours: $106
  • Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Braga 16
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • 1h Buggy Tour • Arcos de Valdevez • Peneda Gerês: $106
  • 2h Buggy Tour • Arcos de Valdevez • Peneda Gerês: $166
  • 2h Quad Tour • Arcos de Valdevez • Peneda Gerês: $130
  • 4X4 Privat Tour – Discovering DA Serra d ́ Arga: $191
  • 4X4 Privat Tour - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $221
  • A Guimarães Hidden Gems Walking Tour Experience : $24
  • Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $120
  • Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $268
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $4.49
  • Braga and Guimarães Full Day Private Tour from Porto: $181
  • Braga’s Timeless Treasures: A Cultural Walking Tour: $288

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.77
  • Memorial Museum Entry Ticket & Optional Audio App: $24
  • Guided tour of Caen Castle: $29
  • Memorial Museum Ticket with D-Day Landings Audio Tour & Map: $32
  • Private Tour to Discover the Treasures of Caen : $44
  • Discover Caen like never before: guided tours combining history and secrets!: $46
  • Historical walking tour - Caen Millennium Special: $47
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Caen : Private Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $65
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $65
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $65
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Caen 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Customized Wine Tasting: Your Choices: $30
  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $62
  • Wine tour at Mosteiro de Tibães with an exclusive wine tasting: $66
  • Tour of the Green Wine villages and wine tasting.: $119
  • Green Wine Ponte Lima Region-Small Group tour-Lunch,Wine Tastings: $161
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Braga or Caen?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Caen in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Braga is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Braga. In the summer, Braga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Braga usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Caen. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In October, Braga is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Caen. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Braga as well as Caen. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. Braga is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Braga 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.

In the spring, Braga is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Caen. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Braga

Braga Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)