A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Bern or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Bern or Cannes? 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.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bern and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Bern. While Bern is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bern is more popular for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Bern and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Cannes?

Bern is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bern or Cannes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cannes is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Bern and Cannes.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Cannes?

Cannes is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Families?

Bern is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Cannes is a family-friendly city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Bern or Cannes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Bern offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Bern or Cannes a more walkable city?

Bern and Cannes both are great when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Cannes is a very walkable city. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

For even more information, also check out Is Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Bern?

How long in Bern or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Bern or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

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

One day in Bern or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Cannes. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Cannes?

Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cannes 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.

Five days in Bern or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. 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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lavish destination of Cannes. This resort city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bern. 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 lavish resort city of Cannes offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Cannes?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Cannes, 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 Bern or Cannes?

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 Bern or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Cannes. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is cooler than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Cannes. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Cannes. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cannes. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Bern