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

Should you visit Bruges or Cannes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bruges and Cannes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Bruges and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Bruges. While Bruges is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bruges attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Cannes is famous for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette.

How is Bruges different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Cannes for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cannes. 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.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is great for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cannes for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. 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 Bruges or Cannes?

Cannes is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Cannes are nice family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bruges or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is very popular for couples. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cannes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Bruges or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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

Bruges and Cannes both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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

Is Bruges or Cannes a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Bruges 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 Bruges, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Bruges. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Cannes 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 Bruges.

One day in Bruges or Cannes?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Cannes?

Bruges 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 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.

Five days in Bruges or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. 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.

A week in Bruges or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the glitzy destination of Cannes. This resort 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Cannes?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges or Cannes?

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 Bruges or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Cannes. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Cannes. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

Bruges is much colder than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Cannes. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Bruges