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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

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

Brussels and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Cannes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Cannes. Brussels is bigger than Cannes, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for live music. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Brussels and Cannes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Brussels or Cannes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cannes and Brussels.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Known for shopping, Cannes draws large crowds to its 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.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Brussels or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Cannes Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit 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.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Cannes a more walkable city?

Brussels and Cannes both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Brussels due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Brussels. 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 Brussels 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 Brussels.

One day in Brussels or Cannes?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Cannes?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cannes is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Brussels. 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.

Cannes is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort city offers something for everyone.

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 Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Cannes?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Cannes. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and 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.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Cannes. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Brussels is cooler than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Cannes. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Brussels