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

Should you visit Cannes or Bergen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cannes and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Bergen and is known 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. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Cannes different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cannes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Music?

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

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Cannes is notable for the beach. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Bergen?

Cannes is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort 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 Cannes or Bergen Better for Couples?

Cannes is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Cannes or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

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 Cannes or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Bergen is a good city to visit for students. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen offers a very effecient public transportation network. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Cannes or Bergen a more walkable city?

Cannes and Bergen both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cannes and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cannes than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

One day in Cannes or Bergen?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cannes or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Cannes or Bergen?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lavish 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Bergen, 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 Cannes or Bergen?

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 Cannes or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cannes is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Bergen. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Cannes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the autumn, Cannes is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Bergen. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cannes usually receives less rain than Bergen. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

Cannes is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Cannes