A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cannes vs. Como for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cannes or Como?

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 Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

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

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cannes and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Como are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Como attracts visitors for its museums & sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

How is Cannes different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como 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 Como?

Como is a moderate lake area for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Como can be difficult as they are each terrific in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Cannes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for its music scene. However, Como 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.

Como is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Resorts?

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

Cannes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Beaches?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Cannes or Como Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Como?

Both Cannes and Como are terrific shopping destinations.

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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Families?

Como 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.

Como is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Como are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. 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.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Cannes or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Como is a very popular lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cannes and Como offer nice public transit options.

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

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Cannes or Como a more walkable city?

Cannes and Como both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Cannes or Como. In our opinion, Cannes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cannes than Como. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Como. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como 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 Como.

One day in Cannes or Como?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cannes or Como?

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.

Como 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 Como?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxury 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

The opulent 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cannes and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Cannes Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Como, 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 Como?

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 Cannes or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Cannes during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Como. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Como. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cannes is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Como. Many visitors come to Cannes in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Como. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Cannes usually receives less rain than Como. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Cannes