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

Should you visit Cannes or Lillehammer?

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

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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Cannes and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Lillehammer?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cannes than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Lillehammer 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. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Cannes different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Cannes is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Cannes is not a skiing destination.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cannes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for live music. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Beaches?

Cannes is well known for its beaches. However, Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Lillehammer?

Cannes is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Cannes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lillehammer is a great resort city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Both Cannes and Lillehammer offer notable public transit options.

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

Lillehammer has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Cannes or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Cannes is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Lillehammer?

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lavish resort city of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lavish destination of Cannes. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This resort city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

The glitzy resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Cannes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cannes and Lillehammer, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Lillehammer?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Lillehammer, 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.