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

Should you visit Cannes or Reykjavik?

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

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Cannes and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Reykjavik?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Reykjavik. While Reykjavik is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Cannes different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Cannes is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Reykjavik?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Cannes. 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

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 Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Both Cannes and Reykjavik offer notable public transit options.

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

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Cannes or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Cannes and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Reykjavik?

In either Cannes or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Cannes because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Cannes than Reykjavik 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 Cannes.

One day in Cannes or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort city of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cannes or Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the luxury destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Cannes or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the opulent resort city of Cannes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cannes or Reykjavik?

Cannes is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Reykjavik. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cannes is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cannes in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

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

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Cannes is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cannes usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Reykjavik in the Winter?

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

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Cannes is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Cannes is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cannes in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In April, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Cannes