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

Should you visit Cannes or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Cannes or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Rijeka. While Rijeka is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Rijeka 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. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Cannes different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cannes
Rijeka

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Cannes
Rijeka

Both Cannes and Rijeka are very good when it comes to partying.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Music?

Cannes
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is not a live music destination.


Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Cannes
Rijeka

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.


Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Rijeka?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Families?

Cannes
Rijeka

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Cannes or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cannes
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget 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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Cannes
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Cannes is not popular with students.


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

Cannes
Rijeka

Both Cannes and Rijeka offer nice public transit options.

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

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Cannes or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Cannes
Rijeka

Cannes is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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


  • How many days in Cannes or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cannes 2-4 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Cannes or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Cannes or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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 diverse destination of Rijeka. This town 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Cannes?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cannes is €137, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cannes and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cannes 75
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cannes 150
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Cannes and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Cannes or Rijeka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cannes


Hotels in Rijeka


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cannes Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cannes 16
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Cannes or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Cannes change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cannes 45
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cannes 30
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $58
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $65
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $65
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cannes 18
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cannes or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cannes 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Cannes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cannes is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cannes 17°C (63°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cannes 9°C (48°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

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

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cannes 13°C (56°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Cannes

Cannes Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)