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

Should you visit Cardiff or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Cannes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
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
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cardiff or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is known for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Cardiff different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cardiff
Cannes

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Music?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.


Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.


Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Cannes?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Families?

Cardiff
Cannes

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Cannes.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Cannes offers lots of family activities. 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 Cardiff or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Cannes Better for Students?

Cardiff
Cannes

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

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cannes, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.


Is Cardiff or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cardiff
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Cardiff or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cannes than Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cardiff 1-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Cardiff or Cannes?

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

In Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cardiff or Cannes?

Cardiff 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.

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cannes has to offer.


Five days in Cardiff or Cannes?

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

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Cannes?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Cardiff?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £156, while the average daily cost in Cannes is £117. 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 Cardiff and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Cannes £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Cannes £128
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Cannes? 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 Cardiff


Hotels in Cannes


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Cannes £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $295
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $433
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $310
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $181
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $225
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Cardiff 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
    Cardiff £44
    Cannes £39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Cannes £26

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Cannes £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44

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 Cardiff and Cannes, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Cannes?

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

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 Cardiff or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Cannes. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Cannes. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Cannes. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cannes. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Cannes. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Cardiff

Cardiff Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)