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

Should you visit Dover or Cannes?

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 Dover and Cannes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

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.

Dover and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Cannes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Dover and Cannes are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Dover 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. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover 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 Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover 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 Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a live music destination.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Dover is not a resort destination.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

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.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Hiking?

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

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Cannes?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Cannes.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Cannes is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover 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.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Dover or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Cannes is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Dover?

How long in Dover or Cannes?

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

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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.

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this opulent destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Cannes?

Dover 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Cannes?

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

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic destination of Dover. This town 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dover and Cannes, we can see that Dover is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Cannes in the Summer?

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

Dover is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dover usually receives more rain than Cannes. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Cannes in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In January, Dover is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Cannes. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Cannes in the Spring?

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

Dover is much colder than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Dover