A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dresden vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Dresden or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Dresden 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.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. 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

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dresden and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Dresden. While Dresden 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dresden attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Dresden 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. Dresden is famous for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady).

How is Dresden different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dresden 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 Dresden. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dresden or Cannes has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

The nightlife in Cannes has something for everybody. 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.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its music scene. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a live music destination.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Dresden is not a resort destination.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a great destination for the beach. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Dresden and Cannes.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Cannes?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Families?

Cannes is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cannes. 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.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Dresden or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Cannes.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Cannes offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Dresden or Cannes a more walkable city?

Dresden and Cannes both are great when exploring on foot.

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Dresden 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 Dresden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

One day in Dresden or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dresden or Cannes?

Dresden 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 Dresden or Cannes?

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

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 Dresden or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Dresden. This 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.

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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Cannes, we can see that Cannes 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Cannes?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Cannes in the Summer?

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

Dresden is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Cannes. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Cannes in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Dresden is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dresden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden 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.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dresden is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 1°C (33°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Cannes. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Cannes in the Spring?

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

Dresden is cooler than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Dresden