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

Should you visit Ghent or Cannes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ghent and Cannes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Ghent and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ghent is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for nightlife.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Ghent or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cannes for it's beautiful 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Ghent and Cannes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Cannes?

Cannes is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Cannes are notable family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Cannes is a family-friendly 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 Ghent or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cannes is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ghent is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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 Ghent or Cannes Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Cannes a more walkable city?

Ghent and Cannes both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Cannes?

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

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

One day in Ghent or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this glitzy 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 Ghent or Cannes?

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

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 Ghent or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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 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 Ghent or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Cannes?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Cannes. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ghent is cooler than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Cannes. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Cannes. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Cannes. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Ghent