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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Heidelberg and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Heidelberg. While Heidelberg is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cannes is more touristy than Heidelberg and is popular 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. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.


Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Cannes

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Heidelberg and Cannes.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Music?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its music scene. However, Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Heidelberg
Cannes

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

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.


Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is a great resort city for the beach. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. 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 Heidelberg or Cannes?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. 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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Both Heidelberg and Cannes are nice family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.


Is Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg or Cannes Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Cannes

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

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg
Cannes

Heidelberg is a well-known place 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.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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


Is Heidelberg or Cannes a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Cannes

Heidelberg and Cannes are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Cannes?

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

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


  • How many days in Heidelberg or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Heidelberg or Cannes?

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

With live music and food around the luxury resort city of Cannes, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Cannes?

Heidelberg 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Cannes, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this resort city.


Five days in Heidelberg or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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, a popular resort city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the character-filled destination of Heidelberg. This town 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.

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Heidelberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €137. 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 Heidelberg and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $433
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $310
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $225
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $181
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) to Port de la Santé- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37
    Cannes 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Cannes 30

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Watch the Fireworks from the boat. Unique experience: $1,593
  • Cannes 2 Hours : Privat City Tour in a French Vintage Bus: $315
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74
  • Cannes : Ferrari experience: $214
  • Cannes : Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75
  • Cannes Experience private boat tour Islands French Riviera: $631
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Cannes Luxury Catamaran Half or Day Cruise with lunch option: $96
  • Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise: $107
  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Cannes 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295

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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Cannes?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Cannes. Many visitors come to Heidelberg 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.

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

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Cannes. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for 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.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

Heidelberg is cooler than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Cannes. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)