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

Should you visit Helsinki or Cannes?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Cannes can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Helsinki and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Helsinki is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Helsinki is popular for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Helsinki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Cannes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Cannes. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Cannes is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Helsinki is not a resort destination.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a resort city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Helsinki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a very popular place for the beache. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cannes attract visitors from all over. 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.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Cannes is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Cannes?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Cannes draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Families?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cannes is a great resort city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Is Helsinki or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Helsinki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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 Helsinki or Cannes Better for Students?

Helsinki is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Helsinki is very popular with students. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Helsinki 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.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Cannes?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Helsinki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Cannes?

Helsinki 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.

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Cannes?

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

Cannes is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Cannes?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Helsinki is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Helsinki in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Helsinki is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 6°C (42°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Cannes. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. Helsinki is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around -6°C (21°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Cannes. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In the spring, Helsinki is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Helsinki in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Cannes. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Helsinki