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

Should you visit Howth or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Howth and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Howth and Cannes are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Howth and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Howth different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Howth 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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Howth is not a resort destination.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Cannes are great choices.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

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.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is well known for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Hiking?

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

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Cannes?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Cannes.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Cannes offers lots of family activities. 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 Howth or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Howth 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 Howth and Cannes.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Howth or Cannes a more walkable city?

Howth and Cannes both are great when exploring on foot.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Howth?

How long in Howth or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Howth or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Howth, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this lavish 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 Howth or Cannes?

Howth 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 Howth or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. 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 Howth or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Howth. This fishing village 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Cannes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Cannes. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Howth is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Howth in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Howth usually receives more rain than Cannes. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Howth as well as Cannes. Many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Howth is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Howth is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Cannes. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Howth is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Howth in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Howth