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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Cannes?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kilkenny and Cannes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Kilkenny and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Kilkenny or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Kilkenny 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, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is known for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Kilkenny 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. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny
Cannes

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

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Music?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its live music scene. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not a live music destination.


Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its resorts. However, Kilkenny is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect 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.

Kilkenny is not a resort destination.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kilkenny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Kilkenny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

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.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.


Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Kilkenny and Cannes are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

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 Kilkenny or Cannes?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Families?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Cannes is a family-friendly town. 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 Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Couples?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes 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.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Kilkenny or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny
Cannes

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

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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

Kilkenny
Cannes

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

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

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


Is Kilkenny or Cannes a more walkable city?

Kilkenny
Cannes

Kilkenny and Cannes both are very good when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Cannes?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Cannes. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kilkenny, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Kilkenny. 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 Kilkenny 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.


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

One day in Kilkenny or Cannes?

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

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 Kilkenny or Cannes?

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Cannes?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Kilkenny. 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 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Kilkenny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kilkenny is €88, 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 Kilkenny and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kilkenny 44
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kilkenny 88
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Kilkenny and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny


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: Kilkenny Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kilkenny 21
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $295
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $433
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $310
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $181
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $225
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Kilkenny or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Kilkenny 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
    Kilkenny 29
    Cannes 45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kilkenny 15
    Cannes 30

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.81
  • Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Kilkenny city tour in German.: $13
  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour: $13
  • Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views: $16
  • Knight For Hire Tour: $16
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • The Witch Tour: $21
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • Smithwick's Beer Experience: $24

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $58
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $65
  • Half Day Tour in Cannes, Antibes and St Paul de Vence: $65
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kilkenny 12
    Cannes 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kilkenny and Cannes, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes than you might in Kilkenny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kilkenny Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Cannes?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Cannes. The summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In the summer, Kilkenny is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Cannes. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Cannes. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kilkenny is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Kilkenny usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Kilkenny is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Cannes. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Kilkenny

Kilkenny Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)