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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Lucerne and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes than Lucerne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lucerne attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Lucerne 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. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips.

How is Lucerne different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Lucerne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Lucerne and Cannes.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Cannes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Lucerne or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for its music scene. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a live music destination.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a resort destination.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Lucerne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is great for the beach. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

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 Lucerne or Cannes?

Cannes is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Lucerne or Cannes Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Cannes are nice family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

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 Lucerne or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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

Lucerne and Cannes both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

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

Is Lucerne or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Cannes?

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

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

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

In Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Cannes?

Lucerne 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.

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cannes has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Lucerne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Cannes, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Cannes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cannes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cannes 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Cannes.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Cannes. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Lucerne is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Cannes. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Cannes in the Spring?

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

Lucerne is cooler than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Cannes. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Lucerne