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

Should you visit Mainz 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 Mainz 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Mainz and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
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 Mainz or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mainz is more popular for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Mainz and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Mainz different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mainz
Cannes

Mainz 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 Mainz. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Music?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for live music. However, Mainz is not a live music destination.

Cannes is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Mainz is not a live music destination.


Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a resort destination.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is a resort city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a beach destination.


Is Mainz or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Cannes

Both Mainz and Cannes have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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 Mainz or Cannes?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Cannes. 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.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Families?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is a resort city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort 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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.


Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Couples?

Mainz
Cannes

Cannes is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Is Mainz or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Cannes

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

Mainz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

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 Mainz or Cannes Better for Students?

Mainz
Cannes

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

Mainz is very popular with students. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Cannes is not popular with students.


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

Mainz
Cannes

Mainz 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.

Mainz offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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

Is Mainz or Cannes a more walkable city?

Mainz
Cannes

Mainz is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

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 Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Cannes?

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

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


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

One day in Mainz or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Mainz or Cannes?

Mainz 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 Mainz or Cannes?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mainz. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz 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 Mainz and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Mainz 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 Mainz


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    Cannes 45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Cannes 30

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

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
    Mainz 22
    Cannes 18

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 Mainz and Cannes, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Cannes?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to Mainz 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 July, Mainz is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 19°C (66°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz 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.

Mainz is much colder than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Cannes. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Mainz or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz 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 Mainz can be very cold. In the winter, Mainz is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mainz in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Cannes in the Spring?

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

In April, Mainz is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Cannes. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Mainz

Mainz Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)