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

Should you visit Riga or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Riga 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.

Riga

Riga is a unique, historical, and vibrant 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 luxury, lavish, and glitzy 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.

Riga and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Riga. While Riga is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Riga is known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Riga 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. Riga is popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for nightlife.

Riga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

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.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Riga 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.

Riga is not a live music destination.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Riga 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.

Riga is not a resort destination.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Riga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is notable for the beache. However, Riga is not a beach destination.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Riga is not a beach destination.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Riga and Cannes.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 Riga or Cannes?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Riga. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Cannes.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Riga or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

Is Riga or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

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 Riga or Cannes Better for Students?

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

Riga is very popular with students. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Riga 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.

Riga offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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

Is Riga or Cannes a more walkable city?

Riga and Cannes both are great when exploring on foot.

Riga is a very walkable city. The city is small enough that 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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Riga?

How long in Riga or Cannes?

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

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

One day in Riga or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Riga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Cannes. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Riga or Cannes?

Riga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cannes is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Riga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lavish destination of Cannes. This resort city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Riga. 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.

The opulent resort city of Cannes offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 Riga and Cannes, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Riga.

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

Which is Bigger, Riga or Cannes?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Riga is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Riga in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Cannes. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Riga or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Riga is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 7°C (45°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Riga or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Cannes. Many visitors come to Riga in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Riga can get quite cold in the winter. Riga is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Riga averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Cannes. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Riga or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Riga is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Riga in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Riga usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Riga