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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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.

Rotterdam and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Rotterdam. While Rotterdam is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Rotterdam 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. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Rotterdam for the nightlife scene. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Rotterdam is not a resort destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is great for the beach. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is great for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Cannes?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Cannes is a family-friendly port 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 Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rotterdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to 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 Rotterdam or Cannes Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Rotterdam or Cannes a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Cannes are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Cannes?

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Cannes?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort city of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Cannes?

Rotterdam 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.

You'll find live music and food around the lavish destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the opulent resort city of Cannes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cannes is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Rotterdam and Cannes, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Cannes?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Rotterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Cannes. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Rotterdam is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Cannes. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Cannes in the Spring?

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

Rotterdam is much colder than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Typical Weather for Cannes and Rotterdam