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

Should you visit York or Cannes?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

York 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in York or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than York. While York is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Cannes is more touristy than York and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Cannes

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

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


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

York
Cannes

Foodies will find both York and Cannes both to be world-class destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

York
Cannes

Both York and Cannes are great when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Cannes Better for Music?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

York is not a live music destination.


Is York or Cannes Better for Resorts?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, York 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.

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York 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.

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Cannes Better for Beaches?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York 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.

York is not a beach destination.


Is York or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

York
Cannes

York is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Cannes?

York
Cannes

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

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Cannes Better for Families?

York
Cannes

York is an amazing city to visit 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.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Cannes Better for Couples?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Cannes

York is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around 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 York or Cannes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

York
Cannes

Both York and Cannes offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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


Is York or Cannes a more walkable city?

York
Cannes

Cannes is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or York?

How long in York or Cannes?

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

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

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


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

One day in York or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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 York or Cannes?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 York or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, 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 glitzy 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 York or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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 luxury 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Cannes is £117. 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 York and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Cannes £64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Cannes £128
Compare Hotels in York and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in York 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 York


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: York Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Cannes £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $78
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Cannes Hotels to Nice Intl Airport NCE Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and York 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
    York £32
    Cannes £39
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Cannes £26

Tours and Activities in York

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

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

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
    York £13
    Cannes £15
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

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


Which is Bigger, York or Cannes?

York has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Cannes in the Summer?

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

In July, York is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, York usually receives more rain than Cannes. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit York or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

York is much colder than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit York or Cannes in the Winter?

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

York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, York usually receives less rain than Cannes. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit York or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Cannes. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

York usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and York

York Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)