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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Zurich and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Zurich. While Zurich 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, and beaches, while Zurich is known for its museums and historical sights. Cannes is more touristy than Zurich 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. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Zurich different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Cannes are high quality when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its music scene.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for the beache. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich or Cannes?

Both Zurich and Cannes are first-rate shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Families?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Cannes Better for Couples?

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

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.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Is Zurich or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zurich is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Cannes Better for Students?

Zurich is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Cannes a more walkable city?

Zurich and Cannes both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

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

One day in Zurich or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. 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.

A weekend in Zurich or Cannes?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 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.

Five days in Zurich or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Zurich or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the opulent destination of Cannes. This resort 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Zurich and Cannes, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Cannes?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Cannes. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Cannes. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Cannes. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Cannes. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Cannes. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Zurich