Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cannes?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cannes?
Many visitors spend two to four days in Cannes during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This resort city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the restaurant scene, the live music, the quaint shops, and the beaches.
Cannes is a famous resort town in the French Riviera that is popular with celebrities. It's a glamourous and ritzy destination that hosts the world famous international film festival. The city has many nice beaches, particularly along the Boulevard de la Croisette. This is also where you'll find many luxury hotels.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Cannes? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Cannes?
Many visitors spend three days in Cannes, as this is a good amount of time to see the luxury resort city's major attractions such as the restaurant scene, the live music, and the quaint shops. If you have three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do below.
How to spend 3 days in Cannes
Shopping in Cannes is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.
The culinary scene in Cannes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this resort city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Taste Cannes – A Full French Riviera Food Tour by Do Eat Better ($122)
Cannes is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the resort city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.
Don't miss Boulevard de la Croisette during your trip to Cannes, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Live music is very popular in Cannes, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.
The public transit in Cannes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort city quite easily and affordably. There are buses that travel around the city.
The beautiful beaches await you in Cannes, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half-day cruise / navigation to the Lerins Islands ($151)
- Boat excursion - Cannes Esterel Coves Insight – 1H30 ($64)
- Golfe-Juan: Discover the Art of Sailing on a Scenic Cruise ($45)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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 4 days enough time in Cannes?
Four days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Cannes. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Cannes as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
The Port of Cannes, France
How to spend 4 days in Cannes
With 4 days in Cannes, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the resort city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema ($58)
- Cannes Uncovered in 2 Hours Exclusive Private Guided Walking Tour ($244)
Cannes is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Many people recognize this city because it hosts a film festival of the same name, but it's also a popular year round destination for its beautiful beaches and fun atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boat excursion - Cannes Esterel Coves Insight – 1H30 ($64)
- Cannes Uncovered in 2 Hours Exclusive Private Guided Walking Tour ($244)
Is 5 days enough time in Cannes?
Five days provides ample opportunity in Cannes to enjoy the restaurant scene, the live music, the quaint shops, and the beaches. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Couples enjoy the area for its activities, too.
The Port of Cannes, France
How to spend 5 days in Cannes
If you have more than 5 days in Cannes, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the resort city has to offer.
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. 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.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Cannes, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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