Heading to Cannes? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 1–2 days
- Best for: Movie buffs, sun seekers, solo foodies, people-watchers
- Why visit: Glamour, golden beaches, and cinematic solo strolls await you here!
CANNES AT A GLANCE
- Population/Size: 74,000; compact, walkable French Riviera gem
- Historic/Cultural Note: Cannes transforms during the annual Film Festival; from medieval fishing village to A-list hotspot
- Famous for: Film Festival, La Croisette promenade, luxury shopping, yacht-filled harbor
- Nickname: The Festival City
- Solo Traveler Vibe: Safe, glamorous, easy to navigate solo; lots going on for introverts and extroverts alike
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)
- 🗣 Language: French (tourism staff speak English)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: April–October; May for Film Festival buzz, July/August for fireworks & beaches
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Local bus from Nice Airport (€1.50, 60+ min, Terminal 1 only)
- Easiest: Airport Express Coach (No. 210, €22 single/€33 return, every 30 min)
- Others: Taxi (€75–€100), TGV train from Nice, or tram link
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe, but beware pickpockets, especially during big events
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: May (Film Festival!), July-August (Fireworks), June (Creativity Festival)
- 🎦 What to watch: “To Catch a Thief” or “The Transporter” (for that Riviera vibe)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Banana’s Camp. Super central, clean, and comfy with AC — great for solo travelers who want easy beach access. The kitchen’s big, staff are friendly, but social vibes depend on you. One of the most in-demand hostels in Cannes, so book ahead! 🌴
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: Le Suquet – charming, historic, foodie central, 10 min walk to beach & port
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Around Cannes train station – affordable, handy for transit, diverse eats
- 💸 Budget option: Stay in a private room or dorm at the Old Town/Le Suquet or try an Airbnb by Rue d’Antibes
- Tip: Book early (especially May) and look for lockers/luggage storage at your hostel/hotel
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Extremely walkable—most sights within 15 min stroll
- 🚌 Bus: STU de Cannes/Bus Azur, €1.00 single, 1-hour validity, multi-trip card €10 (10 rides)
- 🚋 Tram/Metro: None, but local and regional buses cover everywhere you’ll want to go
- 🚖 Taxi: Pricey; call +33 890 712 227 or use G7 app
- 🚲 Bike rentals: Yelo bikes (self-service); try La Croisette or La Bocca coastal ride
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: Walk the iconic red carpet, snap star handprints, soak in the glitz
- 🌿 Îles de Lérins: Hop a ferry to Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat for pristine, uncrowded beaches; perfect solo day trip
- 🧠 Musée de la Castre: Hilltop museum in Le Suquet with epic city/panorama views for €6
- 🧭 Le Suquet walking route: Lose yourself in winding old-town alleys, postcard-perfect pastels, and local cafés
- 🎨 La Croisette sunrise: Grab a coffee, stroll the early-morning promenade without the crowds—pure Riviera magic
- 🔀 Wildcard: Cannes Cinema Tour—a free, self-guided walk past sites from classic movies
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Casino Barrière: Overpriced and underwhelming unless you’re a serious gambler
- ❌ Overcrowded Private Beaches: Not worth the price tag; try free beaches like Plage du Midi instead
- ❌ Rue Meynadier chain stores: More ‘meh’ than memorable
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Le Cirque—buzzy bistro, sit at the bar, chat with locals, great lunch menus
- 🥃 Pub/bar with character: Brown Sugar—kooky, friendly, excellent for solo sips; or Morrison’s for lively Irish vibes
- 🍽️ Try these locals: Socca, pissaladière, ratatouille—go to Marché Forville food stands for a cheap intro!
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Marché Forville—fresh market snacks, baguettes, and socca for under €10
- 🥦 Veg/vegan: La Table du Chef and Table 22 both offer veg-friendly options in set menus
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: La Belle Epoque—cozy, classy cocktails, ideal solo bar spot
BEST OF CANNES IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Coffee and croissant stroll along La Croisette
- Morning: Old town wander up Le Suquet, Musée de la Castre for stunning views
- Lunch: Feast at Marché Forville—sample socca or grab a picnic fixings for later
- Afternoon: Chill or swim at Plage du Midi (public beach) or catch a ferry to Îles de Lérins
- Evening: Aperitif and people-watching on Le Suquet terrace
- Dinner: Classic French meal on Rue Félix Faure (try a formule)
- Night: Bar hop along La Croisette or try Brown Sugar/Morrison’s for solo-friendly fun
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Cannes Film Festival week is a people-watching feast—star-spot, open-air parties, buzzing late nights (book early!)
- 📍 Hidden gem: Allées de la Liberté—find the open-air flower/antiques market; perfect for slow solo browsing
- 📷 Photo spots: Sunset from Le Suquet or panoramic snaps at Musée de la Castre; sunrise on La Croisette
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Greet shopkeepers with a “Bonjour!” and try French basics—locals appreciate the effort
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Watch for pickpockets in festival crowds, but relax: overall very safe
- 👀 One last thing: Watch a film under the stars if in town for the festival—Cannes’ true solo magic moment!
Explore More Solo Guides
✈️ Want to Save $237 on Your Next Solo Trip?
Learn the 100+ travel hacks I’ve learned from 15+ years of solo travel.
👉 Get the $7 Guide (Limited Time Discount)