A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Aberdeen or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Annecy? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Aberdeen and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Annecy are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Annecy attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Aberdeen is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Annecy are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Both Aberdeen and Annecy are nice shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Annecy.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Students?

Aberdeen is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Annecy offer nice public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Aberdeen or Annecy a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Annecy both are great when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Annecy is a very walkable city. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Aberdeen or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Aberdeen 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 Annecy.

One day in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. 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.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Aberdeen 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.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Annecy?

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

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Aberdeen. 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Aberdeen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Annecy?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Annecy, 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 Aberdeen or Annecy?

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 Aberdeen or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Annecy. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Annecy. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Aberdeen is cooler than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Annecy. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aberdeen is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Annecy. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Aberdeen