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

Should you visit Annecy or Barcelona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Annecy and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Annecy and Barcelona are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is famous for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Barcelona is famous for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia.

How is Annecy different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Annecy or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is renowned for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. 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 are many historical things to see in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Barcelona?

Barcelona is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly alpine town. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Annecy or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Barcelona has some very good public transit options. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Annecy has a few 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 Annecy or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Annecy is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable alpine town. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Barcelona?

Both Annecy and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Annecy. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

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

One day in Annecy or Barcelona?

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Annecy or Barcelona?

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this alpine town has to offer. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Barcelona?

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Annecy or Barcelona?

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Barcelona, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Barcelona, 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 Annecy or Barcelona?

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 Annecy or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 22°C (71°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Barcelona. 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. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Annecy is cooler than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Annecy is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Annecy in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In April, Annecy is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 11°C (53°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Annecy