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

Should you visit Annecy or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Annecy is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Annecy different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao 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 Bilbao?

Bilbao 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 Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eat your way through Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Annecy or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Bilbao has something for everybody. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Annecy or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Annecy is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Annecy. 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.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao Better for Families?

Annecy is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. 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.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Annecy or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bilbao is a good alpine town for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Annecy or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Bilbao are notable places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Annecy or Bilbao Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao has some very good public transit options. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao a more walkable city?

Annecy is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable alpine town. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Annecy and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Annecy than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Bilbao. 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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

One day in Annecy or Bilbao?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao 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 Annecy or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. 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 Annecy or Bilbao?

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Bilbao, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Bilbao. Many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In the summer, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Annecy is cooler than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Annecy during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Annecy is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Bilbao. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Bilbao. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Annecy usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Annecy usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Annecy