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

Should you visit Annecy or Budapest?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Annecy different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Annecy or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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 Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is Annecy or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Budapest?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Annecy or Budapest Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Annecy 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Annecy or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is renowned 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.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Budapest?

In either Annecy or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Annecy because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

One day in Annecy or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic big city of Budapest. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Budapest?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Annecy or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives more rain than Budapest. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Annecy during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Annecy is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Budapest. Many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. In January, Annecy is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Annecy usually receives more rain than Budapest. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Annecy often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Annecy