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

Should you visit Annecy or Girona?

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 Girona 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Annecy and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Girona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Girona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Girona is more popular for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Annecy is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Annecy different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Annecy and Girona are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Girona offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for Hiking?

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

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Girona?

Girona 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.

Girona is well-known for its shopping. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Girona 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Annecy or Girona Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Annecy and Girona both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Annecy or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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.

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Annecy or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Annecy than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

One day in Annecy or Girona?

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 quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

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 Girona. 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.

A week in Annecy or Girona?

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 Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Girona. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Girona. 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 Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Annecy is cooler than Girona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Girona averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Girona during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Girona. The winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Annecy is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Girona. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives less rain than Girona. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Girona and Annecy