A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Glencoe for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Annecy or Glencoe?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Annecy and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Annecy different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Annecy has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic 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.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Annecy and Glencoe.

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.

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Glencoe?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Glencoe.

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.

Glencoe is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Glencoe is a great alpine town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Annecy or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Annecy is a good alpine town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

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

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Annecy or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Annecy is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable alpine town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Annecy and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Annecy than in Glencoe. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Glencoe. 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 Glencoe. 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 Annecy than Glencoe 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 Annecy or Glencoe?

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Glencoe?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Annecy or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural destination of Glencoe. This village 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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