A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Imperia for Food, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Annecy or Imperia?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Imperia?

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

How is Annecy different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Imperia.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Annecy and Imperia.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for Hiking?

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Imperia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Imperia both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Many visitors go to Imperia to go shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for Families?

Annecy is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly alpine town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for Couples?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Annecy or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Imperia are good 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 Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Annecy and Imperia both offer good 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.

Imperia has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Annecy or Imperia a more walkable city?

Annecy is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Annecy or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Annecy than Imperia 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 Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Imperia?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Imperia because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Imperia, 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 Imperia. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Imperia. The autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In October, Annecy is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Imperia. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Imperia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. Annecy is much colder than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Imperia. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Annecy