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

Should you visit Annecy or Oslo?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Oslo?

Both Oslo and Annecy have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Oslo attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Annecy is more touristy than Oslo and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Oslo is famous for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Annecy different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oslo 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 Oslo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Hiking?

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

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Oslo?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Annecy is a great destination for shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is one of the most popular family destinations. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Oslo are nice 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 Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Annecy or Oslo Better for Students?

Oslo is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Oslo is very popular with students. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Oslo 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.

Oslo has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo a more walkable city?

Annecy and Oslo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Oslo is a very walkable destination. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Oslo?

In either Annecy or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than Annecy because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

Families should spend more time in Oslo than Annecy. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oslo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo?

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Oslo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Oslo?

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oslo 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 Oslo?

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This alpine town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Oslo?

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled big city of Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Annecy is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 22°C (71°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Oslo. Many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Annecy is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Annecy usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Oslo. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Oslo. Many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can be very cold during winter. Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Annecy is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Annecy in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.

In April, Annecy is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 11°C (53°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives more rain than Oslo. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Annecy