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

Should you visit Annecy or Pompeii?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Annecy and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Annecy different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Annecy. 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Pompeii?

Annecy is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Pompeii.

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.

Pompeii is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Annecy or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Annecy and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii has a few public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Annecy or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Pompeii?

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

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

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 when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Five days in Annecy or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii?

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 museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Annecy or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the summer, Annecy is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Pompeii. 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.

In October, Annecy is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Annecy usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. Annecy is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Annecy usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Annecy during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Annecy