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

Should you visit Annecy or Ravenna?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Ravenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Annecy different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is a great town 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 Ravenna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Ravenna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Ravenna both offer plenty of notable 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Ravenna.

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.

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Annecy or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Ravenna 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Annecy and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna has a few public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Annecy or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Annecy and Ravenna are high quality 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Ravenna?

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

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

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 small town destination of Ravenna. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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 historic small town of Ravenna. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Ravenna. 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 Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Annecy is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Annecy usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Ravenna. 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 Ravenna because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Annecy is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Annecy in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Annecy usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Ravenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ravenna in the winter. The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Annecy is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 4°C (39°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Annecy usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Annecy during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm.

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

Annecy usually gets more rain in April than Ravenna. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Annecy