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

Should you visit Annecy or Rome?

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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome. Although Annecy and Rome are both popular with visitors, Rome has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rome is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is known for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Rome is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum.

The Colosseum

How is Annecy different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are world-renowned. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Annecy and Rome.

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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is renowned for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Rome?

Rome is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Families?

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

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.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome 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.

Rome is a great alpine town if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. 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.

Is Annecy or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Rome?

Both Annecy and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Annecy. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Annecy 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 Rome.

One day in Annecy or Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Rome?

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.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Rome, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In the summer, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Rome. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Rome. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Annecy during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Annecy is much colder than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Rome. The spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives more rain than Rome. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Annecy