A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Annecy or Venice?

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 Venice 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Annecy and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Annecy and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Annecy is known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica.

How is Annecy different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Annecy or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Annecy or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Annecy and Venice are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is Annecy or Venice Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Venice?

Venice 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, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

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

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.

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Annecy or Venice Better for Couples?

Both Annecy and Venice are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Is Annecy or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Venice?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Annecy. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Annecy or Venice?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Venice?

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

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Annecy much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Annecy would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Annecy 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Annecy.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the summer, Annecy is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Annecy during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Venice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Venice. Many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. Annecy is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Venice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Annecy is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Venice. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in April than Venice. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Annecy