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

Should you visit Annecy or Zaragoza?

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

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a authentic, cultural, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Zaragoza?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Zaragoza are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Zaragoza is known for its museums and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Annecy different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for Hiking?

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

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Zaragoza is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Annecy is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly alpine town. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for couples. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Annecy or Zaragoza Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Zaragoza is a great city 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.

Zaragoza has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams 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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Annecy and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Annecy and Zaragoza. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Annecy than in Zaragoza. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-3 days is enough time in Zaragoza.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza.

One day in Annecy or Zaragoza?

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Zaragoza?

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Zaragoza?

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Zaragoza. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Zaragoza?

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

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is cooler than Zaragoza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Zaragoza in the Winter?

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

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Annecy is much colder than Zaragoza in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Zaragoza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Annecy