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

Should you visit Bern or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bern or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming 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

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Bern and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Bern. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Annecy?

Bern 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 Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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 Bern or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Annecy are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

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.

Is Bern or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Is Bern or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Annecy?

Bern 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.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern or Annecy Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Annecy.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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.

Is Bern or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bern or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern 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 Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern 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.

Bern has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern or Annecy a more walkable city?

Bern and Annecy both are great when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Annecy is a very walkable city. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Bern?

How long in Bern or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Bern or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

One day in Bern or Annecy?

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

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.

A weekend in Bern or Annecy?

Bern 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.

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.

Five days in Bern or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. 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.

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.

A week in Bern or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bern. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Annecy, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bern or Annecy?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Annecy, 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 Bern or Annecy?

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 Bern or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Annecy. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Annecy. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

In October, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Annecy. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Bern is cooler than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Annecy. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Annecy. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Bern