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

Should you visit Bruges or Annecy?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bruges and Annecy. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Bruges and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Bruges and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, hiking, and small town charm, while Bruges is known for its museums and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle.

How is Bruges different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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 Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Bruges or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Bruges and Annecy.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

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 Bruges or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Bruges and Annecy.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around 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.

Is Bruges or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Annecy?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bruges and Annecy both offer plenty of good spots.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Annecy is a great destination for shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Bruges or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Annecy. 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Bruges or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for couples. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Bruges or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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

Bruges and Annecy both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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 Bruges or Annecy a more walkable city?

Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Bruges 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 Bruges, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

One day in Bruges or Annecy?

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

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.

A weekend in Bruges or Annecy?

Bruges 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 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.

Five days in Bruges or Annecy?

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

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.

A week in Bruges or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Annecy?

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

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 Bruges or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Annecy. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

Bruges is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Annecy. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Annecy. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. Bruges can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bruges is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives more rain than Annecy. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Annecy. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In April, Bruges is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Bruges