A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Dover or Annecy?

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 Dover and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dover and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Dover and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Annecy.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Dover or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Dover and Annecy.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Dover or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Annecy are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Annecy is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Dover?

How long in Dover or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Dover or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Dover. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Dover or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Annecy?

Dover 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Annecy?

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

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic destination of Dover. This 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.

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dover as well as Annecy. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 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 Dover this time of the year. In the summer, Dover often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Dover during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Annecy. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Annecy. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Dover