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

Should you visit Dresden or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Dresden 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.

Dresden

Dresden is a friendly, architectural, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dresden. Although Dresden and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Dresden has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dresden is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Annecy is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Dresden and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Dresden is popular for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Dresden different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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 Dresden or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Dresden has something for everybody. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

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 Dresden or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Is Dresden or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Annecy?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Annecy and Dresden.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go shopping. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Dresden or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options 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.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Dresden or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Dresden or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Annecy are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Annecy.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Dresden or Annecy a more walkable city?

Dresden and Annecy both are great when exploring on foot.

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Annecy?

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

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Dresden. 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 Dresden. 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. 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 with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Dresden or Annecy?

Dresden 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Dresden or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Dresden or Annecy?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Annecy?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Dresden during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dresden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dresden is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

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

Should I visit Dresden or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dresden and Annecy. Many travelers come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

Dresden is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Dresden usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dresden or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Dresden 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. Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in January than Annecy. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Dresden is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Dresden usually receives less rain than Annecy. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Dresden