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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Annecy?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Annecy can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Edinburgh and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Annecy is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is well known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

How is Edinburgh different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Annecy is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Annecy is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh has something for everybody. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Annecy have amazing historic old towns worth visiting.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

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.

Edinburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Annecy?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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 Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Annecy are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Annecy Better for Students?

Edinburgh is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Edinburgh is very popular with students. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Edinburgh and Annecy.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Edinburgh or Annecy a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Edinburgh or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Edinburgh due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Annecy. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Edinburgh, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Edinburgh or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Annecy?

Edinburgh 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 small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this alpine town has to offer. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the character-filled destination of Edinburgh. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Annecy?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Annecy. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Edinburgh is much colder than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Edinburgh is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In January, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Edinburgh is much colder than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Edinburgh