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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a energetic, lively, and charming town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

Heidelberg and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Heidelberg and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Annecy is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Annecy is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

Is Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great town 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 Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

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

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Annecy has a world-famous historical area. 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 Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great alpine town for hiking. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Annecy?

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

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

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 Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a great alpine town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg or Annecy Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is a great town 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.

Heidelberg has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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 Heidelberg or Annecy a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Annecy are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Annecy?

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

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

One day in Heidelberg or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Annecy?

Heidelberg 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.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this alpine town.

Five days in Heidelberg or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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, a popular alpine town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the character-filled destination of Heidelberg. This town 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Annecy?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°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 Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Annecy. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Annecy in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Annecy. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Annecy in the Spring?

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

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Heidelberg