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

Should you visit Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny is a great town 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 Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile 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 Kilkenny or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Annecy has a better nightlife scene.

Kilkenny has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Annecy has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Annecy?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Annecy and Kilkenny.

Kilkenny offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Annecy.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

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.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Kilkenny or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Annecy are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny and Annecy.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through 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 Kilkenny or Annecy a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Annecy both are very good when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Kilkenny or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. 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 where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Annecy?

Kilkenny 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Kilkenny. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Annecy?

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

Both Annecy and Kilkenny during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Kilkenny is cooler than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Annecy. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Annecy. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny 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.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In January, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is cooler than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Annecy. Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny