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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Outer Hebrides and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Annecy is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Annecy is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is renowned for hiking. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Annecy is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Annecy are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Outer Hebrides or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Annecy has some 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 generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. 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.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Outer Hebrides and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Annecy. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for 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. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Annecy. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Outer Hebrides