A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oxford or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Annecy, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Oxford and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Annecy is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford is a great college 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 Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great college 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 Oxford has something for everybody. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Annecy?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Annecy.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Annecy offers some nice shopping areas. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Annecy Better for Students?

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Annecy.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Annecy a more walkable city?

Oxford and Annecy are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Annecy?

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

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

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the small town destination of Annecy. 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.

A weekend in Oxford or Annecy?

Oxford 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Oxford or Annecy?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Annecy. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Annecy?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Annecy. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°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. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Annecy. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Annecy. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. Oxford is around the same temperature as Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Oxford 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 Oxford or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Oxford