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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Rotterdam and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Annecy?

Both Annecy and Rotterdam have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Rotterdam different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Annecy and Rotterdam.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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.

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

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is a great port 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 Rotterdam has something for everybody. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 Rotterdam or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Annecy?

Rotterdam is a great port city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Rotterdam is well-known for its shopping. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Annecy are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Annecy is 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 Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Couples?

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

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Annecy are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

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 Rotterdam or Annecy Better for Students?

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

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam is a great port city 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.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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 Rotterdam or Annecy a more walkable city?

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

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Annecy?

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Annecy?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Rotterdam or Annecy?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. 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 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 Rotterdam or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Annecy?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and 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, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°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 Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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.

Rotterdam is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Annecy. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Annecy in the Spring?

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

In April, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Rotterdam