A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Andrews and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews is more popular for its beaches and shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Saint Andrews different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Annecy.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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 Saint Andrews or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Both Saint Andrews and Annecy are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

Saint Andrews is a great university town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is a very kid-friendly alpine town. 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.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly university town. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for couples.

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.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Annecy offer notable public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

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

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Annecy?

Saint Andrews 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 shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Annecy. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

Saint Andrews 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint small town of Annecy. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Annecy?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful alpine town of Annecy. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours 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 Saint Andrews and Annecy, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Annecy much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Annecy would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Annecy 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Annecy.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Annecy?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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 the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Annecy. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, 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.

Saint Andrews is much colder than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Annecy. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Saint Andrews