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

Should you visit Salzburg or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a cultural, recognizable, and historic city. Many visitors also come to Salzburg because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Salzburg travel costs.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty in Annecy as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Annecy travel costs.

Salzburg and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salzburg. Although Salzburg and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Salzburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Salzburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Annecy is known for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also home to The Salzburg Old Town. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg is a great city 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 Salzburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Annecy are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg or Annecy Better for Music?

Salzburg is renowned for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Salzburg. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg and Annecy both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

Salzburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

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.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Annecy?

Salzburg is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Salzburg draws large crowds to its stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Annecy More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Salzburg and Annecy.

You'll find world class beauty in Salzburg as well. This stunning city is known for its beautiful churches and hillside views.

Annecy is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. A mix of natural beauty and small town charm make this a scenic and beautiful destination.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for Families?

Salzburg and Annecy are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for Couples?

Salzburg and Annecy are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Annecy is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Is Salzburg or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Annecy Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Salzburg is a great 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.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg or Annecy a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Annecy both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Salzburg or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Salzburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Annecy. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg 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 Salzburg.

One day in Salzburg or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Salzburg or Annecy?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. 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 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 Salzburg or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Salzburg or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the recognizable destination of Salzburg. This city 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 Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Annecy?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the music scene 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.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Annecy. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, 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.

Salzburg is cooler than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Annecy. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Salzburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Salzburg 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 Salzburg in the winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Annecy. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

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

In April, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Annecy. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Salzburg