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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Annecy? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a great 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 Thessaloniki has something for everybody. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is adequate for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

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

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Annecy Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Annecy.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Annecy. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. 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 travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

Thessaloniki 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 fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. 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 you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. This 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 place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Annecy?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Annecy. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Thessaloniki