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

Should you visit Vienna or Annecy?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

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

Vienna and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vienna than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vienna is better known for its museums, music, and shopping, while Annecy is more popular for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Vienna is well known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Annecy is well known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna 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.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Vienna or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Annecy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Annecy has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Vienna or Annecy Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. 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 Vienna or Annecy Better for Hiking?

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

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Annecy?

Vienna 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, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Annecy Better for Couples?

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

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Annecy are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Annecy is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Vienna or Annecy Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is renowned 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.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Annecy a more walkable city?

Vienna is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Annecy?

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Vienna or Annecy?

Vienna 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 Vienna or Annecy?

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

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 Vienna or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the artistic destination of Vienna. 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 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 Vienna and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Annecy?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Annecy. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene 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.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°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 Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Annecy. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, 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 the autumn, Vienna is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Vienna 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 Vienna or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna in the winter. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Annecy. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Annecy in the Spring?

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

Vienna is around the same temperature as Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Vienna gets 51 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 Vienna