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

Should you visit Windsor or Annecy?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Windsor and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor is a great town 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 Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Annecy.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Annecy?

Annecy is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Annecy offers some nice shopping areas. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Annecy.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Windsor or Annecy a more walkable city?

Windsor and Annecy both are great when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Annecy?

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

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Annecy?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Annecy, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Annecy?

Windsor 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.

In Annecy, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Annecy?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Annecy. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Windsor is cooler than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Annecy. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Windsor is cooler than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Annecy. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Windsor is cooler than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Annecy. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Windsor