A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Annecy for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zermatt or Annecy?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Annecy are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Annecy attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Zermatt is famous for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Annecy is famous for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing. However, Annecy is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Annecy is not a skiing destination.

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

Annecy is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt is a great town 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 Zermatt has something for everybody. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Annecy has a world-famous historical 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is renowned for hiking. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Annecy?

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

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Annecy Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Annecy.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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.

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for Couples?

Both Zermatt and Annecy are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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.

Is Zermatt or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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

Both Zermatt and Annecy offer nice public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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 Zermatt or Annecy a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Annecy?

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. 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.

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Zermatt or Annecy?

Zermatt 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Zermatt or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Zermatt or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Zermatt. This 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Annecy, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Annecy?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Annecy. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In the summer, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Annecy averages at about 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 Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Annecy. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Annecy. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. Zermatt is a little warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Annecy. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zermatt is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Annecy. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Zermatt