A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Lyon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aalborg or Lyon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Lyon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a charming, local, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aalborg or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Aalborg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aalborg attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lyon is more touristy than Aalborg and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Aalborg is famous for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Aalborg different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Lyon?

Lyon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Lyon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Aalborg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aalborg or Lyon has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aalborg know how to have a good time. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in the world. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Lyon?

Lyon is a great destination for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Aalborg or Lyon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.

Is Aalborg or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Lyon?

In either Aalborg or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Aalborg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Aalborg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lyon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Aalborg 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 Lyon.

One day in Aalborg or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aalborg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Lyon?

Aalborg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aalborg. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Lyon?

The historic town of Aalborg offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Lyon, 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 Aalborg or Lyon?

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 Aalborg or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Lyon. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Aalborg is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

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

Should I visit Aalborg or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aalborg is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. The weather in Aalborg can be very cold. Aalborg is much colder than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Lyon. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aalborg or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Aalborg during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aalborg is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

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

Typical Weather for Lyon and Aalborg