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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lyon? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Aberdeen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Aberdeen 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. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities.

How is Aberdeen different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Lyon.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Lyon. 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.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Lyon a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Lyon both are very good when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Lyon?

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

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Lyon?

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Lyon?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Lyon?

The authentic city of Aberdeen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Lyon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Aberdeen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lyon. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Lyon. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen is cooler than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Lyon. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Lyon. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, Aberdeen is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Aberdeen