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

Should you visit Alicante or Lyon?

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 Alicante and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Alicante. Lyon is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante is more popular for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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

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

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

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Lyon?

Lyon is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Lyon.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. 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 Alicante or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Lyon are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Lyon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lyon is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Lyon Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Lyon?

In either Alicante or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Alicante because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alicante. 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 Alicante or Lyon?

Alicante 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.

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 Alicante or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Alicante. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Alicante or Lyon?

The cultural city of Alicante 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.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Lyon. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Lyon. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Alicante 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 Alicante or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Alicante is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Lyon. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alicante is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Alicante