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

Should you visit Almeria 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 Almeria 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.

Almeria

Almeria is a breathtaking, pristine, and cultural region. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Almeria and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Almeria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Almeria is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Almeria is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Almeria different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Almeria and Lyon offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Lyon know how to have a good time. 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 Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Almeria offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Almeria is an amazing region to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Almeria are among the best in the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Almeria is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Almeria is a popular spot for hiking. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Lyon?

Lyon is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lyon. 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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Almeria and Lyon are great family-friendly destinations.

Almeria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Almeria or Lyon Better for Couples?

Almeria and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Lyon is a great region 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 Almeria or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria and Lyon are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Almeria or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for students. However, Almeria is not popular with students.

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.

Almeria is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

While Almeria offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Almeria or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Lyon?

In either Almeria or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Almeria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Almeria. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Almeria or Lyon?

Almeria is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Almeria or Lyon?

You'll find food and nightlife around the historic destination of Almeria. This region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Almeria or Lyon?

The pristine region of Almeria offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Almeria and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Lyon?

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

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

In July, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 26°C (78°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Almeria usually receives less rain than Lyon. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Almeria or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Almeria for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area 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.

Almeria is a little warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. In the autumn, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Almeria because of 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. In the winter, Almeria is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Almeria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Almeria usually receives less rain than Lyon. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Almeria or Lyon in the Spring?

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

In April, Almeria is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 16°C (61°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the spring, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Almeria