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

Should you visit Antalya or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya than Lyon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antalya is more popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Lyon is known for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Antalya different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Lyon.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Music?

Antalya is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Antalya active and fun. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Antalya is an amazing vacation spot to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Antalya offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Antalya has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Antalya is an amazing vacation spot to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Antalya are among the best in the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Hiking?

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

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Lyon?

Antalya is an amazing vacation spot to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antalya make it a world-class shopping destination. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Lyon.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Lyon make for a very good place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Lyon are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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.

Is Antalya or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Antalya or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Lyon?

In either Antalya or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Antalya 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 Antalya or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Antalya or Lyon?

Antalya 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 Antalya or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the high energy destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Antalya or Lyon?

The high energy vacation spot of Antalya offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Lyon?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Lyon?

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 Antalya or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Antalya is much warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Lyon. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya 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. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Lyon. The spring months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Lyon. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Antalya