A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beaune vs. Lillehammer for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Beaune or Lillehammer?

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 Beaune and Lillehammer. 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Beaune and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Both Lillehammer and Beaune have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Beaune is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Beaune is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Beaune different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Beaune is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Beaune is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Beaune is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Beaune can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Beaune or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beaune is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beaune or Lillehammer has a better nightlife scene.

Beaune has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Beaune is revered around the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lillehammer and Beaune.

Beaune offers some nice shopping areas. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Families?

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

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Beaune is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Beaune has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Lillehammer is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Lillehammer is a good destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

Lillehammer is popular with students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Beaune is not popular with students.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beaune and Lillehammer.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Beaune or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaune Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Beaune or Lillehammer. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lillehammer than Beaune 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 Lillehammer.

One day in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vineyard-filled town of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Beaune. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Beaune or Lillehammer?

The vineyard-filled town of Beaune offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Beaune or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lillehammer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaune and Lillehammer, we can see that Beaune is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune than you might in Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Lillehammer?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Beaune and Lillehammer, 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.