A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Lyon for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Belfast or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Lyon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable 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 and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful 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.

Belfast and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Belfast 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. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Lyon Better for Students?

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

Lyon is a great destination 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Lyon?

Belfast 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.

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 Belfast or Lyon?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Belfast or Lyon?

The affordable city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Lyon, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Lyon.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Lyon. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Lyon. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Lyon. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Belfast is around the same temperature as Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Lyon. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Belfast