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

Should you visit Bonn or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Lyon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Lyon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Lyon both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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.

Is Bonn or Lyon Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Lyon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Bonn or Lyon a more walkable city?

Bonn and Lyon are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Lyon?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lyon than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Lyon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Lyon?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Bonn or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bonn or Lyon?

The lively city of Bonn offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The authentic city of Lyon offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Lyon, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Lyon. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Lyon. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Bonn 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. Bonn can be very cold during winter. Bonn is cooler than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Lyon. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Bonn