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

Should you visit Bristol or Lyon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Lyon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse 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, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Bristol and Lyon are roughly the same size, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Bristol and 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. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Bristol different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Bristol and Lyon.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Bristol or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Lyon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Lyon both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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.

Is Bristol or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Lyon is a very popular city 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

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

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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Lyon a more walkable city?

Bristol and Lyon are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Lyon?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Lyon?

The friendly city of Bristol offers nightlife and food. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Bristol and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Lyon. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Lyon. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Lyon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Bristol is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bristol is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Lyon. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Bristol