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

Should you visit Bucharest or Lyon?

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 Bucharest and Lyon. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered 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 beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Lyon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lyon than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Lyon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Lyon?

Lyon is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Lyon?

Bucharest 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.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bucharest. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Lyon?

The charming city of Bucharest 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.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Lyon?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Lyon. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Lyon. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Bucharest