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

Should you visit Cagliari or Lyon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Cagliari. Lyon is bigger than Cagliari, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cagliari is more popular for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Cagliari is well known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches.

How is Cagliari different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cagliari can be an interesting and educational experience. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Lyon.

Cagliari has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Lyon?

Lyon is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Lyon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cagliari is very family-friendly. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

Lyon is known to be 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.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Lyon are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Cagliari or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Lyon a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Lyon are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cagliari. 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 with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Lyon?

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Cagliari. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Lyon?

The historic city of Cagliari 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.

Lyon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Lyon. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cagliari is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cagliari in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Lyon. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Cagliari is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Lyon. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Lyon. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Cagliari