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

Should you visit Catania 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 Catania and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Catania. Lyon is bigger than Catania, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Catania is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Catania different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Both Catania and Lyon offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Catania and Lyon.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Lyon has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Catania or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Lyon?

Lyon is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for Families?

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

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Lyon are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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.

Is Catania or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

Lyon is very popular for its public transit. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Is Catania or Lyon a more walkable city?

Catania and Lyon both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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 Catania Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Catania?

How long in Catania or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Catania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Catania or Lyon?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Catania or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Catania. This port city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Catania or Lyon?

The fun port city of Catania offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Catania 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 Catania Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Lyon?

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

Both Lyon and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Lyon. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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, Catania is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Lyon. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Lyon. Many visitors come to Catania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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, Catania is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Lyon. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Catania is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Catania