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

Should you visit Connemara or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Connemara 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Connemara and Lyon are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Connemara is known for its beaches and hiking. Lyon is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Connemara different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Lyon is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an amazing region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lyon. 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Connemara and Lyon make for a very good place to visit.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for students. However, Connemara is not popular with 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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is terrific for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Connemara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Connemara or Lyon?

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

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 Connemara or Lyon?

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Connemara. This region 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.

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 Connemara or Lyon?

The remote region of Connemara offers food and museums. 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.

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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara 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 Connemara or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Connemara is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 16°C (60°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Connemara usually receives less rain than Lyon. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Connemara or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Connemara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Connemara is cooler than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Connemara gets 96 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 Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in October than Lyon. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Lyon. Most visitors come to Connemara for the museums 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. In the winter, Connemara is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Connemara in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Connemara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during winter. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Connemara usually receives more rain than Lyon. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Connemara or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Lyon. The spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In April, Connemara is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Connemara