A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dijon vs. Lillehammer for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dijon or Lillehammer?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Lillehammer? 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a cultural, laid-back, and culinary city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Dijon and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dijon. Although Dijon and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Dijon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Dijon is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace. Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Dijon different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Dijon is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Dijon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Dijon is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dijon can be an interesting and educational experience. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Dijon or Lillehammer? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Dijon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Dijon and Lillehammer.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Both Dijon and Lillehammer are good shopping destinations.

Dijon is a great destination for shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

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

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Lillehammer are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Dijon and Lillehammer are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Dijon and Lillehammer offer good public transit options.

Dijon has a few public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Lillehammer has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Dijon or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Dijon and Lillehammer both are good when exploring on foot.

Dijon is somewhat walkable. Most of the inner city is walkable.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Dijon Worth Visiting? and Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Dijon or Lillehammer. In our opinion, Lillehammer has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lillehammer than Dijon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lillehammer than Dijon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lillehammer, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Dijon. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this sporty destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary destination of Dijon. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lillehammer. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Lillehammer?

The relaxing city of Dijon offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dijon or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the natural destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dijon and Lillehammer, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Lillehammer?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Dijon and Lillehammer, 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.