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

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

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic 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.

Dover and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Dover 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, and quaint atmosphere, while Dover is known for its hiking. Lyon is more touristy than Dover 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. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for Hiking?

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

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for Couples?

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

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Dover or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Dover?

How long in Dover or Lyon?

In either Dover or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dover or Lyon?

Dover is a fun place to experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Dover or Lyon?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Dover. This town 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Lyon?

The iconic town of Dover 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Lyon in the Summer?

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

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), 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 Dover. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Lyon. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Lyon in the Autumn?

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

Dover is cooler than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Lyon. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums 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. Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Lyon. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Lyon in the Spring?

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

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Dover