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

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Should you visit Dublin or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Lyon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

How is Dublin different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Head to Lyon if you're looking for good museums or notable landmarks, as it has more to offer than Dublin.

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.

Dublin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.


Is Dublin or Lyon better for Food?

Lyon has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Dublin.

Known for it's food 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.

Visitors will find a budding food scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dublin or Lyon has a better nightlife scene.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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.

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Shopping?

Shopping in a popular activity in both Lyon and Dublin.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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.

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Families?

Dublin and Lyon are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Dublin or Lyon better for Couples?

Dublin and Lyon are both fun to visit as a couple.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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.

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Lyon are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Students?

Lyon is generally a better city for students than Dublin.

Lyon is a great destination for students. 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.

Dublin is a good city to visit for students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Is Dublin or Lyon better for Public Transit?

Lyon provides more public transit options than Dublin.

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.

Dublin has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.


Is Dublin or Lyon a more walkable city?

Dublin and Lyon both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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.

Dublin and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Dublin
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
Lyon
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Should I spend more time in Lyon or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Lyon?

In either Dublin or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Dublin is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Lyon is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Dublin or Lyon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dublin 2-5 
    Lyon 2-5

One day in Dublin or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Lyon?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Dublin or Lyon?

The laid-back city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Lyon or Dublin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dublin is €112, while the average daily cost in Lyon is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dublin and Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dublin €53
    Lyon €42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dublin €106
    Lyon €84

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dublin €14
    Lyon €14
Typical Local Transportation prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    €15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • Ultra - Dublin Private Airport Transfer from Dublin Airport DUB to Cruise Port: $8.71
  • Ultra - Dublin Private Airport Transfer from Cruise Port to Dublin Airport DUB: $8.71
  • Ultra - Dublin Private Airport Transfer from Dublin Airport DUB to City Centre: $9.41
  • Ultra - Dublin Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Dublin Airport DUB: $9.41
  • Private Airport Transfer from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center: $28
  • Private Departure Airport transfer from Dublin City To Dublin Airport: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Dublin to Dublin Airport (DUB): $36
  • Private Departure Transfer from Dublin City Center to Dublin Airport (DUB): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dublin City Center: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dublin: $41
  • Dublin City Centre To Dublin Airport Private Car Transfer: $42
  • Dublin Airport To Dublin City Centre Private Car Transfer: $42

Typical Local Transportation prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    €5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    €19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Airport Lyon - private VIP transfer to Megève on Mercedes V-class: $649
  • Airport Lyon - private VIP transfer to Morzine on Mercedes V-class: $683
  • Airport Lyon - private VIP transfer to Tignes on Mercedes V-class: $683
  • Airport Lyon - private VIP transfer to Val-d Isere on Mercedes V-class: $702
  • Courchevel: Lyon Airport (LYS) Private Transfer: $728
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $87
  • Departure Private Transfers from Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $95
  • Departure Private Transfers from Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $103
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Grenoble-Isère Airport to Lyon City - One Way: $284
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport to Lyon City - One Way: $124
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Lyon-Bron Airport to Lyon City - One Way: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Dublin or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon and Dublin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dublin €39
    Lyon €33
Typical Food prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    €3.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Skip the Line:Traditional Irish Night Show Ticket in Dublin with 3-Course Dinner: $37
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine (Cooking Class & Dinner): $68
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $74
  • Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $77
  • Skip the Line: Irish Night Show Including 4-Course Dinner Ticket: $77
  • Howth Craft Beer and Seafood Tour for private groups: $87
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Dublin: $95
  • Christmas Finger Food & Canapé Cooking Class in Dublin City Center: $106
  • Learn to Make Your Own Sushi - 2.5 hour Cooking Class: $106
  • Private Dublin Walking Food Tour with a Local Food Historian: $180
  • Dublin Secret Food Tour w/ Private Tour Option: $206
  • 5-Day Essential Cooking Class in Dublin with Professional Chef: $485

Typical Food prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    €1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Lyon Old Town Five Tasting Stops Walking Food Tour with Lunch: $108
  • Lyon Quais Saint Antoine Private Gastronomic Food Tour: $111
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Lyon: $137
  • Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $217
  • Food tour in Lyon: $258
  • Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option: $296
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dublin €20
    Lyon €16
Typical Entertainment prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    €26
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    €27
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    €4.50
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    €6.30

Tours and Activities in Dublin

Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: Dublin Christ Church Cathedral Admission Ticket: $9.33
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12
  • Dublin Rogues Tour is a walking tour in Merrion Square Park: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $14
  • Virtual Dublin History, Culture & Craic Tour: $15
  • Dublin Walking Tour: The Dark Side: $16
  • Lonely Planet Experience: Dublin Highlights & Hidden Gems with a Local: $17
  • Silent Disco Walking Tour: $17
  • Historical 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Dublin: $17
  • Skip the Line: GPO Witness History Visitor Centre Admission Ticket: $17
  • Tour a piedi di Dublino in Italiano: $18
  • Dead Interesting Tour at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum: $18

Typical Entertainment prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    €45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English): $3.82
  • Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English): $3.82
  • Haunted Lyon City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.66
  • Private Lyon Ghost Tour: Haunted City Center Exploration Game: $8.70
  • Lyon Croix-Rousse City Tram Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Lyon Museum of Cinema Miniature Admission Ticket: $12
  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $31
  • 2-Hour Highlights E-Bike Tour: $34
  • Lyon Small-Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Local Guide: $37
  • Lyon Like a Local Customized Private Guided Tour: $38
  • Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular: $41
  • 2-Hour Day or Night Pedicab Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dublin €14
    Lyon €19

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $14
  • Dublin Literary Pub Crawl: $19
  • Jameson Distillery Guided Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $31
  • Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Whiskey Distillery Excursion: $541

Typical Alcohol prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    €6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Northern Rhône Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Lyon: $111
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais: $112
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Afternoon - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Morning - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Gourmet Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $123
  • Macon & Beaujolais Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $147
  • Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $153
  • Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Burgundy South of Region Small Group Day Tour with Local Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Beaujolais Region Vineyard Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Côte-Rôtie & Vienne Region Roman History with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $243
  • Rhône Valley Terroir Private Tour with Local Cheese & Wine Tasting from Lyon: $280

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Dublin and Lyon, we can see that Dublin 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.

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Dublin vs. Lyon Travel Comparison

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