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

Should you visit Dundee or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Dundee 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Dundee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for Families?

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

Lyon is 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dundee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Dundee or Lyon?

Dundee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

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 Dundee or Lyon?

You'll find food and museums around the cultural destination of Dundee. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Dundee or Lyon?

The historic city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. 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 authentic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Lyon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dundee is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Lyon. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Dundee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dundee in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Dundee 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 Dundee or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Lyon. Most visitors come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Dundee can be very cold during winter. Dundee is cooler than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives more rain than Lyon. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Lyon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dundee is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Dundee