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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Lyon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf and Lyon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lyon than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Dusseldorf 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. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Dusseldorf different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Lyon know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

Lyon is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Dusseldorf and Lyon are great family-friendly destinations.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. 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 Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Lyon is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Dusseldorf or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dusseldorf and Lyon.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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.

Is Dusseldorf or Lyon a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Lyon both are great when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

Dusseldorf is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Lyon?

The cultural city of Dusseldorf offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, 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 Dusseldorf and Lyon, we can see that Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Lyon?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Lyon. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Lyon. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. Dusseldorf is cooler than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Lyon. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Dusseldorf during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

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

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Dusseldorf