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

Should you visit Faro or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro 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.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Faro and Lyon are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Faro different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Faro and Lyon.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Faro or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Faro is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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 people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Lyon?

Lyon is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Faro is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Faro or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town 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.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Faro?

How long in Faro or Lyon?

In either Faro or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lyon than Faro. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Lyon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

A weekend in Faro or Lyon?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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.

Five days in Faro or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Lyon is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Faro or Lyon?

The active resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The quaint city of Lyon 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or Lyon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Lyon. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Lyon. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Faro is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Lyon. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Faro