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

Should you visit Hannover 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 Hannover 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.

Hannover

Hannover is a vibrant, cultural, and dynamic 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. 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.

Hannover and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hannover or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Hannover and Lyon are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Hannover and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Hannover is famous for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

How is Hannover different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

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

Lyon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Hannover or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Hannover and Lyon.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Lyon?

Lyon is a great city for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Hannover or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Hannover or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Hannover or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Lyon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Hannover has some very good public transit options. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Is Hannover or Lyon a more walkable city?

Hannover and Lyon are great when it comes to walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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 Hannover Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Lyon?

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

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

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Hannover or Lyon?

Hannover 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Hannover or Lyon?

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

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Hannover or Lyon?

The dynamic city of Hannover offers nightlife and food. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, 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 Hannover and Lyon, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hannover or Lyon?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Hannover 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 Hannover 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 Hannover or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Hannover during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hannover 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, Hannover is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hannover in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hannover or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Lyon. Most visitors come to Hannover 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, Hannover is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 10°C (51°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hannover usually receives less rain than Lyon. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hannover or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Lyon. The winter months attract visitors to Hannover 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 Hannover can be very cold. Hannover is much colder than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hannover or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Hannover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hannover is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hannover in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hannover usually receives less rain than Lyon. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Hannover