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

Should you visit Helsinki or Lyon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Lyon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Lyon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Helsinki, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around the world. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Lyon?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Lyon.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Lyon are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Lyon is known to be 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.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Lyon are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Lyon?

In either Helsinki or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Helsinki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Helsinki. 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 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 Helsinki or Lyon?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Helsinki. 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 Helsinki or Lyon?

The waterfront city of Helsinki 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 The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Lyon?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Lyon. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Lyon. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Lyon. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Helsinki