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

Should you visit Hydra or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Hydra 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic 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.

Hydra and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Hydra and Lyon are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hydra attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. 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 Hydra different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra 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.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Hydra has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options 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.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Beaches?

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

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Lyon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lyon and Hydra.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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 Hydra or Lyon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Lyon.

Hydra is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

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 Hydra or Lyon Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Hydra or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options 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.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

Is Hydra or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

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.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Lyon a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Hydra on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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 Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Lyon?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Lyon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hydra, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Hydra than Lyon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hydra that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Hydra 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 Hydra or Lyon?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Lyon?

Hydra 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Lyon?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Lyon?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, 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 Hydra and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Hydra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hydra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hydra 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Hydra.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra 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 Hydra 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 Hydra or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Lyon. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Hydra is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°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. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Lyon. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra 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. Hydra is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Lyon. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Hydra