A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Dijon for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Ios or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Ios or Dijon? 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.

Ios

Ios is a touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ios and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Dijon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Dijon are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dijon attracts visitors for its museums, food, and big city activities. Ios is famous for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Ios different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ios or Dijon?

Dijon is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Is the Food Better in Ios or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Ios is terrific for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Ios is a must-see party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Resorts?

Ios is notable for its resorts. However, Dijon is not a resort destination.

Ios is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Dijon is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Ios. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Hiking?

Ios is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Ios is a good destination for hiking. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Dijon?

Both Ios and Dijon are nice shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Dijon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Families?

Dijon is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Dijon make for a high quality place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ios is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Students?

Dijon is a popular place for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Ios is not popular with students.

Is Ios or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ios is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Ios can move around easily with public transportation. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Ios or Dijon a more walkable city?

Ios and Dijon both are nice when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable island. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Ios?

How long in Ios or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Ios or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Dijon 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Dijon?

In Ios, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this backpacker-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Dijon, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people visit Dijon for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historical city of Dijon, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Dijon?

Ios is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The destination of Dijon offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Five days 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.

A week in Ios or Dijon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the backpacker-friendly destination of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dijon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Dijon, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in Ios.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios and Dijon, 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.