A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Lyon for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Isle of Skye and Lyon are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. 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 Isle of Skye different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Lyon is terrific for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Lyon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Lyon is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye and Lyon are both great destinations for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with 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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

In either Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Lyon?

The scenic island of Isle of Skye offers food. 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.

Lyon is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area 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, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of 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 Isle of Skye can be very cold. Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Lyon. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives less rain than Lyon. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Isle of Skye