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

Should you visit Kiel or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Kiel 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Kiel. Lyon is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Kiel different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Lyon?

Lyon is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Lyon?

In either Kiel or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Kiel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

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

Lyon is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kiel or Lyon?

Kiel 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 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.

Five days in Kiel or Lyon?

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

Lyon is a authentic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kiel or Lyon?

The off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel 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.

The cultural city of Lyon offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Lyon. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kiel 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. Kiel can be very cold during winter. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Lyon in the Spring?

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

Kiel is much colder than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Kiel