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

Should you visit Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Lyon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Kinsale, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kinsale is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Kinsale is well known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Kinsale different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kinsale and Lyon can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Lyon for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its historic old town charm.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Lyon?

Lyon is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Lyon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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 Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Kinsale or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Lyon?

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

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

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Kinsale or Lyon?

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Lyon?

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This seaside town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Kinsale or Lyon?

Because Kinsale is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Kinsale during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kinsale is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Lyon. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Kinsale is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kinsale in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Lyon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In January, Kinsale is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kinsale is cooler than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives less rain than Lyon. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Kinsale