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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Kuala Lumpur and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lyon than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. 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 Kuala Lumpur different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Lyon.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Lyon both to be world-class destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Lyon.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lyon are great family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Lyon are both great destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lyon are world-class destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international 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.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Lyon.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lyon a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Lyon are great when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Kuala Lumpur. 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.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Lyon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Kuala Lumpur 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. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

In Lyon, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cultural big city offers. 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 Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

The colorful city of Kuala Lumpur 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.

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 Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Lyon is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Lyon?

Lyon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Lyon. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. 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, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 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 Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Lyon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Kuala Lumpur