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

Should you visit Limerick or Lyon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Lyon is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Lyon?

Lyon is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

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

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Is Limerick 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. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Limerick or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Lyon?

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

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

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Lyon?

Limerick 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Lyon?

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

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Limerick or Lyon?

The fun-filled city of Limerick 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, 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 Limerick and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Limerick during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Limerick is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Lyon. Many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Limerick is cooler than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Limerick usually receives more rain than Lyon. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Limerick or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Limerick is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Limerick is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives less rain than Lyon. Limerick gets 56 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 Limerick