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

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Linz and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Linz or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Linz. Lyon is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Lyon?

Both Linz and Lyon are high quality shopping destinations.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Linz or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Linz and Lyon are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Linz or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Linz or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Linz or Lyon a more walkable city?

Linz and Lyon both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Linz?

How long in Linz or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Linz. 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 Linz or Lyon?

Linz 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 Linz or Lyon?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beautiful destination of Linz. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a cultural 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 Linz or Lyon?

The beautiful town of Linz offers museums 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 historic 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 in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Linz or Lyon?

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

Both Lyon and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Linz is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linz. Linz usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Lyon. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linz or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Linz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Linz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Linz is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Linz in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linz or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Lyon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. It's quite cold in Linz in the winter. In January, Linz is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Linz average around -0°C (31°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Linz usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linz usually receives less rain than Lyon. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linz or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Linz as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Linz for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Linz is around the same temperature as Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Linz