A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Dijon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lisbon or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Dijon? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Dijon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Dijon. Lisbon is bigger than Dijon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Lisbon different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Dijon?

Lisbon is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Dijon can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is terrific for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lisbon is a must-see party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Music?

Lisbon is terrific for live music. However, Dijon is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Dijon is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a popular place for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Dijon?

Lisbon is terrific for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Families?

Lisbon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Dijon make for a high quality place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Students?

Lisbon is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Is Lisbon or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lisbon can take you anywhere. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Lisbon or Dijon a more walkable city?

Lisbon is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisbon or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lisbon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Dijon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lisbon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lisbon than Dijon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Dijon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Dijon?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dijon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dijon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Dijon?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Dijon?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Dijon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Dijon, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Dijon?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Dijon, 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 Lisbon or Dijon?

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 Lisbon or Dijon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Dijon. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

In the summer, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dijon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Dijon. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Dijon. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Lisbon is much warmer than Dijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Dijon. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Dijon. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lisbon is a little warmer than Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Dijon. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Lisbon