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

Should you visit Lyon or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Anchorage, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Lyon and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking. 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. Anchorage is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Lyon different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage 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 Lyon that are not to be missed. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

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 Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. 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.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Anchorage?

Lyon is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Families?

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

Lyon is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Lyon and Anchorage are both high quality to visit as a couple.

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

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Lyon or Anchorage Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Lyon or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lyon and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Anchorage 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 Lyon or Anchorage?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Anchorage?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Lyon or Anchorage?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Anchorage?

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The outdoorsy city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Anchorage?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Anchorage, 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 Lyon or Anchorage?

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 Lyon or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Lyon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. Lyon is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lyon is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In April, Lyon is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. In the spring, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Lyon