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

Should you visit Lyon or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Atlanta, 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 authentic, historic, and beautiful 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Atlanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Atlanta are roughly the same size, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Atlanta is known for its shopping. Lyon is more touristy than Atlanta 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. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Lyon different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Plenty of people visit the amazing sights and museums in both Lyon and Atlanta.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Lyon or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Atlanta are superb when it comes to 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.

Atlanta has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Lyon or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

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

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Atlanta?

Atlanta 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 Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Lyon or Atlanta Better for Families?

Lyon and Atlanta are both superb destinations for the whole family.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Lyon or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Lyon or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Lyon or Atlanta Better for Students?

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

Lyon is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Is Lyon or Atlanta 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. However, Atlanta is not known 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Lyon or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Lyon or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lyon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. 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 Lyon or Atlanta?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Atlanta 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.

Five days in Lyon or Atlanta?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Lyon or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. 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 cultural city of Atlanta 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Atlanta?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

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 Lyon or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Atlanta. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the summer, Lyon is cooler than Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In the summer, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Lyon usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lyon is generally cooler than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlanta. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Atlanta in the Winter?

Both Atlanta and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. Lyon is much colder than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Atlanta. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lyon is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lyon usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Lyon