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

Should you visit Lyon or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Bari, 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 beautiful, cultural, and quaint 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.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Bari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bari is known for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Bari 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. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Lyon different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Bari can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

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.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Bari are great 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.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Bari?

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

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Families?

Lyon and Bari are both great 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and Bari are great destinations for backpackers.

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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Lyon or Bari Better for Students?

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

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Is Lyon or Bari 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, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Lyon or Bari a more walkable city?

Lyon and Bari both are great when exploring on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Bari?

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

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Bari?

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.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Lyon or Bari?

Lyon is a historic 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Bari. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Bari?

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.

The cultural port city of Bari 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lyon and Bari, 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 Lyon Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Bari?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In the summer, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Bari. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Lyon is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Bari. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Lyon is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Bari. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Bari. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Bari. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the spring, Lyon is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Bari. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Lyon