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

Should you visit Lyon or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Bergen, 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 cultural, quaint, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Lyon is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Lyon different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Lyon is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Bergen?

Both Lyon and Bergen are very good shopping destinations.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for Families?

Lyon and Bergen are both very good 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 Bergen. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for Couples?

Lyon and Bergen are both very good 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.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lyon is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Lyon or Bergen Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Lyon. 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Lyon is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Lyon or Bergen a more walkable city?

Lyon and Bergen both are very good 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.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Bergen?

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

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

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Bergen?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. 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 Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The nostalgic city of Bergen 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Bergen?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lyon is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Lyon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Lyon is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Lyon is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Bergen. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Lyon is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Lyon