A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lyon vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Cairngorms National Park, 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 quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Lyon and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Cairngorms National Park are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cairngorms National Park is known for its hiking. Lyon 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. Cairngorms National Park is popular for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Lyon different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Lyon is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Cairngorms National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

Lyon is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Lyon and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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 Cairngorms National Park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Lyon and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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.

Cairngorms National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Lyon or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Lyon or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lyon than Cairngorms National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Cairngorms National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

Lyon is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The serene national park of Cairngorms National Park offers 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 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Lyon and Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lyon or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Cairngorms National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In October, Lyon is generally a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Cairngorms National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. Lyon is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lyon is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Lyon