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

Should you visit Lyon or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Chicago, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lyon and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Lyon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Lyon is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Lyon different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the terrific sights and museums in both Lyon and Chicago.

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, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Lyon is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Lyon is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Chicago can be difficult as they are each terrific 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 Chicago have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Chicago has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Chicago?

Chicago 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 Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Lyon does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Lyon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Lyon does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Lyon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. 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.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Lyon or Chicago Better for Students?

Lyon and Chicago are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

Both Lyon and Chicago offer terrific public transit options.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Chicago has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Lyon or Chicago a more walkable city?

Lyon and Chicago both are excellent 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.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Chicago?

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

Families should spend more time in Chicago than Lyon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

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 theater and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Chicago. 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 Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a fun place to experience. 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 Chicago?

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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Chicago. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Chicago?

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 multicultural city of Chicago offers food and shopping. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Chicago. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Chicago. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Chicago. 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. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In October, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. Lyon is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives more rain than Chicago. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lyon is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Lyon