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

Should you visit Lyon or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Lake Garda, 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a scenic, playful, and fun lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lyon and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Lake Garda, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake Garda is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Lake Garda is well known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Lyon different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Lyon is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Lake Garda are very good 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.

Lake Garda has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Lake Garda?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is an amazing lake 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.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Lyon and Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda 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, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Lyon or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Lyon and Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Lyon or Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lyon than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Lake Garda?

Lyon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Lake Garda?

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The fun lake of Lake Garda offers nightlife and 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lyon or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lake Garda. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lyon is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Lake Garda. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Lyon is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lyon or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Lyon