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

Should you visit Lyon or Miami?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Miami, 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Lyon and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Miami?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Miami than Lyon. While Lyon is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Miami is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lyon attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Miami is more touristy than Lyon and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also well known for South Beach. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Lyon different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Miami 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 Miami have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Nightlife?

Miami is an amazing beach 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.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami Better for Music?

Miami is an amazing beach 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 Miami Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Resorts?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is an amazing beach city to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Miami are among the best in the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Miami?

Miami is an amazing beach 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 Miami make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami Better for Families?

Lyon and Miami 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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Couples?

Lyon and Miami 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.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Lyon or Miami Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Lyon or Miami a more walkable city?

Lyon and Miami 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.

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Miami?

Both Lyon and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Miami than in Lyon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Miami. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Miami?

Lyon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the bustling big city of Miami. This beach city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Miami?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling beach city of Miami. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Miami?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

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

In July, Lyon is generally cooler than Miami. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Miami. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Miami in the Autumn?

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

Lyon is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Miami. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami 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 Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. In the winter, Lyon is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Lyon is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Miami. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Miami and Lyon