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

Should you visit Lyon or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Naples, 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 authentic, historic, and beautiful 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.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Naples?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lyon than Naples. While Naples is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Naples 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. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Lyon different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Naples can be difficult as they are each amazing 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Naples are superb 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.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Naples?

Both Lyon and Naples are superb 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for Families?

Lyon is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for Couples?

Lyon and Naples are both superb 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.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and Naples are superb destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Lyon or Naples Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Lyon or Naples a more walkable city?

Lyon and Naples both are superb 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Naples?

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

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

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 big city destination of Naples. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Naples?

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.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Naples?

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 gritty big city of Naples. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 fascinating city of Naples offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Naples. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In the summer, Lyon is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives more rain than Naples. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Naples. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lyon is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. Lyon is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Naples. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lyon is cooler than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Lyon