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

Should you visit Lyon or New Orleans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or New Orleans, 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 historic, beautiful, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Lyon and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although Lyon and New Orleans are roughly the same size, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its nightlife and music, while Lyon attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. New Orleans is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

The French Quarter

How is Lyon different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and New Orleans can be difficult as they are each first-rate 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 New Orleans have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans 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.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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 New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or New Orleans?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for Families?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Lyon or New Orleans Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a very popular city 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Lyon or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Lyon is very walkable. 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.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Lyon than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

Lyon is a quaint city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 New Orleans?

Lyon is a historic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. 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 New Orleans?

Lyon is a authentic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find live music and food around the vibrant destination of New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 festive city of New Orleans offers food and nightlife. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or New Orleans?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lyon is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and New Orleans. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Lyon is much colder than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as New Orleans. Many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lyon is much colder than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Lyon usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.

In April, Lyon is generally much colder than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Lyon usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Lyon