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

Should you visit Lyon or Pamplona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Pamplona, 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Pamplona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Pamplona. Lyon is bigger than Pamplona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pamplona is more popular for its 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. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Lyon different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Lyon is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

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

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Pamplona?

Lyon is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Families?

Lyon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Lyon is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and Pamplona are very good 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Is Lyon or Pamplona Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for students. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

Lyon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Lyon or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Lyon and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Pamplona?

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pamplona?

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Pamplona. This city 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 Pamplona?

Lyon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The historic city of Pamplona 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Pamplona?

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

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Lyon during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lyon is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Pamplona. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Lyon is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Pamplona. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Lyon