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

Should you visit Lyon or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Portland, 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.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Lyon and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Portland are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Lyon different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Hiking?

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

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Portland?

Lyon is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and Portland are high quality 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Lyon or Portland Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Lyon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Lyon or Portland a more walkable city?

Lyon and Portland both are high quality 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Portland?

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

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

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Portland?

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 live music and shopping around the eclectic destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

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 eclectic city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland 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. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Portland. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Portland. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Portland. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Portland in the Winter?

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

Portland can be very cold during winter. Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lyon is cooler than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Portland. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland 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 Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Lyon