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

Should you visit Lyon or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Positano, 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 beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Lyon and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Positano are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Positano is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Lyon different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Positano can be difficult as they are each world-class 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 Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Lyon for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Lyon and Positano both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Positano has a world-famous historical area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Positano?

Both Lyon and Positano are great 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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Lyon or Positano Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Lyon or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Lyon is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Positano?

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

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

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

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.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Positano?

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.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Positano?

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.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Positano?

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.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Positano?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In the summer, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Positano. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Positano. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Lyon is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Positano. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Positano. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives less rain than Positano. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Lyon