Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Lyon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Reykjavik, 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 is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Lyon is 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. See Lyon travel costs.
Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty in Reykjavik as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Reykjavik travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. 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. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Lyon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).
Lyon is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Lyon has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
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.
Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.
Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.
Lyon is not a hiking destination.
Lyon is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Lyon and Reykjavik are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.
You'll find world class beauty in Lyon as well. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.
Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.
Lyon and Reykjavik are both superb destinations for the whole family.
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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.
Lyon and Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.
Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.
Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
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.
Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.
Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.
You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Lyon and Reykjavik 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.
Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.
In either Lyon or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.
Families should spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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.
People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. 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.
People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.
People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. This city 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.
Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
The safe city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €155, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €256. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lyon and Reykjavik in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Lyon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Lyon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Reykjavik, 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.
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.
Both Reykjavik and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In July, Lyon is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Reykjavik. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Lyon is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Lyon is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Reykjavik and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Lyon is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Lyon | Reykjavik | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |