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

Should you visit Lyon or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Rijeka, 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 quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka is known for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Lyon different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Lyon is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Rijeka are excellent 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.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Rijeka?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Families?

Lyon and Rijeka are both excellent 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 Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Lyon is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Lyon or Rijeka Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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 Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

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

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Lyon or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rijeka. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Rijeka?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Rijeka. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 slow-paced town of Rijeka offers nightlife and food. 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 Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Rijeka, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Rijeka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lyon Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Rijeka?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Lyon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Lyon is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Rijeka. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. Lyon is cooler than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lyon is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Lyon