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

Should you visit Lyon or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or San Francisco, 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 authentic, historic, and beautiful 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Lyon and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Lyon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Lyon is known for its nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. San Francisco is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Lyon different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the amazing sights and museums in both Lyon and San Francisco.

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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Lyon is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Lyon is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and San Francisco can be difficult as they are each amazing 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 San Francisco have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Music?

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

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or San Francisco?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is an amazing coastal city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Lyon and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and San Francisco are superb 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Lyon or San Francisco Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

Both Lyon and San Francisco offer amazing public transit options.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Lyon or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Lyon and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or San Francisco?

Both Lyon and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Lyon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Lyon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Francisco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Lyon 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 San Francisco.

One day in Lyon or San Francisco?

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or San Francisco?

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the quirky big city of San Francisco. This coastal 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.

A week in Lyon or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Lyon. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind coastal city of San Francisco. 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, 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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as San Francisco. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the summer, Lyon is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. Lyon is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lyon is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Lyon