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

Should you visit Lyon or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or San Remo, 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 cultural, quaint, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lyon and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo is known for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than San Remo and 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. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Lyon different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lyon is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or San Remo?

Lyon is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for Families?

Lyon and San Remo are both very good 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for Couples?

Lyon and San Remo are both very good 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 Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Lyon or San Remo Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Lyon or San Remo a more walkable city?

Lyon and San Remo both are very good 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 Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or San Remo?

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

Families should spend more time in Lyon than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Remo?

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 food and shopping around the scenic destination of San Remo. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or San Remo?

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 historic coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or San Remo?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and San Remo, 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 Remo?

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 Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lyon is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and San Remo. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than San Remo. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as San Remo. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

The weather in Lyon can be very cold. Lyon is much colder than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Lyon