A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lyon vs. Turin (Torino) for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Turin (Torino), 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. 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.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a historic, lively, and beautiful 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 shopping.

Lyon and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lyon than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Turin (Torino) 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. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Lyon different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Turin (Torino). The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.


Is the Food Better in Lyon or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Turin (Torino). The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Turin (Torino). The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly city. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon and Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.


Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Both Lyon and Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is renowned for students. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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 Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Visitors to Turin (Torino) can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.


Is Lyon or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Lyon
Turin (Torino)

Lyon is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lyon and Turin (Torino). With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than in Turin (Torino). Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Turin (Torino).

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino) 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.


  • How many days in Lyon or Turin (Torino)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lyon 2-5 
    Turin (Torino) 2-3

One day in Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino)?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Turin (Torino). This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint city of Lyon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

The authentic city of Turin (Torino) 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Turin (Torino) or Lyon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €125, while the average daily cost in Turin (Torino) is €157. 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 Turin (Torino) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lyon 53
    Turin (Torino) 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lyon 106
    Turin (Torino) 158
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Turin (Torino)

Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Turin (Torino)? 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.

Hotels in Lyon


Hotels in Turin (Torino)


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lyon Hotel Prices and Turin (Torino) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lyon 17
    Turin (Torino) 44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Private transfer from or to Lyon train stations - Lyon city by car or luxury van: $46
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS) to Aix-les-Bains-Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Lyon City Card with Airport Transfer: $52
  • Lyon St Exupery Airport to Les Deux/La Clusaz - Arrival Transfer: $71
  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Val d'Isere/Espace Killy: Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Business Car: $78
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Business Car: $79
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: $80
  • 1-Way Private Transfer center to Saint Exupery Airport: $80
  • Excellecar Private Driver - Stations & Airports Transfers: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Business Car: $86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turin (Torino)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Turin (Torino):

  • Departure by Van or Car from Transfer Turin to Turin Airport TRN: $50
  • Turin Airport Private Departure Transfer: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer from Turin City to Turin Airport TRN by Luxury Van: $60
  • Turin Airport to Val d'Isere/Morzine/Avoriaz-Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courmayeur - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Turin Private Transfer from Turin city centre to Turin Airport: $102
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Chamonix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone-RoundTrip Transfer: $142
  • Turin Caselle Airport TRN to Breuil-Cervinia -Round-Trip Transfer: $142
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel: $147
  • Private Transfer from Turin City to Milan Airport/City by Sedan: $236
  • Private Direct Transfer From Turin to Milan: $256

Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Prices for flights to both Turin (Torino) 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lyon 41
    Turin (Torino) 43
Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Street Food Tour: $64
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Old Town Food Tour: $96
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
  • Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Turin (Torino)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Turin (Torino).

  • Bolognese a la Mode | Online Cooking with Chef Abram | Italy: $64
  • Turin Guided Food Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting: $69
  • Turin, food tour, taste our tradition.: $85
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo Belbo with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Nebbiuno with cooking demo: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Leinì with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lessona with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casale Monferrato with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casaleggio Boiro with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cella Monte with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Alessandria with Show Cooking: $93
  • Turin Mix Aperitivo & Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lyon 20
    Turin (Torino) 28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lyon Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Lyon Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
  • Lyon Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $9.61
  • Old Lyon Walking In App Audio Tour: $9.77

Tours and Activities in Turin (Torino)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Turin (Torino) are as follows:

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Turin: $8.72
  • Turin Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Luci d'Artista City Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Turin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • Entrance ticket with tasting at Casa Martini: $22
  • Private Tour in the Cellar and Tasting of Langhe Wines: $27
  • Historical Turin Tour and Historical Locations: $27
  • Turin Egyptian Museum Entry Ticket Including Special Exhibits: $27
  • MONFERRATO UNESCO WALKING EXPERIENCE - Guided tour: $27
  • Outlet Best Shopping Mall Tour: $28
  • Turin Highlights Small-group Walking Tour: $38
  • Magic Turin Evening Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lyon 24
    Turin (Torino) 8.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
  • From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108

Sample the Local Flavors in Turin (Torino)

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Turin (Torino):

  • Tour of the Historical Cellars and Wine Tasting in Turin: $35
  • Wine Tour and Tasting with the Producer in the Monferrato-Classic: $41
  • 2 Hour Courtyard Aperitivo in Turin with Wine Tasting: $47
  • Wine Tasting near Royal Palace of Turin: $49
  • Cesarine: Turin Wine Tasting & Food Pairing with an Expert : $119


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


Which is Bigger, Lyon or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Turin (Torino), 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.