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

Should you visit Lyon or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Varenna, 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 beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Lyon and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Varenna is more popular for its hiking. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Lyon different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Lyon and Varenna can be difficult as they are each world-class 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Varenna is a popular spot for hiking. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Varenna?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Families?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Lyon or Varenna Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Lyon or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Varenna on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Varenna?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Varenna 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 Varenna?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. 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.

A weekend in Lyon or Varenna?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Five days in Lyon or Varenna?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the pristine destination of Varenna. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The beautiful village of Varenna offers museums and food. 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 Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Varenna?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Varenna. Many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lyon is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Varenna. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Lyon is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Lyon is cooler than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In April, Lyon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Lyon