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

Should you visit Lyon or Ventimiglia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Ventimiglia, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Lyon and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Lyon and Ventimiglia are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia is known for its beaches and small town charm. Lyon is more touristy than Ventimiglia 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. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Lyon different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Lyon know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Ventimiglia is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Ventimiglia has a beach worth visiting. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Ventimiglia?

Both Lyon and Ventimiglia are very good shopping destinations.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 explore the shopping areas in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Lyon is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Lyon and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

While Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Lyon or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Lyon and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Ventimiglia?

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

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

Lyon is a historic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Ventimiglia?

Lyon is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Ventimiglia?

Lyon is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This seaside town 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Because Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lyon and Ventimiglia, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Ventimiglia?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ventimiglia this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Ventimiglia. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ventimiglia. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

Both Ventimiglia and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Ventimiglia this time of year.

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

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ventimiglia. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Lyon