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

Should you visit Lyon or Zagreb?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Zagreb, 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a beautiful, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Zagreb?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lyon than Zagreb. While Zagreb is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lyon is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options.

How is Lyon different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and Zagreb are great when it comes to partying.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Zagreb?

Both Lyon and Zagreb are great 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 Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for Families?

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

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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and Zagreb are great 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

Is Lyon or Zagreb Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

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

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Lyon or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Lyon and Zagreb both are great 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.

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Lyon or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lyon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Zagreb. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Zagreb?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zagreb. This 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 Zagreb?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

The historic city of Zagreb offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Zagreb, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Zagreb.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb 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 Zagreb during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Zagreb. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lyon is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Lyon is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

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

In the spring, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Lyon