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

Should you visit Melbourne or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Lyon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic 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.

Melbourne and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Lyon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lyon than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Melbourne is more popular for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lyon and Melbourne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Lyon?

Lyon is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Lyon.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Lyon?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Melbourne and Lyon.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Lyon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Lyon Better for Students?

Both Melbourne and Lyon are fantastic destinations for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

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

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

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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 Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Lyon a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Lyon are very good when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Lyon?

In either Melbourne or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lyon than Melbourne. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Melbourne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Lyon. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Lyon?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Lyon?

Melbourne is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Lyon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Lyon?

The livable city of Melbourne offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Lyon, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Lyon is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Lyon?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Lyon, 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 Melbourne or Lyon?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lyon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyonin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Lyonin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Melbourne is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Lyonin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In July, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Lyonin January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Lyonin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Lyonin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Lyon. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F)in April.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Lyon and Melbourne