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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Newcastle upon Tyne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newcastle upon Tyne can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lyon. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an amazing port city 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

In either Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Newcastle upon Tyne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Lyon for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port 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.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

The cultural port city of Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Lyon. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lyon. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Lyon. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Newcastle upon Tyne