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

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of Orkney Islands is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Orkney Islands travel costs.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come to Lyon because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lyon travel costs.

Orkney Islands and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Orkney Islands and Lyon are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches and hiking. Lyon is more touristy than Orkney Islands 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. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Lyon is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Lyon is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Lyon for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Orkney Islands specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find the most pubs and a few nightclubs in the main town of Kirkwall.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the beach. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Hiking?

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

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Lyon is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon More Beautiful?

Lyon is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lyon because of it's amazing beauty. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Orkney Islands is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Lyon are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Lyon are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable archipelago. Walking is a great way to enjoy the beauty, but you'll need a vehicle to travel from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

In either Orkney Islands or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Lyon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the tranquil destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint city of Lyon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Lyon, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Lyon. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Lyon. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Orkney Islands