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

Should you visit Osaka or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Lyon, 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.

Osaka

Osaka is a high energy, colorful, and vibrant 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful 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.

Osaka and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka than Lyon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Osaka is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Lyon is known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Osaka is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Osaka different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Lyon and Osaka.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Osaka and Lyon both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Osaka or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Osaka has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Osaka or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

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

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Lyon?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Osaka make it a world-class shopping destination. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

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.

Is Osaka or Lyon Better for Families?

Osaka and Lyon are both superb destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Lyon is 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 Osaka or Lyon Better for Couples?

Osaka and Lyon are both superb to visit as a couple.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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.

Is Osaka or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Lyon are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

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 Osaka or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Osaka and Lyon.

With a huge network, the transit system in Osaka can get you around easily. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Is Osaka or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Lyon?

In either Osaka or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Osaka because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Osaka. 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.

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

Osaka is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

In Lyon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Osaka or Lyon?

Osaka 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy big city of Osaka. 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.

Lyon is a fun place to experience. In Lyon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint big city offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Osaka or Lyon?

The high energy city of Osaka 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Osaka and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Lyon?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Lyon. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In July, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°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, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Osaka is a little warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Lyon. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Osaka is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Lyon. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Osaka usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Lyon. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Osaka