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

Should you visit Oxford or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lyon is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Lyon.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Lyon?

Lyon is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Lyon Better for Families?

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

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Lyon Better for Couples?

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

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Lyon Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Lyon are amazing destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Lyon is a very popular college town 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.

Is Oxford 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, Oxford 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Lyon a more walkable city?

Oxford and Lyon are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Lyon is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Lyon?

In either Oxford or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Lyon?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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.

A weekend in Oxford or Lyon?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

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.

Five days in Oxford or Lyon?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Oxford or Lyon?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day 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 Oxford and Lyon, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Lyon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford 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.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Lyon. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. Oxford is around the same temperature as Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Lyon. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Lyon. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Oxford