A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Lyon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Lyon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lyon attracts visitors for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Paris is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Paris or Lyon.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Paris or Lyon Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Lyon is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Lyon is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Lyon.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Lyon Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Lyon?

Paris 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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Lyon Better for Christmas?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Lyon does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Lyon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for Families?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for Couples?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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.

Is Paris or Lyon Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Lyon are fantastic places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

Paris and Lyon both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Lyon a more walkable city?

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

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Paris?

How long in Paris or Lyon?

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

Families should spend more time in Paris than Lyon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Lyon 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Lyon?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 cultural 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 Paris or Lyon?

Paris is a fun place to experience. 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.

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 Paris or Lyon?

Paris is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Paris or Lyon?

Paris is a energetic city where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Lyon, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Lyon?

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

Both Lyon and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Lyon. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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 October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Lyon. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Lyon. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Paris can be very cold during winter. Paris is a little warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Lyon. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Paris