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

Should you visit Seville or Lyon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Seville and Lyon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Seville

Seville is a historic, energetic, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seville than Lyon. Seville is bigger than Lyon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seville is better known for its theatre productions, while Lyon is more popular for its food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Seville is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Seville different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Seville and Lyon.

The museums and tourist attractions in Seville are world-renowned. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lyon on the map. 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 Seville or Lyon Better for Theater?

Seville is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Lyon is not a theatre destination.

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Lyon is not a theatre destination.

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

Lyon is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Seville is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Is Seville or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Seville and Lyon.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Seville or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Lyon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Seville and Lyon both offer plenty of great spots.

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Seville or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Seville and Lyon are great family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Seville is very family-friendly. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

Lyon is known to be 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 Seville or Lyon Better for Couples?

Seville and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Seville is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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 Seville or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Seville and Lyon are great places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

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

Is Seville or Lyon Better for Students?

For students, both Seville and Lyon are world-class places to visit.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Many students frequent 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 Seville or Lyon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Seville has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Is Seville or Lyon a more walkable city?

Seville and Lyon are great when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Seville?

How long in Seville or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Seville. 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.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seville or Lyon?

Seville is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Lyon?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beautiful destination of Seville. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Lyon?

The world-renowned city of Seville offers museums and theater. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Lyon?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville 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 Seville or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Seville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seville in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Seville is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Lyon. Most visitors come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Seville is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seville in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Lyon. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seville as well as Lyon. The winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. In January, Seville is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 11°C (51°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Seville is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives less rain than Lyon. Seville gets 57 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 Seville