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

Should you visit Southampton or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic 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.

Southampton and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Southampton. Lyon is bigger than Southampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Lyon has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Lyon?

Lyon is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Lyon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Lyon make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Lyon is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Lyon?

Southampton 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 cultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Lyon?

The dynamic port city of Southampton offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Southampton and Lyon, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Lyon in the Summer?

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

Southampton is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Southampton 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 Southampton or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Lyon. Many visitors come to Southampton in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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 the autumn, Southampton is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Lyon. Southampton 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 Southampton or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Southampton can be very cold during winter. In January, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

Southampton usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lyon. Southampton 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 Southampton or Lyon in the Spring?

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

Southampton is cooler than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

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

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Lyon. Southampton 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 Southampton