A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. Lyon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Strasbourg or Lyon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic 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.

Strasbourg and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Strasbourg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Strasbourg different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Strasbourg or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg and Lyon are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Lyon?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Strasbourg or Lyon Better for Families?

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

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Strasbourg or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Strasbourg and Lyon are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lyon can get you around easily. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Strasbourg or Lyon a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and Lyon are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. 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.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Lyon?

Strasbourg 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.

When visiting Lyon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the impressive destination of Strasbourg. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Lyon?

The quaint city of Strasbourg 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.

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Lyon. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Lyon. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Lyon. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Lyon. Strasbourg gets 48 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 Strasbourg