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

Should you visit Tallinn or Lyon?

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

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

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Tallinn. Lyon is bigger than Tallinn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tallinn is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Tallinn different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallinn. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Lyon both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Lyon?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Tallinn and Lyon.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Lyon Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or Lyon Better for Couples?

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

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a great destination 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Tallinn or Lyon a more walkable city?

Tallinn is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Lyon?

In either Tallinn or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Tallinn. 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 Tallinn. 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Tallinn. 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 Tallinn or Lyon?

Tallinn 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.

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 Tallinn or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Tallinn. 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 Tallinn or Lyon?

The quaint city of Tallinn 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Tallinn.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallinn Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Tallinn. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Lyon in the Summer?

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

Tallinn is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tallinn 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 the autumn, Tallinn is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lyon. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn 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 Tallinn. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Lyon in the Spring?

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

Tallinn can get quite cold in the spring. Tallinn is much colder than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Lyon. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Tallinn