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

Should you visit Taormina or Lyon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Lyon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Taormina and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon. Although Taormina and Lyon are both popular with visitors, Lyon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Taormina is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

How is Taormina different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Lyon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Taormina and Lyon.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Lyon Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Taormina is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

Taormina has a beach worth visiting. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Lyon?

Lyon is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Taormina and Lyon are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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 Taormina or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Taormina or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular city 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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

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

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Taormina or Lyon a more walkable city?

Taormina and Lyon are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

Lyon is very walkable. 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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Lyon?

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

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

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Lyon?

Taormina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Lyon?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Lyon?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, 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 Taormina and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina 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 Taormina.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Taormina during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Lyon. The autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Taormina is much warmer than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Lyon. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Lyon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Lyon. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Taormina