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

Should you visit Tenerife or Lyon?

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

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

Tenerife

Tenerife is a adventure-filled, beautiful, and volcanic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon. Although Tenerife and Lyon are popular destinations, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tenerife attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Tenerife is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. 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 Tenerife different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Tenerife has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Tenerife or Lyon Better for Resorts?

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

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Tenerife to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Tenerife draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Lyon?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or Lyon Better for Families?

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Couples?

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

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Lyon Better for Students?

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

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife 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, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Lyon?

In either Tenerife or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than Lyon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Lyon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tenerife, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Tenerife or Lyon?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Tenerife or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Tenerife. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Tenerife or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant island of Tenerife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Lyon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Lyon averages at about 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 Tenerife this time of the year. In the summer, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

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

Both Lyon and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tenerife 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 October, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Lyon. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tenerife for 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. Tenerife is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Lyon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tenerife is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Lyon. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Tenerife