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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Lyon?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. 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.

Thessaloniki and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Thessaloniki. Lyon is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its beaches. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. 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 Thessaloniki different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Lyon have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Lyon know how to have a good time. 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 Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lyon is revered around the world. 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Lyon.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Lyon are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Lyon is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

Thessaloniki 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 fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

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

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Lyon?

The high energy city of Thessaloniki 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.

Lyon is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°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 Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Lyon. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In January, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Lyon. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

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