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

Should you visit Toledo or Lyon?

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

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

Toledo

Toledo is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Toledo and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toledo or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Toledo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toledo is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. 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 Toledo different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toledo. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Toledo 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toledo. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Toledo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

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

Toledo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Toledo or Lyon?

Lyon is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Toledo offers some nice shopping areas. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toledo. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for romance. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Toledo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toledo 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.

Toledo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

Is Toledo or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toledo 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Toledo. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

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

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Toledo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a good bus system through town.

Is Toledo or Lyon a more walkable city?

Toledo and Lyon are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toledo is very walkable. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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 Toledo Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Toledo?

How long in Toledo or Lyon?

In either Toledo or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Toledo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toledo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toledo. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Lyon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toledo or Lyon?

Toledo 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.

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toledo or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Toledo. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toledo or Lyon?

The ancient city of Toledo 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Lyon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Toledo or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Toledo. When comparing the sizes of Toledo 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.