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

Should you visit Vienna or Lyon?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a musical, ritzy, and classical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Vienna and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Lyon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lyon than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Lyon, Lyon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Vienna is more popular for its music and shopping. Vienna is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. 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 Vienna different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna 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.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Music?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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 Vienna or Lyon?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Couples?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Lyon Better for Students?

Both Vienna and Lyon are amazing destinations for students.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Vienna and Lyon.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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.

Is Vienna or Lyon a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Lyon?

In either Vienna or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lyon than Vienna. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Vienna. 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 Vienna than Lyon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

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 Vienna or Lyon?

Vienna 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 Vienna or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Vienna or Lyon?

The classical city of Vienna offers shopping and museums. 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 cultural 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Vienna and Lyon, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Lyon.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Lyon?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Lyon in the Summer?

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

Vienna is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°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 Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lyon. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vienna 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, Vienna is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Lyon. Vienna 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 Vienna or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna 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 Vienna. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Lyon. Many visitors come to Vienna 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.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Lyon. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Vienna