A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Dijon for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Dijon?

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

Should I visit York or Dijon? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Dijon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dijon. Although York and Dijon are about the same size, Dijon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dijon is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while York is known for its nightlife and historical sights. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Dijon is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace.

How is York different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Dijon?

Both York and Dijon have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Is the Food Better in York or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Dijon both to be first-rate destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Is York or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

York is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is York or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Dijon?

Both York and Dijon are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is York or Dijon Better for Families?

York is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is York or Dijon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Dijon make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is York or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is York or Dijon Better for Students?

Dijon is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both York and Dijon offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is York or Dijon a more walkable city?

York and Dijon both are good when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or York?

How long in York or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Dijon. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in York than Dijon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Dijon 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 York.

One day in York or Dijon?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in York or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dijon is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Five days in York or Dijon?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in York or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The laid-back city of Dijon 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Dijon, we can see that Dijon is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon than you might in York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Dijon, 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 York or Dijon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

York is cooler than Dijon in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Dijon. York usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dijon. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dijon averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Dijon. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Dijon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Dijon. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Dijon. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Dijon. Additionally, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

York is cooler than Dijon in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Dijon. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Dijon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and York