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

Should you visit York or Lyon?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lyon 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 Lyon?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. 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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

Foodies will find both York and Lyon both to be fantastic 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.

Lyon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is York or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Lyon are very good when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 York or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both York and Lyon.

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

With a famous historical old-town, Lyon offers plenty to see. 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 York or Lyon?

Lyon is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lyon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. 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.

Is York or Lyon Better for Families?

York is an amazing city 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.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

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 York or Lyon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Lyon make for a very good 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.

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 York or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Lyon are very good destinations for backpackers.

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.

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

Is York or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

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

Is York or Lyon a more walkable city?

Lyon is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or York?

How long in York or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

A weekend in York or Lyon?

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

Five days in York or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. 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.

Lyon is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. 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.

A week in York or Lyon?

The medieval city of York 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.

The historic city of Lyon 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between York 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 York Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. York usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Lyon. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for 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 October, York is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Lyon. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Lyon. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. York can be very cold during winter. York is around the same temperature as Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Lyon. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Lyon. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In the spring, York is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Lyon. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and York