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

Should you visit Zurich or Lyon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Lyon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Zurich. Lyon is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zurich is more popular for its music and shopping. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. 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 Zurich different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Lyon are great when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Lyon Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Zurich and Lyon.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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 Zurich or Lyon?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Lyon Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Lyon are great family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Lyon Better for Couples?

Zurich and Lyon both great destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Lyon Better for Students?

Zurich and Lyon are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

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

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.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Lyon a more walkable city?

Zurich and Lyon both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Lyon?

In either Zurich 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 Zurich. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Lyon?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Zurich or Lyon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Lyon?

The liberal city of Zurich 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 beautiful 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Lyon, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lyon. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Lyon. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lyon in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lyon. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Lyon in the Spring?

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

Zurich is around the same temperature as Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Lyon. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Zurich