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

Should you visit Basel or Lyon?

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

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

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of Basel is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Basel travel costs.

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. You'll find world class beauty in Lyon 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. See Lyon travel costs.

Basel and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Lyon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lyon than Basel. Lyon is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Basel and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

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

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Lyon has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Lyon?

Both Basel and Lyon are superb shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Lyon More Beautiful?

Lyon is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lyon as well. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Is Basel or Lyon Better for Families?

Basel and Lyon are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Lyon Better for Couples?

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

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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 Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Is Basel 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, Basel 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.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Lyon a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Basel?

How long in Basel or Lyon?

In either Basel or Lyon, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lyon than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Lyon.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. 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.

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Basel or Lyon?

Basel 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. 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.

Five days in Basel or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Basel. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Lyon?

The historic city of Basel 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Basel and Lyon, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Lyon?

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

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

Basel is around the same temperature as Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel 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 Basel. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Lyon. Basel 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 Basel or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, 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, Basel is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Basel 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 Basel or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Lyon. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Basel. In January, Basel is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Lyon. Basel 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 Basel or Lyon in the Spring?

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

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

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

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Lyon. Basel 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 Basel