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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Geneva travel costs.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of Lyon is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lyon travel costs.

Geneva and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Lyon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Geneva. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Geneva attracts visitors for its shopping. Lyon is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization.

How is Geneva different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Lyon know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Lyon?

Geneva 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 Geneva make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Lyon More Beautiful?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Lyon is one of the main draws. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Geneva is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for Families?

Lyon is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit 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.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Geneva and Lyon.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Lyon a more walkable city?

Geneva and Lyon both are great when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. 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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Lyon?

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

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

Geneva is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint big city of Lyon. 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 Geneva or Lyon?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

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 Geneva or Lyon?

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

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 Geneva or Lyon?

The professional city of Geneva 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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Geneva and Lyon, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Lyon?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Lyon. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Lyon. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping 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 October, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Lyon. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lyon. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva 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 Geneva can be very cold. Geneva is around the same temperature as Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

In January, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Geneva is around the same temperature as Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lyon. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Geneva