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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Lyon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kilkenny and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. Kilkenny is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kilkenny travel costs.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of Lyon is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lyon travel costs.

Kilkenny and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Lyon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is more touristy than Kilkenny 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. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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

Lyon is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Lyon?

Lyon is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon More Beautiful?

Lyon is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a medieval town with many historical churches and monasteries.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Lyon.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

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 Kilkenny or Lyon Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Lyon are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Lyon is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Kilkenny or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is terrific for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Kilkenny or Lyon a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Lyon both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Lyon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Lyon?

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

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

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

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Lyon?

Kilkenny 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.

Lyon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of Kilkenny. This town 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Lyon?

The medieval town of Kilkenny 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.

Lyon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, 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 Kilkenny and Lyon, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Kilkenny.

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Lyon. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Lyon in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lyon this time of the year. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Lyon. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Lyon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Lyon averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lyon. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Lyon. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kilkenny is cooler than Lyon in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Kilkenny