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

Should you visit Leiden 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 Leiden and Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Lyon

Lyon is a quaint, authentic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Lyon is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Lyon travel costs.

Leiden and Lyon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Lyon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Lyon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Lyon has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Leiden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Lyon?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Leiden is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Is Leiden or Lyon More Beautiful?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lyon is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

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.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for Couples?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Leiden is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. 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 Leiden. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

Is Leiden or Lyon Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Leiden is a great city to visit as a student. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Is Leiden or Lyon a more walkable city?

Leiden and Lyon are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lyon or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Lyon?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Leiden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Leiden or Lyon?

Leiden is a fun place to experience. 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 Leiden or Lyon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Leiden. 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 Leiden or Lyon?

The historic city of Leiden 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 quaint 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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Lyon, we can see that Leiden 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 Leiden Expensive? and Is Lyon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Lyon?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden 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 Leiden or Lyon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Leiden or Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Lyon. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In the summer, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. 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.

Leiden is cooler than Lyon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives less rain than Lyon. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Leiden during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Leiden is much colder than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Lyon averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Lyon. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Leiden is generally much colder than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives less rain than Lyon. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lyon and Leiden