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

Should you visit Lyon or Prague?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Prague, 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.

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 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.

Prague

Prague is a fun-filled, cultural, and historical 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 Prague as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Prague travel costs.

Lyon and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Prague?

You'll generally find more things to do in Prague than Lyon. Prague is bigger than Lyon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Prague is better known for its nightlife and music, while Lyon is more popular for its food and quaint atmosphere. Prague is more touristy than Lyon and is known for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. Also, Prague is famous for The Prague Castle. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Lyon different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Lyon and Prague.

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 plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Prague has many famous sights for visitors. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city 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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Lyon or Prague Better for Nightlife?

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

Prague has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Lyon or Prague Better for Music?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Lyon is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Prague The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

Lyon is not a live music destination.

Is Lyon or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Lyon and Prague both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Prague has a world-famous historical area. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Prague?

Both Lyon and Prague are great shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

Is Lyon or Prague More Beautiful?

Lyon and Prague are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class scenery.

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

Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

Is Lyon or Prague Better for Families?

Lyon and Prague are both great destinations for the whole family.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Lyon or Prague Better for Couples?

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

Prague has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Lyon or Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

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.

Is Lyon or Prague Better for Students?

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

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.

Prague is a very popular city for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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

Both Lyon and Prague offer world-class public transit options.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

Prague has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

Is Lyon or Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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 Prague on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Prague?

Both Lyon and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Lyon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

Couples should spend more time in Prague than Lyon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Lyon 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 Prague.

One day in Lyon or Prague?

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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Prague. 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.

A weekend in Lyon or Prague?

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.

Prague 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.

Five days in Lyon or Prague?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the fun-filled big city of Prague. 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.

A week in Lyon or Prague?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the festive city of Prague. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Prague, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague 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 Prague.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Prague, 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 Lyon or Prague?

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 Lyon or Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lyon is a little warmer than Prague in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Prague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Prague during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lyon usually receives less rain than Prague. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lyon or Prague in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Lyon is a little warmer than Prague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Prague averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Prague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Prague. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Prague because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Prague can be very cold. Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Lyon is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Prague during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lyon usually receives more rain than Prague. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lyon or Prague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Prague. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

Lyon is a little warmer than Prague in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Prague. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in April than Prague. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Prague and Lyon