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

Should you visit Lyon or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or San Jose, 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 authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Lyon is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lyon travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a colorful, bustling, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Jose travel costs.

Lyon and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than San Jose. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is Lyon different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose 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 San Jose?

Lyon is very popular for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

Lyon is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

Both Lyon and San Jose are superb when it comes to partying.

Lyon offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is very popular for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Lyon has a world-famous historical 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.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or San Jose?

Both Lyon and San Jose are superb 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 San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Is Lyon or San Jose More Beautiful?

Lyon is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for Families?

Lyon is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Lyon is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for Couples?

Lyon is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lyon and San Jose are superb destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Is Lyon or San Jose Better for Students?

Lyon is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

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

Lyon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lyon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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 San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Lyon or San Jose a more walkable city?

Lyon is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than San Jose 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 Lyon or San Jose?

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.

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

A weekend in Lyon or San Jose?

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.

San Jose 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.

Five days in Lyon or San Jose?

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.

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

A week in Lyon or San Jose?

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.

The traditional city of San Jose 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.

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 Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and San Jose, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lyon is in Europe and San Jose is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 San Jose.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or San Jose?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and San Jose, 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 San Jose?

Lyon has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Jose in the Summer?

Both San Jose and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

In July, Lyon is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Jose in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and San Jose. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Lyon is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Jose receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than San Jose. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit Lyon or San Jose in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as San Jose. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Lyon is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or San Jose in the Spring?

Both San Jose and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Lyon is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in San Jose. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than San Jose. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Lyon