Choosing between Lyon, France, and Vienna, Austria, for a backpacking adventure involves weighing cultural experiences against typical European city costs. Both offer rich history and culinary delights, but budget and travel style might tip the scale.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Lyon generally offers a slightly more budget-friendly experience compared to Vienna, particularly for food. For a backpacker focusing on essentials, an estimated daily budget for either city, excluding major paid attractions, could range from €50-75.

• Accommodation: Budget hostels in both cities typically cost an estimated €25-45 per night. While exceptional deals might sometimes be found closer to €15-20, these are less common in major European capitals.
• Food: Expect to spend an estimated €20-40 per day on food, relying on groceries, street food, and budget eateries. Meals at local restaurants in Europe typically cost €8-15. Lyon, being a gastronomic hub, offers excellent value on local produce and markets.
• Transport: Public transport (day passes or single tickets) generally falls within an estimated €5-10 per day in both cities.

While extremely frugal backpackers might aim for budgets as low as €35-55/day in general European cities, a more realistic daily budget for Lyon or Vienna, accounting for the cost of larger European cities, often falls between €50-75.

What Are the Main Attractions & Activities?

Lyon: Known as France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon offers a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), secret passages (traboules), Roman ruins (Fourvière Hill), and vibrant markets like Les Halles Paul Bocuse. Many sights, like strolling through the Presqu’île or exploring Parc de la Tête d’Or, are free.

Vienna: Austria’s imperial capital boasts grand palaces like Schönbrunn and Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a world-class museum quarter, and a celebrated coffee house culture. While palaces often have entrance fees, enjoying the city’s architecture, parks, and charming streets costs nothing.

How Does Food & Drink Compare?

Lyon: A paradise for foodies, Lyon emphasizes rich French cuisine, local specialties (bouchons), and high-quality ingredients. Markets and bakeries offer delicious budget-friendly options. Expect regional wines to be readily available.

Vienna: Renowned for its elegant coffee houses, exquisite pastries like Sachertorte, and hearty Austrian dishes (Schnitzel). Street food, such as Würstel (sausages, estimated €4-7), and markets like Naschmarkt provide affordable culinary experiences.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

For both Lyon and Vienna, the shoulder seasons (Spring: April-May; Fall: September-October) are often ideal. They offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and potentially lower accommodation prices. Winter brings festive Christmas markets but colder temperatures, while summer can be hot and crowded, with higher prices for accommodation.

Remember to utilize resources like AllInMap to discover free amenities and attractions, further stretching your budget in either magnificent city.