Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Lyon
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $35-91 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Lyon
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms in residential areas
Food & Dining
$12-28 per day
Local bouchons, market food, self-catering, university cafeterias, street-side crêpes
Transportation
$3-8 per day
Public metro, trams, buses, walking, occasional bike rentals
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, free museum days, self-guided exploration
Currency: € Euro
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Lyon
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at traditional bouchons in residential neighborhoods instead of tourist areas for typically 40-60% savings on meals
Use the TCL public transport system instead of taxis - typically saves 70-80% on transportation costs
Visit museums on first Sunday mornings when many offer free admission, saving $8-15 per attraction
Shop at local markets like Marché des Quais for groceries and picnic supplies, reducing food costs by 50-70%
Book accommodation in Croix-Rousse or Guillotière districts rather than Presqu'île for 30-50% lower rates
Take advantage of Lyon City Card for combined transport and attraction discounts, typically saving 25-40% on activities
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Dining exclusively in the Vieux Lyon tourist zone where prices are typically 100-150% higher than local neighborhoods
Taking taxis for short distances instead of using the excellent metro/tram system, costing 4-6 times more
Booking last-minute accommodation during major events or festivals when rates surge 200-400% above normal