Lyon and Geneva are both incredible cities to visit. If you are unable to see both cities, have a tough decision ahead of you. Here is the definitive guide to whether you should visit Lyon and Geneva.
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Lyon or Geneva Overview
Lyon
Lyon is the 3rd largest city in France with 513,000 and 2nd largest metro area in France with 2.2 million people living there. The city sits on two major rivers, the Rhône and Saône Rivers. It is known for its rich history dating back over 2000 years. The city is home to some incredible ancient Roman ruins. Lyon has a rich history of being a major center for film, partly because cinematography was invented here in the 1890s. Beautiful buildings, world-class museums, and city parks are found all over Lyon.
Geneva
Geneva is the 2nd largest city in Switzerland with just over 200,000 residents. Most of Switzerland speaks German but since Geneva is so close to France, most of the locals speak French as their main language. Geneva is often referred to as the “Peace Capital” of the world because it hosts the most international organizations in the world.
The United Nations and the Red Cross both have their headquarters here. Being the 7th most expensive city in the world, you have to remember that Switzerland as a whole is an expensive place to visit.
Places to See
Lyon
Vieux Lyon is the Renaissance district of Lyon. It is one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in all of Europe.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere is situated on a hill overlooking the city. Many people believe its more beautiful than the famous Notre Dame of Paris.
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière is an ancient Roman amphitheater. The original section of the amphitheater dates back to 15 BC.
Lyon Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral situated on the banks of the Saone River.
Place Bellecour is one of the largest squares in Europe and the 3rd largest square in France.
Geneva
The Geneva Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Geneva.
The United Nations Palace is the second largest of the 4 major official offices of the United Nations. It is only smaller than the headquarters in New York City.
The University of Geneva was founded in 1559 and founded by John Calvin.
St. Pierre Cathedral was originally a Roman Catholic Cathedral. It became the Reformed Protestant Church of Geneva during the Reformation.
Food
Lyon
Lyon rivals Paris in a battle of the best French cuisines. The world-renown chef, Paul Bocuse or “the Pope of French cuisine”, was from Lyon. There is no doubt culinary excellence is a staple here. Various forms of grilled chitterling and blood sausages are found throughout Lyon. Quenelles, which are cream dumplings made with flour and eggs, are also very popular here. Lyon’s Main Market also has an incredible array of some of the best merchants in the country.
Geneva
As you would expect in Switzerland, fondue can be found in many places throughout Geneva. Longeole is a popular food for the Genevois people. It is a form of pork sausage and cumin which can be found in the Old Town. If you want your mouth to water, you should try Malakoff which cheese beignets or Swiss cheese balls. Rosti is sometimes considered the national dish of Switzerland. It is grated potatoes fried together to form a fried potato pancake.
Getting Around
Lyon
Much of Lyon can and should be explored by foot, especially the Vieux Lyon area. Using the public bike-sharing system is another great option. Riding a bike along the riverfront or in Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the largest parks in France, is a way to see the city. You can rent a city bike for less than 1.50 Euros. If you want to take public transport, you can get a 24-hour pass for only 5.80 Euros.
Geneva
The center of Geneva is very pedestrian-friendly. Some of the most popular attractions, like the United Nations Palace or the Pâquis Baths, might require you to use public transportation. The main form of public transportation in Geneva is the network of trams or buses. Though there are buses that run in the city, they might take you longer to reach your destination.
The network of trams seems to be the most efficient way to get around the city on the outskirts of the city. One of the unique things about Geneva is if you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or campsite, you are typically given a Geneva Transport Card. The Geneva Transport Card gives you free, unlimited access to public transportation in Zone 10 which is the greater part of Geneva.
Nightlife
With bars, pubs, clubs, and discos, there is a nightlife scene for everyone in Lyon. Many places here have live music most days of the week. Most of the best nightlife can be found between the two rivers or in the northern half of Vieux Lyon. Most of the best clubs are found along the Saone of Rhone riverfronts.
Though Geneva is not typically known as a city to party, there is still a pretty lively nightlife here. The Old Town has many bars and pubs. Old Town is considered to be a little more laid back but there are a few places where you can hit the dance floor. If you want to go to the bigger nightclubs in Geneva, you will have to go outside of the center of the city. Some of the biggest and most popular nightclubs in Geneva are Le Zoo, Motel Campo, and Bypass.
Day Trips
Lyon
Grenoble is a city at the foot of the French Alps. It held the Winter Olympics in 1968.
Vienne is a city only 35km south of Lyon. It was once an important center for the Roman Empire. Its top attraction is the Temple d’Auguste et de Livie.
Annecy is a town known for its beautiful Old Town and cobbled streets. It sits at the southern tip of Lake Annecy
Geneva
Chamonix is only an hour away from Geneva by train making it the perfect day trip. It sits at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps.
Annecy is only 42km south of Geneva. Annecy is known for its Old Town which has beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.
Lausanne is only a 40-minute train ride from Geneva. The city is known for having beautiful vistas and medieval architecture.
Bern is only a two-hour ride away from Geneva and Marseille is just three hours south of Lyon so there are other major cities nearby to explore as well.
Overall
Lyon and Geneva are two wonderful cities that are only two hours from each other by train. When debating whether or not to visit Lyon or Geneva, you must decide between France or Switzerland. Both cities have wonderful waterfronts with Lyon having two rivers running through it and Geneva sitting on the banks of Lake Geneva. If you have enough time, you should try to explore both cities.