What to Do in Lyon: The 25 Best Things to Do in Lyon France

Where to Stay in Lyon

Still at the planning stage of your trip to Lyon? Well, after booking your flight or bus to Lyon, finding the right home base to start exploring the city is the second step to great travels, so let me help you with some good recommendations.

⭐️ Best Hotel – Best Western Hotel De Verdun: this place is the best place where to stay in Lyon city center. Located only 10 min walk from the must-see attractions, you’ll be welcomed by a friendly staff in a stylish 3-star hotel with all facilities.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Studio au cœur de Lyon: located in the heart of Lyon, just 5min walk from the Place des Terreaux, this apartment is the best great value for money you can find. Clean, well-furnished, and comfortable.

All the Fun Things to Do in Lyon

In this guide, you’ll find all the best things to do to add to your Lyon itinerary. It includes all Lyon must see and do, but also some quirky things you’ll love doing there, whatever your travel style.

Let’s jump right to it 👇

1. Discover the Squares of the Presqu’île

The Presqu’île is the central point of the city. Presqu’île literally means “almost island” because this part of Lyon is stuck between 2 rivers, the Saône from one side and the Rhône from the other, forming a kind of an island.

Place des Jacobins

It’s here that you’ll find the best places to visit in Lyon as well as the most famous squares. Here are the places you need to see when strolling through the Presqu’île:

• Place Bellecour
• Place des Terreaux
• Place des Jacobins (my fav)
• Place des Célestins
• Place de la République

2. Take a Ride on the Big Wheel of the Place Bellecour

Talking about squares, the Place Bellecour is so big you simply cannot miss it (you’ll arrive there at some point). It’s in fact the largest pedestrian square in Europe!

If you’re visiting between November and February, you’ll have the chance to see the big wheel of Lyon, which is 60 meters high.

Taking a ride on the big wheel is a must-do attraction as you’ll have one of the best views over the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière and the Metallic Tower. Don’t miss it!

3. Have a Drink at the Place des Terreaux

On this sprawling square, you’ll find the City Hall and the gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain. Both are exceptional French landmarks: the first one is one of the prettiest historic buildings in Lyon, and the second was made by the same artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty.

Besides its important historic heritage, the Place des Terreaux is also one of the liveliest areas in Lyon. There are many terraces and bars in the square!

The best thing to do is either to have a drink under the sun on a terrace while admiring the Fountain or experience Lyon’s vibrant nightlife in one of the bars (Le Boston is a nice one!).

4. Take a Break at the Musée des Beaux-Arts

Located on the Place des Terreaux, facing the Bartholdi Fountain, the Museum of Fine Arts welcomes you to the former Palais Saint-Pierre, an ancient convent.

Classified as a historical monument, the museum has an important collection of European artworks from the 14th to the 20th century. It also houses a large section dedicated to Antiquity and Egypt.

It’s the most important museum after the Louvre in Paris, and one of the most beautiful in France! So even if you’re not really into fine arts, you’ll love taking a break to admire its architecture, especially on rainy days! (entry is free with the Lyon City Pass).

5. Go on “Traboule” Hunting in the Vieux Lyon

Traboules are one of the most interesting curiosities of Lyon: they are hidden passageways and secret tunnels connecting courtyards and streets all across the historic district. They played an important role in Lyon’s history as it was used for centuries by the silk workers first, and then during WWII by France’s resistance.

There are hundreds of them and their architecture is so surprising it became one of the coolest tourist attractions in Lyon. You can go hunt the traboules by yourself, taking the risk that some passages are closed, or opt for a guided tour.

Among the most famous traboules: La Tour Rose, La Traboule Saint-Jean, La Cour des Voraces (outside the Vieux Lyon).

You can easily recognize traboules as they are labeled with a lion’s head on a yellow background.

6. Have a Coffee in front of Lyon Cathedral

Lyon Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, is a major monument in Lyon. Built in the 15th century in a Roman and Gothic style, the cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, as well as the whole district of the Vieux Lyon.
 

The cathedral stands in a very large plaza with a beautifully sculpted fountain offering an outstanding view of the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière.

Having a coffee or breakfast on this plaza while looking at both monuments is simply magical.

7. Try Local Food at a “Bouchon”

Visiting Lyon without having at least one meal in a bouchon, it’s simply unthinkable!

Bouchons are those famous traditional restaurants serving typical Lyonnaise cuisine. Only certified restaurants can use this title!

You’ll find many good bouchons in the Vieux Lyon, but also in the Rue Mercière on the Presqu’île. Here are some options that are best places to eat in Lyon according to locals: La Mère Jean, Daniel et Denise, or Le Bouchon Comptoir Brunet.

They are renowned restaurants, so book in advance! You can take part in a Lyon food tour if you prefer.

Tip 1: If you don’t eat meat, bouchons are not really recommended as they mainly serve meat-based dishes. 

Tip 2: Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner, so go for it if you’re on budget.

8. Climb up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière is the most iconic monument in Lyon and defines the city’s skyline. Located on top of the Fourvière hill, you’ll see the basilica as soon as you arrive in the heart of Lyon as it overlooks all of the city.

Climbing up to the Basilica is an absolute must-do when in Lyon. The basilica itself is incredible both from the outside and the inside and is well worth the climb. But in addition to the basilica, you’ll have a breathtaking view over all the city from the esplanade.

View of Lyon from the esplanade of the Basilica

You can go up there by walk of course, but it can be tiring as the path is sloping. You can use the cable car that will take you directly to the esplanade if you prefer.

The cable car is included in the Lyon City Pass and in the public transportation ticket

9. Stroll on the Banks of the Saône River

The Saône riverfront is the best place for a stroll in town and you need to add it to your bucket list!

The banks have been arranged for pedestrians, so you’ll be able to have a peaceful walk while observing the beauty of the city: you can see the buildings in vivid colors, the barges crossing the river or parked on the shore, the picturesque bridges and above all, the most beautiful panoramas of the Fourvière hill.

You can also ride a bike if you prefer, there are cycle paths all along the banks so you can stroll safely. Another way to enjoy the Saône River is to take a beautiful sightseeing cruise.

10. Discover Lyon From a Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Choosing to visit Lyon on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is the best way to discover all the top attractions in just one day at an affordable cost.

With 12 stops including iconic landmarks like the Basilica de Notre Dame and de Fourvière, as well as lively Place Bellecour, you have the freedom to hop off, explore, and hop back on whenever you’re ready.

The best part? The bus provides an audio guide, giving you fascinating insights and stories about the city as you ride along. Definitely the best if you want to learn about the city.

Book your pass: Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour

11. Have Fun on the Berges du Rhône

The Rhône is the second river that crosses the city, and like the Saône river’s banks, the Rhône’s have also been arranged but in another way.

Julien Sulpis / CC BY-NC-ND

The Rhône banks called the Berges du Rhône, have become a large space dedicated to leisure and outdoor activities: you can find lots of children’s playgrounds, green spaces, picnic areas, water activities, skate parks, bars, and cafes.

It’s a great place to go with family or friends, and the barges’ bars and cafes are among the best there!

12. Have a Picnic at the Parc de la Tête d’Or

Le Parc de la Tête d’Or is the biggest park in Lyon, and the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities on sunny days.

In the park, you’ll find plenty of cool free attractions including a botanical garden, a rose garden, and a zoological park. You can also go pedal boating on the park’s lake, rent a bike for a nice stroll, or simply lie down on the grass. If you’re with kids, they’ll be in heaven at the Parc de la Tête d’Or!

So, grab a picnic and spend the afternoon at the park!

13. Find Lyon’s Trompe-l’oeil Murals

One of the main unique features of Lyon is its murals. There are several murals hidden in the city, and it can be very fun to chase them when wandering around!

The most well-known one is the Fresque des Lyonnais, a 800 m2 trompe-l’oeil mural depicting 30 local people who have made history such as Chef Paul Bocuse, author Saint Exupéry, the Lumière Brothers or the Abbé Pierre.

Here are some other best frescoes in Lyon: Le Mur des Canuts, La Bibliothèque de la Cité, or La Fresque de la Cour des Loges.

14. Take a Photo on the Rainbow Stairs

The Rainbow Stairs, or Escaliers Prunelle in French, is located at the entry of the Croix-Rousse district, the trendy area of Lyon. It’s one of Lyon’s best-kept secrets and many locals don’t know about it.

The stairs were pimped in 2015 by the local people of Croix-Rousse themselves!

Me on the Rainbow Stairs

Taking a photo there is definitely a great way to start your visit of Croix-Rousse.

15. Have Brunch with a View at Croix-Rousse

The bohemian district of Croix-Rousse is located on the hills of the city: you’ll need to climb to get there! No worries, public transportation is always an option.

Thanks to this position, you’ll have amazing panoramas of Lyon from this district, especially from la Montée de la Grande-Côte, a UNESCO-protected street, and the Jardin de l’Esplanade de la Grande-Côte.

You’ll have lots of vintage shops and cafes in this area. Some of them have terraces with a view: I tried a brunch at Le Desjeuneur, a cute cafe with a nice terrace with a beautiful view.

16. Stop By the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Nestled at the base of La Croix-Rousse hill, this amphitheater is an intriguing part of the ancient Three Gauls sanctuary.

Originally built in 12 BC to honor Rome and Emperor Augustus, it underwent a transformation in the 2nd century, becoming an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators.

Although much of its grandeur has been replaced by the 19th-century botanical garden, it remains a captivating spot to witness these historic ruins amidst the urban landscape. So don’t miss the chance to see this unique site and delve into Lyon’s rich history.

17. Party on one of the Rhône River’s Riverboats

Partying on a barge is for sure, one of the best things to do in Lyon at night!

You’ll see lots of riverboats quayside on the Saône and the Rhône rivers when visiting Lyon. Taking a day tour on one of these péniches is a really popular attraction among tourists, but locals prefer having drinks and party on them when the sun sets.

So, if you want to experience real nightlife in Lyon, prefer trying one of the Rhône River’s péniches as they are the best. You’ll find different kinds of boats such as péniches-bars, nightclubs boats or live music boats.

Here are some popular barges: Star Ferry, La Passagère, La Barge, Le Sirius, or Le Bellona.

For a quick overview of the city, I recommend taking a 1-hour cruise on the Saône river as you’ll be able to see the main monuments and get the most beautiful sights of Lyon.

18. Visit the Confluences Museum

If you’re into museums, you can’t miss the Confluences Museum which is a must do in Lyon, although it’s quite recent. Located south of the Presqu’île at the convergence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, the museum is easily recognizable because of its futuristic architecture.

Famous for its dinosaur skeletons, this natural history museum invites visitors to question the human condition through 4 major themes: the origins of life, the evolution of animals, societies, and civilizations, and the representations of death.

tConfluences is also the name of the neighborhood. While it used to be an industrial area, it has been transformed into an eco-district and is now, the contemporary district of Lyon.

Skip the line with the Lyon City Pass or the no queuing ticket.

19. Visit Lyon During the Fête des Lumières

Wandering what to see in Lyon in December? The Festival of Lights of course!

Going to Lyon during La Fête des Lumières is actually the best time of the year to visit the city. It’s an unmissable event attracting millions of visitors every year.

It’s an event that takes place every year in Lyon since 1852. It was originally held to celebrate the Virgin Mary who saved the people of Lyon from the plague.

During this festival, light shows are projected on the facades of the monuments and the whole city comes to life with lights and parades. This magical and spectacular event takes place every year for about 3-4 days from the 8th of December.

20. Go Shopping on the Rue de la République

Like all big cities in France and in the world, you always have a top spot for shopping. In Lyon, the main shopping street is the Rue de la République on the Presqu’île.

Joan / CC BY-NC-ND

Called the “Rue de la Ré” by the locals, it’s a pedestrian street lined with beautiful 19th-century buildings with richly decorated facades and many shops on the first floor, including major brands.

21. Attend a Music Festival in an Ancient Roman Theater

Every year from the 1st of June to the 31st of July, you can attend Les Nuits de Fourvières in Lyon, a festival with live music, theater, opera, circus arts, dance, and film projections.

mll / CC BY-NC-ND

But the main thing about this festival is the stage where it takes place: the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière! Built in the 1st century BC, it’s the oldest Gallo-Roman amphitheater in France and has a capacity of 4,500 people! And oh, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site (you can visit it freely outside of these dates).

The Ancient Theatre of Fourvière during the rest of the year

Attending this festival is definitely the best thing to do in Lyon during summer! Book your ticket here.
 

22. Take a French Cooking Class

You may already know it, Lyon is the world capital of gastronomy, so there’s no better place to learn some French recipes and useful cooking hacks. And it’s actually a really cool activity to do with friends or family to discover new products and try local food.

You can find lots of cooking classes in Lyon, but L’Atelier des Chefs may be more convenient for tourists. They offer lots of course options, from 30min to 4 hour-classes for any level.
 

23. Explore Les Halles Paul Bocuse

Les Halles Paul Bocuse is a huge indoor food market any foodie worthy of the title has to visit!

It’s the gastronomic hub of Lyon with about 60 stalls selling fine food, cheeses, catering, and pastries. It’s the place to be if you want to treat yourself to good charcuterie or delicious praline tart (Lyon’s typical dessert). And if you’re obsessed with chocolate, you can find the finest there.

But be warned, prices can be expensive, but you’ll find nothing but high-quality products there.

24. See a Play at the Lyon National Opera

Located on the Place de la Comédie on the Presqu’île, close to the Place des Terreaux, the Opera of Lyon is a stunning building you’ll easily recognize because of its unusual architecture, half historic and half contemporary. This is because it was built in 1831, and then renovated in 1993.

Anyway, the Opera of Lyon hosts exceptional shows of opera, dance but also music concerts that you’ll love attending in this wonderful place. You can also only visit it, without attending a show if you prefer.

25. Go on a Day Trip from Lyon

Another advantage of Lyon is its very good location in Southeastern France. From Lyon, you can access lots of regions within only a few hours drive such as the Alps, Burgundy, Ardèche, Provence, or even Switzerland. This makes Lyon a perfect starting point for a France road trip!

So, if you’re spending enough time in Lyon to visit other places around, here are some of the best and closest destinations from Lyon:

• Walibi Rhône Alpes: it’s a popular amusement park located only 1-hour drive from Lyon. If you don’t have a car, you can use shuttles that depart almost every day from Lyon Bellecour.
• Beaujolais:  famous for its Beaujolais Nouveau wine, guided tours are organized through Lyon’s region to discover its vineyards and taste its traditional dishes.
• Annecy: it’s a must-see city in France located only a 1h30 drive from Lyon and 2 hours by train.
• Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry: only 1h15 hours drive, great destination for nature and mountain lovers.
• Genève in Switzerland: only a 1h30 drive and 2 hours by train.
• Marseille: France’s 2nd largest city is located about 4 hours drive from Lyon, but only 2 hours by train.

Is Lyon France Worth Visiting?

Lyon, the 3rd-largest city in France, is a captivating destination celebrated for its culinary delights and thriving metropolitan ambiance.

Brimming with history, culture, and remarkable landmarks some dating back to ancient times, Lyon boasts 500 hectares of UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Its distinctive charm is further enhanced by the presence of traboules, these enchanting hidden passageways found only in Lyon.

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is also one of the few cities to be crossed by 2 rivers, creating a unique landscape.

With its abundant attractions and undeniable allure, Lyon is a city that is truly worth a visit, at least once in a lifetime.

Ready to go? Check out here our top travel resources we always use to plan our trip.

Best Time to Visit Lyon

Lyon is one of the few places you can visit all year round. Thanks to its good climate and the wide range of activities offered in all seasons, you’ll never be bored, whatever the weather.

But here are some tips to visit Lyon at the best time for you:

➡️ Lyon’s weather is at its best from April to October, but prefer Spring (from April to June) or Fall (September-October) to visit the city without sweating.

➡️ Avoid school vacations if you can. Lyon can be a bit crowded during these periods, so again, prefer visiting in Fall.

➡️ Depending on what you’re coming for in Lyon, some periods may be more favorable. For example, if you’re coming to enjoy the nightlife, summer is more appropriate. But above all, Lyon has 2 events listed above that are major: the Nuits de Fourvière which takes place in Summer, and the Festival of Lights in December.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Lyon?

To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to spend 3 days in Lyon. This allows for 2 days of exploring the city and its main attractions, and a day for a leisurely park visit or a day trip in the nearby area.

However, if you wish to delve into the city’s museums, extending your stay in Lyon to 4 days would provide ample time to fully appreciate some of them.

How to Get to Lyon?

There are several ways available to get to Lyon:

✈️ By air

Lyon is home to France’s 4th largest airport, Lyon Saint-Exupéry located about 25 km from the city center. You can reach it from most major cities in France and even Europe.

While prices vary depending on your departure city, you’ll be well advised to plan ahead and use a flight comparison service such as Skyscanner (my fav tool) to find tickets at the best price.

From the airport, you can take any of these means below to reach Lyon city center:

• Rhône-Express tramway: it connects to Part-Dieu station in 30 min only, but it is a bit expensive (16,30€ one way)
• Bus 47: take tramway T3 to Meyzieux and then bus 47 (this is the cheapest option)
• Taxi: 30min drive to the city center; count between 45€ and 55€ depending on where you go in Lyon

🚆 By train

Lyon has 2 train stations, Lyon Part-Dieu, and Lyon-Perrache. Both are served by frequent trains from many French and European cities. For example: from Paris, you can reach Lyon within 2h30, and 5 hours from Strasbourg.

Not only is the train a sustainable means of transport, but it also takes you directly to the city center. How convenient!

🚌 By Bus

The Lyon-Perrache bus station operates several bus companies such as FlixBus, Eurolines, or Ouibus from various French cities. As with air travel, ticket prices vary according to your departure city.

How to Get Around in Lyon?

➡️ The city of Lyon is very well equipped for public transport with 4 metro lines (a 5th is planned), 5 tramway lines, 2 funicular railway lines, and over 120 bus lines.

For tourists wanting unlimited use of this network, the Lyon City Pass is the best deal, as it also gives access to many of the city’s attractions. Alternatively, other types of tickets are available from stations, bus drivers, or on the app (tickets cost 2€ each, and 10-ticket book costs 19€).

➡️ Another way to get around Lyon is to use Velo’v, the self-service bicycle you’ll find all over the city. The initial 30 min are free (60 minutes for Lyon City Pass cardholders), with subsequent half-hours costing 1€ and each additional half-hour priced at 2€.

👉 The best way to get around in Lyon is to combine walking with public transportation.

The old town is almost only accessible by foot anyway, and you’ll find buses or metro everywhere to get outside of it. But just so you know, there are lots of sloping areas and the city is big, so make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes!

Visiting Lyon on a Budget?

While accommodation in Lyon may be pricey, it’s worth noting that you can explore the city on a budget.

By walking through the city, you’ll be able to discover it in the best possible way! You can even enjoy a free mini zoo at the Parc de la Tête d’Or, where you can also visit its greenhouses and gardens and stroll through its alleys.

For food, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, such as the local boulangeries, where you can taste some of the great classics of French gastronomy. And if you’re interested in trying traditional Lyonnais cuisine at a bouchon, opt for lunchtime when prices are often more reasonable.

If you have very limited time in Lyon, the most cost-effective option is to visit the city is to take a 1-hour boat tour on the Saone River 👉 Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise 👈

Where to Eat in Lyon?

Going to Lyon means tasting a bouchon. But you have to be careful when choosing one, so here are a few tips:

1. Avoid the bouchons where there aren’t many people, that’s a bad sign; 
2. Avoid those where there are only tourists, there should be locals too; 
3. Avoid those presented on all the TV shows as the holders of the true tradition of the bouchon. They often are not that good and very expensive

And here are our best recommendations on where to eat in Lyon, bouchons or not: 

• Le Musée, 2 rue des Forces, 69002 Lyon
• Chez Paul, rue Major Martin, 69001 Lyon
• Café Comptoir Abel, 25 rue Guynemer, 69002 Lyon
• Food Traboule, 22 Rue du Bœuf, 69005 Lyon 
• Boulangerie Pralus for its incredible pink praline brioches, honestly the best I ever had! 

Be sure to check that these places are open before you go, and whether you need to make a reservation. Some are not open all the time, especially on the weekend, and others are very popular, so it’s best to book in advance.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Lyon; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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