Art festivals and museums dedicated to filmmaking, a medieval old town and Roman ruins Lyon’s attractions are varied and showcased in style. Situated in east-central France, Lyon is a scenic city its beauty starts from the surrounding hills of La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière, and spills down to the banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers, which split the city into districts.The city has an excellent public transport system so getting around is easy. Trains, buses and the subway stop at major attractions. There’s also a public bicycle rental system: Vélo'v.
Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district on foot. It’s one of Europe’s largest areas of Renaissance architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets such as Rue St. Jean where you will find an example of Lyon’s famous traboules, covered passageways built through houses. At the end of Rue St.-Jean is the majestic Lyon Cathedral, built between 1180 and 1480.
Ride the cable railway to Fourvière hilltop. Check out the views of the city and Rhône Valley from the lookout at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Look for the ancient Roman amphitheatre. It’s one of the venues for the Fourvière Nights Festival, a summer celebration of music, dance and theatre.
Go to La Croix-Rousse to see the old silk-weaving district. At the foot of the hill is Place des Terreaux, a central square with the City Hall, St. Peter's Palace and the Bartholdi Fountain. Cross the river to Parc de la Tete d’Or, a beautiful green space with a small zoo.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the Lumière Institute. Motion picture pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière had factories on this site. A museum exhibits the brothers’ cinematography achievements. Watch classic movies and attend exhibitions during the annual Festival Lumière in October.
Be sure to experience Lyon’s famous culinary scene. Try Lyonnais dishes, such as veal kidneys, at one of the city’s famous bouchons. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market named after an acclaimed French chef. Here you can sample cheese and wine, pâté and pastries from local sellers.
Lyon
Where to stay in Lyon
Lyon City Centre
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Textile Museum to Bellecour Square – discover Lyon City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Old Lyon
If you're spending time in Old Lyon, you might enjoy attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Cinema and Miniature Museum. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.
La Presqu'île
Textile Museum and Place Carnot are top sights in La Presqu'île, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station to see more sights in the area.
3rd Arrondissement
Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Part Dieu Mall and Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dauphine - Lacassagne Tram Stop or Archives Départementales Tram Stop to see more of the city.
2nd Arrondissement
Travellers love 2nd Arrondissement for its popular shops, and you can see more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Place des Archives or Sainte-Blandine Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Place Carnot and Textile Museum.
6th Arrondissement
Consider a visit to Tête d'Or Park and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in 6th Arrondissement. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Massena Station or Foch Station.
Reviewed on 3 Apr,2024
Reviewed on 28 Apr,2024
Reviewed on 1 Apr,2024
Reviewed on 3 Apr,2024
Reviewed on 28 Apr,2024
Reviewed on 9 Oct,2023
Popular places to visit
Tête d'Or Park
Complete your Lyon visit with several hours in this delightful spot, a combination of botanical gardens, grassy public spaces and a zoo.
Bellecour Square
Relax at a café in one of Europe’s largest open squares and enjoy the French ambiance generated by street performers and live music.
Part Dieu Mall
During your visit to Lyon, you can do some window-shopping at Part Dieu Mall. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Place des Terreaux
Life unfolds in this beautiful and busy central square, home to a superb fountain sculpted by Statue of Liberty designer, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi.
Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
The symbol of Lyon and the seat of its government is a stunning 17th-century building with a history of swamps, fires and revolutions.
Musée des Confluences
You can browse the exhibits at Musée des Confluences, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Lyon. Visit the area's shops or amble around its riverfront.
Things to do
Lyon: Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular
Vieux Lyon 4-Hour Food Tasting Tour
Market Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch with Chef in a Private Atelier
Downtown Lyon Food Tour with Local Food Guide
Reviews of Lyon
5/5 - Excellent
Lovely laid back city where nothing was too much from the locals. I’ll be going again.
5/5 - Excellent
Excellent city, was cold when we were there for the rugby, but friendly and easy to get around, the Metro is clean, safe and cheap.
5/5 - Excellent
It is a cosmopolitan city, exciting nightlife. Love it!
5/5 - Excellent
The Basilica walk is well worth it. Go inside for a stunning experience
5/5 - Excellent
Excellent food especially in bouchons but need to reserve.
5/5 - Excellent
Food was amazing everywhere we went...
