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 amphitheater. It’s one of the venues for the Fourvière Nights Festival, a summer celebration of music, dance and theater.
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
Lyon City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Groupama Stadium and Bellecour Square. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.
Old Lyon
Take time in Old Lyon to visit attractions like Groupama Stadium and Lyon Cathedral. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.
La Presqu'île
La Presqu'île is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Groupama Stadium and Place Carnot. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station.
3rd Arrondissement
Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Groupama Stadium and Part Dieu Mall 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.
7th Arrondissement
7th Arrondissement is well-liked for its cafes and theaters. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Groupama Stadium and Halle Tony Garnier are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Debourg Station or Place Jean Jaures Station to get around.
2nd Arrondissement
Travelers 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 Groupama Stadium and Place Carnot.
Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2023
Reviewed on Sep. 4, 2023
Reviewed on Sep. 13, 2023
Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2023
Reviewed on Sep. 14, 2023
Reviewed on Sep. 11, 2023
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lyon National Opera
Watch a performance or tour the interior of this unusual opera house, which dramatically combines traditional and modern architectural styles.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Lyon’s crowning glory, this monumental church stands atop Fourvière hill and provides fabulous panoramas of the city.
Reviews of Lyon
5/5 - Excellent
A treasure!
4/5 - Good
Good insight into contemporary French culture. A city which continues to evolve and change with the times.
5/5 - Excellent
Very friendly and beautiful city.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful city with very welcoming people. Take also the time to visit the vineyard regions surrounding Lyon. Lovely landscapes and wines.
4/5 - Good
Beautiful city and people very warm and friendly
3/5 - Okay
Beautiful city centre, lots of shopping area, nice bridges and wonderful scenery. People were very helpful but knew very little English. We got lucky and managed to get around. The restaurants we had meals at had great food and very good service.
