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 Textile Museum 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
Explore the largest Renaissance district in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring three sections: Saint Jean, Saint Paul, and Saint Georges. Discover museums, traboules, and historic churches, with Gare Saint-Paul as a transportation hub.
La Presqu'île
Explore numerous cafés, restaurants, and luxury shops in this UNESCO-listed central part of Lyon. Visit cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy a quiet urban oasis at the public garden in St. Pierre Palace.
3rd Arrondissement
Discover the 3rd arrondissement's impressive towers, such as Tour Part-Dieu and Tour Oxygène, and enjoy cultural venues like Auditorium Maurice-Ravel and Théâtre de la Tête d'Or. Easily navigate with Metro Lines B and D, and Tramway T1 and T3.
2nd Arrondissement
Lively and commercial, the 2nd arrondissement boasts notable places like Place Bellecour and Musée des Confluences. Easily accessible via metro and tram lines, it's also home to Lyon-Perrache station.
6th Arrondissement
Discover the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, where you can explore Église Saint-Pothin, Gare des Brotteaux, and Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon. Easily navigate the area using metro and tram lines.
Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2024
Reviewed on May 11, 2024
Reviewed on Apr. 3, 2024
Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2024
Reviewed on Apr. 3, 2024
Reviewed on Oct. 9, 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 enjoy retail therapy 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
5 Course Rooftop Dinner with Spectacular View of Lyon
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
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.
