What to do in Lyon

Activities, attractions and tours

Lyon which includes a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Lyon which includes a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Confluence Museum
Lyon Opera which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views

Lyon Attractions

Perpetually prepared for inventive ways to get your kicks and expand your horizons, you're eager to check out new territory like the savvy traveller you are. It's not challenging to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Canada can connect you with tons of things to do. Find and book your activities now, and the only thing left to do is count the days until your trip and prepare to have fun!

  • Book your favourite tours on Expedia Canada for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a dream hotel or fine dinner while you're travelling. The things to do in Lyon are not only perfect for you, but they won't cost an arm and a leg. We have 255 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just CA $5 .
  • Lyon is popular among travellers like yourself. In fact, many travellers have been visiting to learn about local culture and find the top activities, and a good percentage of them can't wait to return. The top things to do can grab the curiosity of even experienced explorers, and it's not hard to see why. Our list includes a wide variety of entertainment and opportunities for adventure. From foodie tours like Beaujolais Tour & Wine tasting to unequalled ways to explore the best this area has to offer like a Croix-Rousse Guided Walking Tour, there is an abundance of active options at your fingertips when you review the activities list here at Expedia Canada.

Our activities are the perfect way to organize your holiday. It takes an expert itinerary to make the most of a trip to Lyon, especially when you want to pack in plenty of local cuisine and entertainment. And it's evident that you're itching to explore every avenue—you're excited to get out and take it all in. You're anxious to sign up for the best activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Book professional regional tours on Expedia Canada, and you'll never get lost.


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Top places to visit

1. Bellecour Square

Bellecour Square is an enormous square that serves as the central hub of Lyon. Join locals and other travelers at this common meeting spot on a peninsula between the city’s two rivers. Gaze up at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV standing proudly in the heart of the plaza.
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La Presqu\'ile featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture

2. Tête d'Or Park

Tête d’Or Parc is to Lyon as Central Park is to New York, a favorite spot to escape city bustle and find new treasures in every corner. Plan family outings or daily jogs in this lovely green space.
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Tete d\'Or Park

3. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

Be sure to visit the City Hall of Lyon (Hôtel de Ville de Lyon) on your journey through this historic city. The magnificent structure has a rich legacy of stories and an elegant façade that causes visitors to stop and stare. Come to see the stunning exterior, then explore the surrounding square to see further examples of gorgeous Lyonnais art and architecture.
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Hôtel de Ville de Lyon featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a square or plaza

4. Place des Terreaux

Terreaux Square (Place des Terreaux) is a bustling and busy square where both city inhabitants and tourists convene. Make this your starting point to visit major shopping streets, restaurants, bars and cafés, as well as the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
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City hall (Hotel de Ville) in the French city of Lyon.; Shutterstock ID 569898535; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

5. Lyon National Opera

The Opéra de Lyon or Nouvel Opera is an eye-catching building that incorporates an original 19th-century façade and foyer with a striking modern extension. A remarkable architectural feat that blends old and new, the opera house can be further explored on a tour or by buying tickets for a show.
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Lyon Opera featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

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What to do in Lyon


Discover the most popular places to visit in Lyon

Explore areas of Lyon

Textile Museum

Lyon City Centre

Lyon City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Bellecour Square and Place Carnot. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.

Lyon City Centre
Lyon which includes a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek

Old Lyon

5/5(16 area reviews)

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.

Old Lyon
Excellent view of the setting sun on the 2 iconic « Gratte Ciel » in downtown LYON #lifeatexpedia #lyon #spring

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu

While you're in Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu, take in top sights like Bellecour Square and jump on the metro at Bellecour Station to see more of the city.

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu
Lyon, France

3rd Arrondissement

4/5(34 area reviews)

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.

3rd Arrondissement
La Presqu\'ile showing cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

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.

La Presqu'île
Lyon showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Les Cordeliers

Lyon’s architectural highlights are strewn across this meeting point of wealth, religion and gastronomy. Visit the bank headquarters and medieval church.

Les Cordeliers

 

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Day trip destinations from Lyon

Frequently asked questions

Is Lyon worth visiting?
Offering a blend of festivals and dining, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon. While you're here, check out Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Lyon?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Lugdunum and Lyon Aquarium, spend some time exploring Lyon's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lyon?
Don't leave without exploring Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, ranked the top tourist attraction in Lyon.
Is three days enough to stay in Lyon?
Three days in Lyon is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend two days on average. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Lyon Cathedral and Lugdunum are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Colombier-Saugnieu.
Is Lyon a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Lyon. Several key attractions, like Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and Lyon Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Lyon's neighbourhoods, Lyon City Centre is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while 2nd Arrondissement is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lyon with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Lyon with kids.

What to do in Lyon for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon for adults including Hôtel de Ville de Lyon and Halle Tony Garnier.
Are there free things to do in Lyon?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Lyon is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Historic Site of Lyon is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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