Welcome to Lyon, the city that instantly captured our hearts with its perfect blend of history, culture, and world-class cuisine. As the gastronomic capital of the world, we promise your senses will be spoiled, but the city offers so much more than just incredible food.
We’ve put together our personal guide to the essential things to do in Lyon, full of practical tips and the must-see spots we cherished. Prepare for a memorable journey through its Renaissance streets and charming hidden corners!
We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
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Practical Tips for Planning Our Lyon Trip
Before we dive into the incredible things to do in Lyon, let’s cover the essential logistics to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. We found that a little planning saved us a lot of time and hassle on the ground.
- Best Time to Visit: We highly recommend visiting in the late spring or early autumn. The weather is pleasant for walking, and the city feels vibrant without the intense summer heat and crowds. The atmosphere is perfect for leisurely exploring all the great things to do in Lyon.
That said, you absolutely cannot miss visiting in early December for the internationally famous Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights). This incredible four-day event attracts millions of visitors, as the city’s most important buildings become canvases for spectacular, massive light shows and projections.
- Getting Around: We relied heavily on Lyon’s excellent public transport system, which includes the metro, tram, and funicular. Purchasing the Lyon City Card simplified our travel and granted us access to many museums and sites. For the central areas, however, we found walking to be the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
- Where We Recommend Staying:
- La Presqu’île: This central peninsula is where we felt most connected to the energy of the city. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to shopping and dining while exploring the main things to do in Lyon.
- Vieux Lyon (Old Town): If history is our priority, staying in this UNESCO district is a must. The Renaissance architecture is stunning, creating a deeply charming and intimate base for our daily explorations.
- La Croix-Rousse: For a more local, bohemian feel, this hilltop neighborhood is fantastic. It has a village atmosphere and is slightly quieter, offering a unique perspective on Lyonnais life.
- Essential Preparations: We made sure to pack very comfortable shoes, as the city involves a lot of walking, especially on the cobblestones of Old Lyon. Learning a few simple French phrases, like merci and s’il vous plaît, made our interactions with locals much warmer.
Iconic and Unique Sightseeing: The Best Things to Do in Lyon
Here are the unforgettable experiences we think truly capture the essence of the city.
Wander the Hidden Traboules of Vieux Lyon
Our favorite activity in the historic Vieux Lyon was discovering the traboules, the secret covered walkways. They’re basically hidden shortcuts used by the silk weavers centuries ago to transport their goods.
Hunting for the entrances to these tunnels is a thrilling scavenger hunt and one of the most unique things to do in Lyon. Make sure you stop at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral to see the stunning astronomical clock, too.
Ascend Fourvière Hill and Visit its Basilica
Taking the funicular up to Fourvière Hill is non-negotiable! The massive Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is stunningly ornate, but the real reward is the view. Standing on that terrace, you can see the whole city spread out / a truly unforgettable perspective on all the things to do in Lyon.
Afterward, we walked around the remarkably preserved ancient Gallo-Roman theaters right nearby. The Parc des Hauteurs is also worth visiting for its views, and you can either go on your way up to the Basilica or right after visiting it!
Discover Lyon’s Rich Architectural Churches
Beyond the majestic Fourvière, Lyon offers a stunning collection of historic churches and cathedrals that trace its history as a religious center. We found that exploring these spiritual landmarks is one of the most rewarding things to do in Lyon.
The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Vieux Lyon is unmissable, boasting both Romanesque and Gothic styles, and featuring its famed astronomical clock.
In the Presqu’île, the Église Saint-Nizier is a beautiful Flamboyant Gothic structure built over one of Lyon’s earliest Christian sites, while the ancient Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay is a peaceful 11th-century Romanesque marvel. Each church tells a unique story of the city’s past through its impressive architecture and serene interiors.
Take a Guided Gourmet Food Tour
We think the best way to understand Lyon is truly through its stomach, which is why a dedicated food tour is essential.
Our guide, for instance, led us through the historic district of Vieux Lyon on a Gourmet Food Tour, where we were introduced to authentic bouchons and local markets, sampling regional specialties like saucisson de Lyon and creamy quenelles.
This deep dive into the culinary scene is one of the most immersive things to do in Lyon.
If that specific experience doesn’t suit your schedule, there are also many other well-rated tours available. Here the best we could find:
Visit the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema
Located in the heart of Old Lyon, this museum is unexpectedly delightful. We were absolutely blown away by the hyper-realistic miniature sets; the detail in these tiny scenes is incredible.
Then, you step into a world of movie magic, recognizing famous props and costumes from iconic films – it’s easily one of the most surprising and fun things to do in Lyon.
Indulge in an Authentic Lyonnais Brunch Experience
You simply cannot visit France’s gastronomic capital without dedicating a morning to brunch! It’s easily one of the most delicious things to do in Lyon.
Forget a skimpy Parisian breakfast; this is a glorious, multi-course feast that the city has truly embraced and made its own.
While the city’s modern brunch spots offer everything from fluffy American-style pancakes and Eggs Benedict to international flavors like Turkish eggs, the true spirit is the blend of local tradition.
You’ll often find both savory and sweet dishes presented together, letting you perfectly combine flavors in the Lyonnais spirit of generosity. Look out for local specialties like sliced Rosette de Lyon (cured sausage) and the herbed fresh cheese Cervelle de Canut alongside endless pastries and, crucially, a slice of the famous pink praline tart.
It’s a wonderfully leisurely and fulfilling way to spend a weekend morning, setting you up perfectly for a full day of sightseeing.
Best brunch places in Lyon:
- Bartholomé : votre brunch – very famous in Lyon with more classical brunch plates such as Eggs Benedict, Turkish eggs, pancakes etc.
- Yummy Pancakes – one of the best places for pancakes in Lyon
- DS Café Lyon – very famous and well-rated restaurant that also offers some brunch options
- Milk & pug – they have a brunch menu for 26€/pp that includes 2 drinks, granola bowl, pancakes and a dessert.
Cruise the Rivers Rhône and Saône
For a relaxing break from all the walking, we highly recommend taking a river cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers. Seeing the city from the water provides a completely different, beautiful angle of the architecture, gliding past landmarks like the colorful Fresco of the Lyonnais and the majestic Fourvière Basilica perched atop its hill.
You can easily fit a quick 1-hour sightseeing cruise into your itinerary for a delightful perspective of Lyon’s banks. You can check this high-rated tour’s availability here:
However, for a truly immersive experience, we loved the idea of making the cruise part of a dining experience! Combining the scenic journey with a nice meal makes for a truly memorable occasion.
You can treat yourself to a delicious 2.5-hour Lunch Cruise for a midday indulgence or, for something truly special, enjoy the romance of a 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise as the city lights up – we found it to be a very nice and relaxing way to conclude a day of exploration.
Explore the Architectural Wonder of Musée des Confluences
The building itself is a masterpiece! Located where the two rivers merge, the modern, futuristic architecture of the Musée des Confluences is a powerful contrast to the Old Town.
We enjoyed exploring the fascinating exhibitions inside, which cover everything from natural history to anthropology, but the striking design of the structure is a sightseeing must-see.
Wander Through Parc de la Tête d’Or
If you need a break from the city bustle, this huge park is Lyon’s green heart. We spent a lovely afternoon wandering through the enormous rose garden and walking along the lake.
They even have a small, free zoo and places to rent a rowboat. It’s a beautifully tranquil escape and one of the most relaxing things to do in Lyon.
Dive into Silk History at La Croix-Rousse Workshops
The hills of La Croix-Rousse were once the hub of Europe’s silk trade. We found visiting a working silk shop or museum, like Soierie Vivante, to be incredibly fascinating.
You can see the old Jacquard looms in action and appreciate the artistry that built much of Lyon’s wealth – a truly unique cultural experience.
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts
If you love art, don’t miss Lyon’s Musée des Beaux-Arts, often cited as one of France’s best outside of Paris. It’s housed in a stunning former convent and holds an impressive collection spanning from antiquity to modern art.
We spent hours here appreciating masterpieces by artists like Veronese, Rembrandt, and Picasso. It’s a cultured and enriching one of the things to do in Lyon.
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
Final Words
Lyon is simply a stunning city that truly engages all your senses. It invites you to wander its historical paths, relax by its flowing rivers, and, most importantly, savor every bite of its glorious food. We hope our personal list of the best things to do in Lyon helps you craft a trip as memorable and delicious as ours was. Bon voyage!