Things to do in Lyon

New to Lyon? Here are the best things to do while you're there.

Lyon Guide Vetted By Our travel experts

Start with the Top Sights in Lyon

If you're in Lyon to see the sights, you can't miss any of these.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

⭐️ 4.6 (51789)

La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

⭐️ 4.7 (26990)

Place Bellecour

⭐️ 4.4 (21523)

Musée des Confluences

⭐️ 4.5 (19085)

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

⭐️ 4.6 (11603)

Musée Cinéma et Miniature

⭐️ 4.7 (10199)

Fresque des Lyonnais

⭐️ 4.6 (5107)

Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière

⭐️ 4.6 (4915)

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

⭐️ 4.6 (4686)

Mur des Canuts

⭐️ 4.6 (4516)

Bartholdi Fountain

⭐️ 4.5 (2577)

The top affordable restaurants in Lyon

Discover a variety of budget-friendly dining options in Lyon city, offering delicious cuisine without breaking the bank.

La Tête De Lard

⭐️ 4.4 (900)

Price Range: $$

Flair Restaurant

⭐️ 4.8 (824)

Price Range: $$

Aromatic Restaurant

⭐️ 4.7 (738)

Price Range: $$

Les saveurs du Bistrot

⭐️ 4.7 (650)

Price Range: $$

Le Comptoir Des Cousins

⭐️ 4.7 (607)

Price Range: $$

La Mère Léa

⭐️ 4.4 (601)

Price Range: $$

Restaurant Imouto

⭐️ 4.4 (583)

Price Range: $$

L'Atelier des Augustins

⭐️ 4.7 (571)

Price Range: $$

Le Poivron Bleu

⭐️ 4.8 (568)

Price Range: $$

Copains Copines sur la Colline - Restaurant Bistronomique Lyon - www.copainscopinessurlacolline.fr

⭐️ 4.7 (505)

Price Range: $$

Les Apothicaires

⭐️ 4.7 (493)

Price Range: $$

Checkout these incredible local experiences in Lyon

These are curated, high quality experiences in Lyon hosted by locals!

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Tour

Discover lyon in an unusual way

Escape Game, the enigmas of the Hôtel Dieu

No Diet Club - Our best food tour in Lyon

Lyon Food Tour - Go for an afternoon Old Town foodie walk

Wine Tasting and food pairing in a local cheese shop in Lyon

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Tour

Secrets of the traboules and local snack

Lyon Food Tour - Explore Old Town with foodies

Presqu'île tour and local wine tasting in cozy wine bar

End your night in some of the best bars in Lyon

Discover the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Lyon, curated exclusively for you.

The Elephant & Castle

⭐️ 4.2 (1778)

Price Range: $$

The King Arthur

⭐️ 4.3 (1406)

Price Range: $$

MOS - Maker of Stories

⭐️ 4.2 (1332)

Price Range: $$

Le Flan' Ruin Pub

⭐️ 4.1 (1135)

Price Range: $$

Berthom Old Lyon

⭐️ 4.5 (1055)

Price Range: $$

Les Berthom Lyon Opéra

⭐️ 4.5 (1054)

Price Range: $$

Crazy Dog - Lyon Terreaux

⭐️ 4.1 (868)

Price Range: $$

The Monkey Club Cocktail Bar

⭐️ 4.4 (862)

Price Range: $$$

Big White

⭐️ 4.3 (807)

Price Range: $$

Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits

⭐️ 4.5 (723)

Price Range: $$

L' Antiquaire

⭐️ 4.6 (695)

Price Range: $$$

Pick from the best places to stay in Lyon

If you're looking for some of the best hotels in Lyon you've come to the right place.

InterContinental Lyo...

#1 of 116 hotels in...

Hotel De Verdun 1882...

#2 of 116 hotels in...

Villa Maïa

#3 of 116 hotels in...

Hôtel de l'Abbaye - ...

#4 of 116 hotels in...

Bayard Bellecour

#5 of 116 hotels in...

Cour des Loges Lyon,...

#6 of 116 hotels in...

Villa Florentine

#7 of 116 hotels in...

Hôtel Vaubecour

#8 of 116 hotels in...

Centre Jean Bosco

#9 of 116 hotels in...

Hotel Saint Vincent

#10 of 116 hotels i...

Check out these bookable attractions in Lyon

These are some of the best tours, museums, and activities in Lyon.

Admission to the Musée des Confluences

City Tram Tour

Vieux Lyon Walking Tour

Haunted Places and Ghost Stories Game

Lyon City Card

Pedicab Tour of Lyon

La Croix-Rousse District Tour

Lyon City Card

Historic Neighborhoods Walking Tour

Fourvière Hill and Roman Ruins Audio App Tour

Looking for unforgettable fine-dining experiences in Lyon?

Hungry? We've got the best rated, the best of the best.

Restaurant Gastronomique Christian Tetedoie

⭐️ 4.4 (2794)

Price Range: $$$

L'Institution

⭐️ 3.9 (2007)

Price Range: $$$

La Mère Brazier

⭐️ 4.7 (952)

Price Range: $$$$

Restaurant Léon de Lyon

⭐️ 4.2 (949)

Price Range: $$$

Le Petit Carron

⭐️ 4.3 (693)

Price Range: $$$

Le Neuvième Art

⭐️ 4.8 (637)

Price Range: $$$$

RESTAURANT Takao Takano

⭐️ 4.7 (556)

Price Range: $$$

L'Alexandrin

⭐️ 4.7 (521)

Price Range: $$$

Restaurant Pierre Orsi

⭐️ 4.4 (496)

Price Range: $$$$

Burgundy by Matthieu

⭐️ 4.8 (486)

Price Range: $$$

PRaiRiaL

⭐️ 4.7 (479)

Price Range: $$$

Frequently asked questions:

  1. Explore the city's iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and its spectacular tile-dome views.
  2. Stroll through the enchanting old town, Vieux Lyon, to experience its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and bustling atmosphere.
  3. Discover the many Lyon Museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Museum of the Resistance, the confluence Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.

Lyon is a great city for a visit all year round. The best time to visit, however, is during the city's annual Fête des Lumières festival in December, when illuminated art installations and light shows brighten up the streets. Another great time to visit is in the summer months when temperatures are hot and sunny and the city is full of vibrant energy.

Lyon, France is the perfect destination for a short break or a longer, more leisurely holiday. With so much to see and experience, this vibrant city is the ideal place to spend three to five days making the most of its attractions. While there, be sure to visit the Roman ruins, two World Heritage sites, museums and galleries, iconic churches, unbeatable cuisine and outdoor activities, for a truly memorable stay.

Lyon is a great city to explore with plenty of options for getting around. The best way to move around the city is by the extensive Metro and tram network, giving access to all the main tourist attractions. For those who want to explore further afield, the city has a reliable bus service which links the outskirts to the city centre. Additionally, bike rentals are a great, cheap, and eco-friendly way to get around.

Lyon has a range of family-friendly attractions that appeal to children of all ages. Kids will love exploring the ancient Roman theatre, admiring the vibrant street art of the Croix Rousse district, and marveling at the impressive scale of the city's Lyon Cathedral. Families can also enjoy leisurely boat rides along the River Saone, uncovering stunning views as they cruise along.

We've actually curated a complete list of the best bars in Lyon. To start off we'd have to mention Black Forest Society, L' Antiquaire, Bar Le Florian, Cocktails & Spirits. Check out our page on the best bars in Lyon.

Not sure where Lyon is? Play around with this map:

Continue exploring Lyon:

With Kids

For Couples

Want to find a new city to explore? Visit these underrated cities:

Toulouse

Nice

Nantes

Montpellier