Things to do in Lyon

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

Content reviewed by our editors

Start with the Top Sights in Lyon

You can't really visit Lyon without first exploring these local favorites!

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)

Restaurants in Lyon recommended by locals that don't break the bank

These restaurants have been picked based on their price:quality ratio. Quality will be exceptional and the price won't be outrageous ;)

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

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: $$$

Want to meet new people in Lyon? Checkout these Meetup events:

These are local events in Lyon hosted by locals! (This list is updated on a weekly basis.)

1ere rencontre de l'atelier !

Date: May 23

People going: 4

Hello, l'Atelier se reuni pour la premiere fois. Discussions ouverte sur le couple, ses defits et les differentes for...

How to Cut Product Development Costs ...

Date: May 25

People going: 1

This event is organized by TechSpeak. Our meetup group is collaborating by promoting this event. This event is FREE...

Lyon - Meet and Play mai 2023

Date: May 28

People going: 2

Hello à toutes et à tous! Nous organisons une nouvelle permanence au **centre LGBTI+ de Lyon** ! Venez saisir vos pl...

Meet new people around a drink

Date: May 28

People going: 1

Meet new people and make friends around a drink :) Our events are free, just order at least 1 drink to participate.

Le Repaire de L'humour-Plateau d'humo...

Date: May 31

People going: 3

Hello je vous invite à découvrir une scène ouverte d'humour (métro hôtel de ville) 5 humoristes se relayent sur la s...

L'impro dont vous êtes le Héros-antid...

Date: May 31

People going: 1

Hello je vous invite à un spectacle d'impro de la compagnie impro fusion. Ce sont des improvisateurs pour la plupart ...

Apéro Entrepreneurs : Discutez et rés...

Date: Jun 06

People going: 68

Back to basics ! L'Apéro Entrepreneurs reprend ses titres de noblesses au **Biniou du 6**, qui l'a vu prendre forme ...

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.

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

Want to continue exploring? Visit these underrated cities:

Toulouse

Nice

Nantes

Montpellier