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Lyon, France

Destination Guide

Lyon

France

Best things to do in Lyon

20 curated attractions in Lyon, France. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

13°C/55°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Lyon

Lyon is often dubbed France's food capital, a title earned through its culinary history and the famous Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, where you can grab everything from fine cheese to charcuterie. This dual heritage as both a gastronomic hub and a historic city is shaped by its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, leading to a diverse array of influences and flavors. The city's layout features a labyrinth of traboules, secret passageways that connect different streets, which were handy for silk traders in the past. Vieux Lyon, with its Renaissance buildings, sits next to the modern bustle of the Part-Dieu shopping area, showing how the old and new coexist. People come to eat, whether that means dining in a traditional bouchon or sampling treats at one of the many markets and cafes sprinkled throughout the city.

Who it's for

Food lovers and cultural enthusiasts will find plenty to savor. The city is less suited for those seeking a quiet retreat or a beach vacation, as the gastronomic fervor can mean busy streets and packed restaurants. If you are looking for a peaceful escape, you may want to look elsewhere.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The old town is compact and best explored on foot, taking about thirty minutes to walk from one end to the other
  • Metro lines connect major areas efficiently, running every few minutes
  • The train station, Lyon Part-Dieu, is central but can be crowded during rush hours
  • Expect to get turned around in the traboules; they are very much a maze
Fourvière Roman Theatre

Fourvière Roman Theatre

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Mur des Canuts (Fresco of Lyon)

Mur des Canuts (Fresco of Lyon)

Fountains, statues & public art
Opéra de Lyon

Opéra de Lyon

Theatres & opera houses
Parc de la Tête d'Or

Parc de la Tête d'Or

City parks
Confluence Museum

Confluence Museum

Science & natural history museums
Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Old towns & historic quarters
Musée Gadagne (history museum)

Musée Gadagne (history museum)

History museums
Roman Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Roman Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Traboules (hidden passageways)

Traboules (hidden passageways)

Streets & neighbourhoods
Parc de Gerland

Parc de Gerland

City parks
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Art museums & galleries
Institut Lumière

Institut Lumière

Specialty & quirky museums
Croix-Rousse

Croix-Rousse

Streets & neighbourhoods
Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour

Squares & plazas
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Food markets & food halls
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Churches & cathedrals
Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Specialty & quirky museums
Cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Churches & cathedrals
Tony Garnier Urban Museum

Tony Garnier Urban Museum

Street art districts
Westfield La Part-Dieu

Westfield La Part-Dieu

Malls & department stores

Where to eat in Lyon

The places worth planning a meal around.

Le Rooftop

Le Rooftop

French, cocktails · $$$

★ 3.8 · 71 reviews

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