Lyon Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Lyon, where history meets gastronomy, boasts UNESCO-listed Old Town, vibrant markets, and the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Explore its rich culinary scene and enjoy scenic river views.
With 285+ hand-picked places to explore, Lyon rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Lyon
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Mur des Canuts — a monumental fresco honoring Lyon's silk workers, showcasing intricate details and community life. Just as worthwhile is Palais de la Bourse: integrate a visit to Palais de la Bourse into a leisurely exploration of Lyon's historic center. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon completes the picture: ideal for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this site showcases Lyon's rich heritage.
Mur des Canuts
Lyon • Monuments & Statues
A monumental fresco honoring Lyon's silk workers, showcasing intricate details and community life.
Palais de la Bourse
Lyon • Historic Architecture
Integrate a visit to Palais de la Bourse into a leisurely exploration of Lyon's historic center.
Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
Lyon • Historic Architecture
Ideal for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this site showcases Lyon's rich heritage.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon
Lyon • Historic Architecture
A landmark of grand Baroque architecture, formerly a hospital and now a blend of history and modern luxury.
Museums & Culture in Lyon
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste): located at Place Saint-Jean, this medieval cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance. Locals will also point you to Musée des Confluences — located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, this museum explores science and anthropology. And for something different, there's Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon: one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the region fills this dynamic museum space.
Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste)
Lyon • Historical Sites
Located at Place Saint-Jean, this medieval cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance.
Musée des Confluences
Lyon • Museums
Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, this museum explores science and anthropology.
Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon
Lyon • Museums
One of the largest collections of contemporary art in the region fills this dynamic museum space.
Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse
Lyon • Theaters
Located in the Croix-Rousse district, this theater features panoramic views and a diverse range of performances.
Best Things to Do in Lyon
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Lyon Golf Club — located in Villette-d'Anthon, this golf club features two exceptional 18-hole courses. iFLY Lyon earns its reputation too — ideal for families and groups seeking an exciting indoor adventure in Lyon. Round out the shortlist with OnlyKart — a multi-level indoor karting track offers an exciting racing experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Lyon Golf Club
Lyon • Sports
Located in Villette-d'Anthon, this golf club features two exceptional 18-hole courses.
iFLY Lyon
Lyon • Indoor
Ideal for families and groups seeking an exciting indoor adventure in Lyon.
OnlyKart
Lyon • Indoor
A multi-level indoor karting track offers an exciting racing experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Mini World Lyon
Lyon • Family-Friendly
Located in Vaulx-en-Velin, this indoor miniature park features intricate models and animations that delight visitors of all ages.
Where to Eat in Lyon
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Le Jardin Intérieur — in the 4th arrondissement, a peaceful dining experience awaits in a charming garden setting. Just as worthwhile is Le Neuvième Art: ideal for couples and fine-dining enthusiasts seeking a unique culinary experience in Lyon. La Mère Brazier completes the picture: located on Rue Royale, this fine-dining restaurant is a cornerstone of Lyon's culinary tradition.
Le Jardin Intérieur
Lyon • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
In the 4th arrondissement, a peaceful dining experience awaits in a charming garden setting.
Le Neuvième Art
Lyon • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples and fine-dining enthusiasts seeking a unique culinary experience in Lyon.
La Mère Brazier
Lyon • Fine Dining
Located on Rue Royale, this fine-dining restaurant is a cornerstone of Lyon's culinary tradition.
La Villa Florentine
Lyon • Fine Dining
Enjoy a refined dining experience with panoramic views of Lyon's stunning skyline at this former convent.
Lyon After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Brasserie Ninkasi Guillotière: a popular craft beer bar with an inviting outdoor terrace and regularly scheduled live music performances. Locals will also point you to La Clef de Voûte — one of Lyon's oldest jazz clubs, La Clef de Voûte offers a genuine experience steeped in history. And for something different, there's Le Bec de Jazz: discover a lively nightlife option that pairs well with an evening of jazz in Lyon.
Brasserie Ninkasi Guillotière
Lyon • Craft Beer Bars
A popular craft beer bar with an inviting outdoor terrace and regularly scheduled live music performances.
La Clef de Voûte
Lyon • Live Jazz Venues
One of Lyon's oldest jazz clubs, La Clef de Voûte offers a genuine experience steeped in history.
Le Bec de Jazz
Lyon • Live Jazz Venues
Discover a lively nightlife option that pairs well with an evening of jazz in Lyon.
Le Dandy
Lyon • Pubs & Bars
Located on Rue de l'Arbre Sec, this bar combines vintage and modern styles for a unique experience.
Where to Stay in Lyon
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu — ideal for couples and luxury travelers seeking a blend of history and modern comfort in Lyon. Maison d'Anthouard earns its reputation too — a tranquil retreat that complements a day of exploring Lyon's lively streets and rich culture. Round out the shortlist with Cour des Loges — renaissance architecture meets modern luxury in Lyon's UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon district.
InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
Lyon • Luxury Hotels
Ideal for couples and luxury travelers seeking a blend of history and modern comfort in Lyon.
Maison d'Anthouard
Lyon • Bed & Breakfast
A tranquil retreat that complements a day of exploring Lyon's lively streets and rich culture.
Cour des Loges
Lyon • Luxury Hotels
Renaissance architecture meets modern luxury in Lyon's UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon district.
Le Clos des Pervenches
Lyon • Bed & Breakfast
Ideal for families seeking a cozy stay in a quiet residential area of Lyon.
Shopping in Lyon
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Terre Adélice — in the 5th arrondissement, this ice cream shop is known for its innovative flavors and seasonal offerings. Just as worthwhile is Marché des Producteurs: experience local flavors at a bustling market that connects visitors with farmers and producers in Lyon. The Village Outlet completes the picture: ideal for bargain hunters seeking luxury brands at discounted prices in an elegant outdoor setting.
Terre Adélice
Lyon • Souvenir Shops
In the 5th arrondissement, this ice cream shop is known for its innovative flavors and seasonal offerings.
Marché des Producteurs
Lyon • Markets
Experience local flavors at a bustling market that connects visitors with farmers and producers in Lyon.
The Village Outlet
Lyon • Outlet Shopping
Ideal for bargain hunters seeking luxury brands at discounted prices in an elegant outdoor setting.
Le Comptoir de Mathilde
Lyon • Souvenir Shops
Food lovers and souvenir seekers will appreciate this gourmet shop's unique offerings in Lyon.
Parks & Green Spaces in Lyon
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Parc de la Tête d'Or: ideal for families and nature lovers, this expansive park offers diverse outdoor activities. Locals will also point you to Jardin Rosa Mir — a tranquil stop in Lyon, perfect for a leisurely stroll through botanical beauty during a city day. And for something different, there's Le Parc des Berges du Rhône: a scenic park along the banks of the Rhône River, perfect for nature lovers and leisurely strolls.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Lyon • Parks
Ideal for families and nature lovers, this expansive park offers diverse outdoor activities.
Jardin Rosa Mir
Lyon • Botanical Gardens
A tranquil stop in Lyon, perfect for a leisurely stroll through botanical beauty during a city day.
Le Parc des Berges du Rhône
Lyon • Botanical Gardens
A scenic park along the banks of the Rhône River, perfect for nature lovers and leisurely strolls.
Parc des Hauteurs
Lyon • Parks
Experience elevated views of Lyon at this scenic park on Fourvière Hill, ideal for leisurely strolls and nature walks.
72 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Lyon that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Lyon list:
- Paul Bocuse Restaurant· Fine Dining
- Fourvière Hill Walking Tour· Walking
- Auditorium Orchestre National de Lyon· Concerts
- Les Apothicaires· Secret Foodie Spots
- Café Mowgli· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Lyon?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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