04 Mar The 10 best things to do in Lyon!

The 10 best things to do in Lyon

Are you visiting or planning to visit the most beautiful city in the world….hum Lyon for a few days? Would you like some top tips for a successful stay in Lyon? Then check out our top 10 must-dos in Lyon. We’ll share our best tips and addresses with you! All you have to do now is read the following carefully… for the thanks, we’ll see about that later!

Are you ready? Here we go!

1) Discover the Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Ah, the Old TownVieux Lyon, with its charming little streets, incredible historic buildings and… its famous traboules! If you’re just passing through Lyon, this is a must-see! Dating back several centuries, the Vieux Lyon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was important both for the development of Christianity in France during the Middle Ages, and for its economic and commercial role during the Renaissance.

With its rich history, you’ll find many architectural marvels, from the Gothic period (such as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean) and the Renaissance (such as the Tour Rose, featuring a spiral staircase in an Italian loggia-style courtyard). And adding to enjoying the warm atmosphere of this historic district, with its many little stores and restaurants (watch out for the tourist traps that don’t do justice to Lyon’s reputation for fine cuisine), you absolutely must discover the many traboules that can be found here! 😮

Traboules are “secret” passages through buildings that allow you to pass from one street to another without making long detours. It’s worth noting that, when they were first built, these shortcuts weren’t secret at all, since they were used to get around more easily in this neighborhood, which was built according to a medieval plan and was beginning to become increasingly populated. We particularly recommend the Traboule du Gouvernement and the Traboule des Trois Maries. But beware: the traboules are inhabited. To make sure that locals and visitors live together in harmony, it’s essential to respect the area by keeping quiet in the traboules. The sound can be quite loud, and can quickly cause a nuisance.

2) Feast at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

What could be better than diving into the heart of Lyon’s temple of gastronomy, amidst the houses and products for which the city is famous? We recommend a detour to Les Halles de Lyon in the 3rd arrondissement, at the foot of the tallest tower of the town, the Incity tower, that you can recognize by it “eraser” shape. It’s easy to find your way around!

Like all Halles in major French cities, this covered market features numerous stalls and grocery stores/delicatessens selling delicious products. But of course, in the world capital of Gastronomy, these Halles take on a totally different dimension from anything you’ve ever encountered! In fact, it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds, with the most famous houses and all the products of Lyon’s gastronomy. You’ll also have the opportunity to eat in the various restaurants over there: Chez les Gones, Les Garçons bouchers or even the comptoir Gueuleton opened in 2024.

We also recommend the MONS cheese bar, an aperitif on the zinc counter at Fer à Cheval (it doesn’t get more typical than this), or an oyster platters accompanied by a glass of white wine at Merle or Antonin, for a late-morning aperitif after your stroll through Les Halles! And if you’d like to discover Les Halles with a local expert, then we recommend you to book a Food Tour with Erik. You’ll thank us later 😉

And for those of you who prefer the great outdoors, you can also enjoy oysters during the weekends at the Quai Saint-Antoine market, at the Bistrot de la Passerelle or the Buvette Bonaparte, for example. A true Lyon tradition!

3) Eating in a bouchon Lyonnais

If you’re just passing through Lyon, you absolutely must eat in a (real) bouchon Lyonnais! Typical restaurants of the city offering “simple and filling” dishes, bouchons were once the canteen of the Canuts, Lyon’s silk workers during the 19th century. Rich meals to get through long working days.

You’ll find generous dishes, local charcuterie and cheeses, regional wines, praline-based specialties and more… In these restaurants, you’ll find the very essence of Lyonnais gastronomy – the kind that has made it famous the world over! Our favorites? Pike quenelles at Les Lyonnais or Café du Soleil, crayfish gratin or chicken with morel mushrooms at Maison Abel, the roasted beef cheek with honey and rosemary or the lentils-sabodet with red wine at Notre Maison, or even the oeufs meurettes or poultry liver cake at Les Fines Gueules… And also the salad bowls to share at Café des Fédérations (we could go on and on…🤤)

But most importantly, let’s be clear : bouchons aren’t JUST about typical food! They’re all about the convivial atmosphere – warm, relaxing, rustic and 100% authentic. Picture a traditional decor, a welcoming staff… who might also have a knack for cracking jokes! Don’t be suprised if no one bothers with formalities – expect a fiendly tutoiement rather than a stiff “sir” or “madam”. The owners and waiters, often full of character, will make sure you get the real deal when it comes to the Lyonnais experience!

And if you’re looking for more inspiration on where to find the best bouchons (while dodging the tourist traps), check out our article with the TOP of the best Lyon’s bouchons 😉

4) Have a drink in a lovely venue

Lyon is full of exceptional bars, whether for their drinks menus, their cosy or festive atmosphere, or their location. So, if you want to have a good time while discovering the city, we recommend going for a drink in strategic (for admiring the city) and trendy places! For example, you can go to Les Muses de l’Opéra, which we particularly recommend at the end of the day to admire the magnificent sunset behind the Hôtel de Ville (see photo above), or to Café Gadagne to enjoy a bucolic setting on the roofs of the Museum in the heart of Vieux Lyon. Les Eclaireurs, on the second floor of the Musée des Beaux Arts, offers a snack break in the calm of the cloister.

The Hôtel-Dieu is also the perfect place for a drink. This building will enchant you. The Bar du Dôme (voted the world’s prettiest bar in 2022 by the Time magazine), part of the 5* Intercontinental Hostel, will let you enjoy a drink under a 30m ceiling, in a setting worthy of a museum. The signature cocktails are incredible (including one with praline syrup and champagne). Even for an espresso, it’s worth paying 6€ 🙂 L’Officine, the second bar, offers a jazzier alternative with a pretty terrace.

Finally, there are a few unmissable spots: the Broc bar and its year-round terrace under a magnificent tree, the Wallace for a popular pub in Saint Paul, one of the terraces on the Place des Terreaux, the Marquise on the banks of the Rhône, or Loupika or the Sucre terrace in Confluence.

However, if you don’t want to go to a bar, you can have your aperitif in a more “chill” place from which you can enjoy a pleasant view. The Jardin des Curiosités is the ideal spot (and our favorite), as it offers a magnificent view over the whole of Lyon: you can set up there as if for a “picnic”, with a tablecloth on the ground, for a relaxing moment with your friends or family. This picnic/apéro is also very pleasant to do along the banks of the Rhône as well as in the Parc de la Tête d’Or. 😏

5) Visit Lyon by electric bike

There’s no better way to get an overview of the city in just a few hours, especially as Lyon is bursting with new bike paths. Opt for a guided tour of Lyon on an electric bike with Lyon BIKE Tour, and you’ll be able to discover the city in 2, 3 or 4 hours, with or without a tasting break, depending on your mood!

You’ll be able to explore Lyon’s riverbanks, the Presqu’île including Place Bellecour, the Place des Terreaux, the Hôtel-Dieu, the Croix-Rousse district, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, the Fourvière hill or the Confluence area. All without the slightest effort! Our enthusiastic guides will be delighted to tell you all about the city’s historical and unusual anecdotes, all in a fun, easy-to-digest way! We really recommend taking this tour at the beginning of your stay, so that you can walk to the most popular places and benefit from the expert advice of Lyon’s guides.

For more information or to book a tour, click here!

6) Enjoy a cultural activity!

There’s no shortage of cultural activities in Lyon! In fact, artistic, sporting and culinary events take place regularly throughout the city. Among the most important are: the Fête des Lumières, of course, but also Les Nuits Sonores (an electronic music festival), Lyon Street Food Festival, La Biennale d’Art Contemporain, Les Nuits de Fourvière, Les Quais du Polar, La Foire de Lyon…etc. But for an enriching stay, and in case you’re visiting the city at a time when there are no “events”, we strongly advise you to visit the city’s various museums.

In fact, they’re brimming with treasures that will blow your mind! Our particular favorite is the Musée du Cinéma et des Miniatures in Vieux Lyon. Here you’ll find original sets and costumes from cult films such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park… The museum also offers explanations of the world of special effects, thanks to multiple video screens located throughout the museum. Finally, you can also admire Dan Ohlmann’s miniature models. These miniature reproductions of scenes from everyday life or dreams are absolutely fascinating to observe, as they are brimming with countless small details. Enough to arouse the curiosity of young and old alike! 🎬

Not tempted by the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures (how is that possible?!)? Then you can also find our article with the TOP Lyon museums to visit right here

7) Walking the slopes of the Croix-Rousse

One of Lyon’s must-see neighborhoods! Redeveloped in the 19th century with the massive influx of silk workers to this part of town, the “hill that works” boasts a typical and unique architecture and atmosphere that you absolutely must discover. Nicknamed the “Montmartre of Lyon” because of its village atmosphere (and because all our Parisian friends come here to live when they leave the capital), it’s a district not to be missed!

You can either “débarouler (disembark) the slopes”, as they say in Lyonnais, or walk up the Grande Côte. Here you’ll find numerous cafés, bars and restaurants with a cosy atmosphere, and adorable little designer boutiques. You can also visit the Amphitheatre des 3 Gaules, dating from the 1st century AD, the remains of which were recently made visible. All within easy walking distance of the city center.

Go to Place Colbert for a game of pétanque (French typical balls sport) and/or to admire the Cour des Voraces ; to Place de la Croix-Rousse, where numerous events are often held (markets, fairs, entertainment…) and where you can see a statue of Jacquard (the inventor of the famous loom) ; at 36 boulevard des Canuts, to take a close look at Europe’s largest painted wall, the Mur des Canuts ; at 87 grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, to discover the unusual Jardin Rosa-Mir, well worth the detour ; or at the Esplanade de la Grande Côte, to enjoy the panoramic view over the city (with a drink at the Barabar Croix Rousse). In short, there’s no shortage of things to discover in this charming district of Lyon! 🤩

8) Explore Lyon on a Food Tour!

This is undoubtedly the best way to discover Lyon, combining a visit to the city with gastronomic delights!

As you probably know, Lyon is the capital of gastronomy. And what better way to discover a city than to try its gastronomy? Especially when it’s so closely linked to the city’s history! Lyon FOOD Tour offers a number of gourmet tours to help you learn more about the city’s history, thanks to the anecdotes of our enthusiastic guides, as well as savoring Lyon’s delicious specialties during several tasting breaks in a convivial atmosphere.

Various itineraries are available: in the Vieux Lyon (3h or 4h) or on the Presqu’île (3h) to discover “classic” Lyonnais gastronomy ; at the Halles Paul Bocuse (2h) to learn more about the history of this incredible covered market ; around the themes of Street Food and Street Art (3h) ; and even a Vegan itinerary (3h) for non-carnists! The possibilities are endless. More info and reservations here.

9) Try an evening in a “café-theatre“

What can we do tonight? Have a good laugh and a drink? Then head for one of Lyon’s many café-theaters!

Did you know that Florence Foresti, the famous French humorist, began her comedy career in Lyon? If you’re just passing through Lyon for a few days, we strongly advise you to visit a café-théâtre for an evening of laughter!

As these venues are often relatively small, it’s in the artists’ interest to establish a close relationship with the audience. In this special atmosphere, often while enjoying a drink or nibbling small snacks at the table, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a convivial and amusing moment with your loved ones!

Our favorites? Espace Gerson in Vieux Lyon, Complexe du Rire at the foot of the Croix-Rousse slopes, or Boui-Boui in the Saint-Jean district.

10) Taking the funicular and going to Fourvière

A visit to the Fourvière hill is a must! And although there are several ways to get there, we recommend taking the funicular up 🙂 Lyon was the birthplace of the world’s first “urban funicular railroad” – no less! So it’s part of the folklore to use this mode of transport, nicknamed “la Ficelle” by the people of Lyon, which has stood the test of time.

And once at the top of the “hill that prays”, we invite you to visit the sumptuous Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built in the 19th century. A visit to the roofs of Fourvière is an incredible experience, so make sure you book ahead for the best view in Lyon. You can also take a closer look at the mythical metal Tower (be careful not to call it the “Eiffel Tower”, or you’ll be cursed by the Lyonnais for 36 generations!) and observe Lyon from one of the city’s finest vantage points. You can also stroll through the Parc des Hauteurs and its 4 winds footbridge for a bucolic setting. And don’t miss the free Gallo-Roman ruins. Tip: climb to the roof of the museum for the best view! If you’d like to learn more about the city’s Roman history while admiring the magnificent ancient theater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, head for Lugdunum, Lyon’s Gallo-Roman museum.

Finally, there are several options for descending the hill: either opt for the Rosary Garden beneath the Fourvière Basilica, or take the cobbled medieval alley of Gourguillon beneath the Gallo-Roman Museum, which will take you right into Vieux Lyon.

We hope these suggestions will inspire you and contribute to a successful stay in Lyon. For more information, don’t hesitate to :

• Read our list of gourmet recommendations by clicking: right here
• Read our top bouchons lyonnais by clicking: just here
• Book your electric bike tour by clicking: right here
• Book your gourmet food tour by clicking: just here
• Read our article on what to do in Lyon in a single day by clicking: just here
• And discover our other articles by clicking: just here for Lyon/biking activities; and just here for gourmet activities.

Enjoy your stay with us! 👋