Things To Do
in Lyon
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital, where centuries of culinary tradition meet lively markets and bouchons in a compact, walkable city. It sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a well-preserved Renaissance old town, steep hillside neighborhoods and impressive viewpoints from Fourvière. Lyon blends large-city cultural institutions (museums, opera, festivals) with neighborhood charm—traboules, murals and a strong café culture.
Its central location and excellent transport links make it a great base for exploring the Rhône-Alpes region and nearby vineyards.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day wandering through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, admiring the beautifully preserved Renaissance buildings. Visit the Saint-Jean Cathedral, where you can marvel at its intricate Gothic architecture and the famous astronomical clock. Enjoy a leisurely coffee at a quaint café while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic district.
Delve deeper into the traboules, secret passageways that weave through buildings, once used by silk workers and resistance fighters. Visit the Musée Gadagne to learn about Lyon’s history and puppetry traditions. Stop for lunch at a traditional bouchon to savor local Lyonnaise cuisine like quenelles and andouillette.
Stroll along the Saône riverbanks as the sunset casts a golden glow on the old town’s facades. Dine at a riverside restaurant, enjoying fresh regional specialties paired with a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine. End your night with a relaxed walk through the illuminated streets, feeling the charm of Lyon by night.
Begin at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, where vibrant stalls boast fresh produce, cheeses, and charcuterie. Sample local delicacies and chat with passionate vendors about the ingredients and Lyon’s gastronomic heritage. Take a food tour to discover hidden gems and learn about traditional Lyonnaise recipes.
Attend a cooking class led by a local chef to master classic dishes such as Lyonnaise salad or tarte à la praline. Explore the elegant Place Bellecour and admire the equestrian statue of Louis XIV. Take time to visit boutique shops offering fine chocolates and artisan products.
Reserve a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to indulge in a gourmet tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the refined ambiance as you sip on a carefully selected wine from the Rhône Valley. After dinner, consider a cocktail at a stylish bar along rue Mercière, a lively street known for its nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Single public transport ticket (TCL) | $2-3 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class gastronomy and vibrant markets
- Compact, walkable historic center with striking architecture
- Excellent transport links and proximity to wine country and mountains
- Strong cultural calendar—museums, festivals and performing arts
- Can be crowded during major events (Fête des Lumières)
- Some traditional dishes may be heavy for those with dietary restrictions
- Central areas can be pricier for dining and accommodation
- Pickpocketing and petty theft can be an issue in busy zones
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello (day) / Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Où sont les toilettes ?" - Where are the restrooms?
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Lyon
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic hilltop basilica with panoramic views over Lyon—excellent at sunrise or sunset for cityscapes.
Renaissance facades, narrow lanes and covered passages (traboules) create atmospheric shots of old-world architecture.
Large open square framed by elegant buildings—great for capturing urban life and the axis toward the Rhône and Saône.
Lake, botanical gardens and rose beds provide nature photography within the city.
Futuristic architecture and reflective surfaces at the convergence of the two rivers—ideal for modern-architecture shots.
Large trompe-l'œil murals and colorful street art that showcase local culture and make dynamic photos.
Soft light, reflections and quiet cafés create moody riverside images early in the morning.
Food in Lyon
Lyon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Light pike dumplings often served in a creamy sauce; found in traditional bouchons and local brasseries.
Must-Try!
Frisée salad topped with lardons, a poached egg and a mustardy vinaigrette—classic and widely available.
A hearty local sausage with a distinct flavor; served in traditional restaurants (ask for recommendations if you’re cautious).
A creamy herbed cheese spread (not actually brain) popular as an appetizer with bread—common at markets and bistros.
Creamy baked potatoes with garlic and cheese, an indulgent side served across Lyon’s restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A covered market with top producers, charcuterie, cheeses, seafood and prepared foods—ideal for tasting local specialities and assembling a picnic.
Riverside market along the Saône offering fresh produce, fish and cheeses—great for morning browsing and local snacks.
Neighborhood market with fresh produce, baked goods and regional specialties; lively and less touristy.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always start interactions with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening). A polite greeting before questions is expected in shops and restaurants.
French interactions can be more formal—use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci', and avoid overly loud or familiar behavior in public places.
Meals are social; don’t expect quick table turnover in restaurants. Keep hands visible (not in pockets), and wait for everyone to be served before eating.
French people value personal space; cheek kisses (usually two) are common among acquaintances but wait for locals to initiate them.
Don’t touch produce excessively at markets; vendors prefer handling items for you. Ask before photographing people in close-up.
Safety
Tipping in Lyon
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills ('service compris'), so tipping is not required but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated. For taxis, small change or rounding up is common.
Cards (chip-and-PIN, contactless) are widely accepted. Keep some cash for small markets or very small cafés. Mobile payments are increasingly common; inform yourself about foreign card fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make it ideal for walking and outdoor dining; occasional rain—pack a light waterproof layer.
Warm to hot weather (July–August) with long daylight hours and outdoor events; expect crowds and higher hotel rates—stay hydrated and book restaurants in advance.
Crisp, comfortable weather and beautiful fall colors in parks and nearby hills; harvest season in surrounding vineyards makes it a great time for wine tours.
Chilly, damp conditions with occasional snow; December brings the famous Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) which is spectacular but very crowded—book months ahead.
Lyon at Night
Hiking in Lyon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short drives northwest of Lyon offer gentle trails, panoramic viewpoints over the city and limestone outcrops—good for half-day hikes.
Rolling vineyards and rural paths ideal for walking, cycling and combining with wine-tasting stops—accessible by car or organized tours.
About an hour south of Lyon, this regional park has varied trails, ridgelines and forested areas suitable for day hikes and nature escapes.
Urban hikes that explore the historic hills above Lyon, linking viewpoints, small green spaces and cultural landmarks—great for short scenic walks.
Airports
How to reach Lyon by plane.
Main international airport about 25 km east of the city; linked to central Lyon by the Rhônexpress tram (30–40 min) and shuttle services, plus taxis and car rentals.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train; useful for international connections and often served by budget carriers. Train/bus options and transfers to Lyon are available.
A smaller regional airport about 60 km southwest; limited scheduled flights and seasonal services—drive or take regional transport connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large student population—Lyon is a major university city, contributing to lively cultural and nightlife scenes and affordable eateries.
A significant number of professionals work in finance, biotech and tech sectors; many neighborhoods are family-oriented with good schools and parks.
A culturally diverse population with communities from across Europe, North Africa and beyond, reflected in food, shops and festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is very popular—supporters follow Olympique Lyonnais, with high-energy matches at Groupama Stadium attracting fans from the region.
Rugby has a strong following in the region, with local clubs and regular matches drawing crowds.
Cycling is common for leisure and commuting; nearby hills and the Beaujolais region make it popular for sportive rides and tours.
Traditional French boules game played in parks and squares by locals, especially in summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lyon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Traditional Lyon cuisine is meat-forward, but vegetarian options have grown—many bistros now offer at least one vegetarian main. Use the phrase 'je suis végétarien(ne)' and ask servers for seasonal vegetable dishes.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are available in specialty cafés and increasingly at mainstream restaurants—look for dedicated menus or use translation cards to explain restrictions. Supermarkets and health-food shops carry alternatives.
French staff usually understand basic allergy terms; carry a written note in French listing ingredients to avoid (nuts, dairy, gluten) for complex requests.