Top 10 Things to Do in Lyon: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
- June 7, 2025
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Lyon is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Famous for its fine dining and tranquility, the city is serene with natural features as well. It has plenty to discover, from ancient buildings to modern museums. There are peaceful parks, bustling markets and pretty spots to sit beside the river.
In this guide, you will learn the 10 best things to do in Lyon to have the best time. Whether you are here for a weekend or just a day or two, these places and experiences will offer you an in-depth introduction to the city.
Discover Vieux Lyon—The Old Town
Vieux Lyon is one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods. It is famous for its gorgeous Renaissance-style architecture that transports you back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with traboules, or hidden passageways, long used by workers in silk. Exploring these laneways that link buildings is an experience you would not want to miss.
At the center of the old town is the beautiful Saint Jean Cathedral. It’s a peaceful place to pause, appreciate the details, and learn about Lyon’s history.
On every turn, you will find intimate cafés and traditional bouchons where you can find some of the quietest meal times of your life or sample some local food. It is a wonderful place to begin your exploration of Lyon and feel the local vibe.
Check out the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on a hill gives one of Lyon’s best views. People staying at Vieux Lyon can walk or take a funicular. They’re both fun depending on how much energy you want to spend.
When you get to the top, it’s rewarding. You have the whole city down there, stretching far away with the rivers and rooftops. The basilica is quite stunning both from the outside and the inside.
And it has a comforting, spiritual vibe, with its intricate carvings, stained glass and tranquility. If you love history, peaceful places or city views, then this is one site you won’t want to miss out on.
Walk through the Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the most chill spots in Lyon. It’s a big, green park with something for everyone. Take a stroll through the lovely botanical gardens, visit a small zoo where you’ll find giraffes and deer and relax by the tranquil lake renting a paddleboat.
The park is great for a bit of peace away from the busy city. You can also bring a blanket, get some snacks and host a small, peaceful picnic under the shade of the trees. It’s also a wonderful place to hike and experience nature.
This is a great place for families with children in particular, as it has space to play, animals to see, and plenty of open area to explore. Whether you visit in the morning or the evening, the park has a peaceful and cheerful vibe.
Explore the Presqu’île District
The Presqu’île District is Lyon’s bustling heart, a mix of shops, cafés and buzzing streets. It’s a nice place to walk around, do some shopping, and visit a bar for a drink. During the day and at night, the area teems with life.
Two well-known squares here are Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux. Place Bellecour is one of the largest squares in Europe that is open to the public, while Place des Terreaux houses an attractive fountain as well as a number of museums.
This is an area that provides hundreds of choices for people who like the arts and the culture of the area. From galleries to theaters, there’s a lot out there to interest one.
At night, the district comes alive with bars and live music, so it adds a fun spot to hang out at after a long day of seeing the sites.
Get a Taste of Lyon’s Culinary Scene
Lyon is famous for its outstanding food, and you absolutely should experiment with the local cuisine. You’ll find no shortage of bouchons lyonnais, small, cozy restaurants serving up traditional Lyonnaise dishes. They’re great for trying local classics such as quenelles, coq au vin and sausages with lentils.
The city is home to Paul Bocuse, a world-renowned chef who greatly influenced Lyon’s food culture. You may visit Les Halles de Lyon—Paul Bocuse, an indoor market jammed with world-class cheeses, meats, pastries and more.
If you like trying new things, joining a food tour is a terrific idea. You will sample dishes, learn about local ingredients and hear stories behind Lyon’s food traditions. It’s one of the best ways to see the city as a local.
Check out the Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is one of the most spectacular buildings in Lyon. Its modern, futuristic structure is arresting, standing at the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The building is worth seeing before you even set foot inside.
In the museum, there’s a combination of science, history and world cultures all in one site. The exhibits are easy to follow and range from dinosaurs and ancient artifacts to space and the human body. It’s a wonderful way to learn a bit of something while touching on a wide range of topics.
This museum is ideal for families or any curious visitors who want to know how the world all fits together. Children will love the interactive aspects, while adults can leisurely make their way through the informative displays. It’s fun and educational, and a nice break from the usual sights of the city.
Wander Around Croix-Rousse
Croix-Rousse is a famously energetic and historical part of Lyon, up on the hill. It was once known for the city’s silk weavers, and signs of that past can be seen in the tall buildings and old workshops. Strolling through the neighborhood will give you a sense of Lyon’s working past.
Croix-Rousse is pretty artsy and relaxed. A burst of street art decorates the walls, while local markets bring the streets alive, especially in the mornings. This is a great place to browse fresh produce or handmade goods.
The feel here is calm and a bit artsy, with small cafés, galleries and quiet places to sit and take in the view. If you like a calm walk with a little local flair, then Croix-Rousse is a gorgeous place to explore.
Sail the Rhône and Saône Canals
Among the very best ways to see Lyon is from the Rhône and Saône rivers. You can relax on a boat that provides stunning views of the city’s skylines, bridges and other architecture. It’s a quiet way to see Lyon, off its crowded streets.
As you glide along, you’ll see landmarks such as the Old Town, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the contemporary buildings on the banks of the river. The smooth waters offer you a rare opportunity to lay back on deck and enjoy the views.
These river rides are ideal for those who want to take a more laid-back approach or simply soak up the beauty of Lyon a little more slowly. During the day or at sunset, the views from the river are unforgettable.
Appreciate the Street Art and Murals
Lyon has some of the best street art I’ve seen, with some incredible murals that depict the history of the city. One of the best-known is the Mur des Canuts, a gigantic mural that depicts the life of silk weavers. Another feature is the Fresque des Lyonnais: a mural honoring some of the city’s most prominent faces from throughout history.
These spectacular colored murals make Lyon even more interesting, especially if you are interested in photography. You’ll stumble onto colorful, detailed art on the sides of buildings and in unexpected corners, essentially creating an open-air gallery throughout Lyon.
Whether you are an art lover or just in search of new photo ops, these murals are worth a visit.
Beaujolais Wine Region Day Trip
A stone’s throw from Lyon, the wine region of Beaujolais is the ideal escape into the country. With its enchanting vineyards and rolling hills, it’s the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts and photographers.
Stop by local wineries for wine tastings, which typically include bottles of the renowned Beaujolais wines, such as light and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau. You’ve even got a beautiful view to serve as a backdrop, with vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Beaujolais is an ideal day trip from Lyon for wine lovers or those looking to snap some awesome photos. It’s a tranquil, unhurried way to experience the beauty of the region and to taste its wine culture.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- As a year-round destination, Lyon is a beautiful city, but visiting from spring to early autumn is best for ideal mild weather and making your walking experience more enjoyable. Summer can get hot, though; if you like it cooler, choose spring and autumn.
- In terms of transportation, the Lyon City Card will get you on public transit (the metro and bus) as well as discounts for attractions. You may also rent bikes to further explore the city at a leisurely pace.
- Lyon is a safe city; however, to be safe, just like in any other place, always keep watch of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
- You’ll find loads of budget-friendly restaurants, but for a real taste of Lyonnaise life, dine in a local bouchon.
- If in doubt, just be aware and respect local traditions – that could be something as simple as starting any interaction with a “Bonjour” when entering a shop or café. It’s also a great way to connect with the people.
Final Words
Lyon is a town of countless epic experiences, from its historic Vieux Lyon to the luscious food scene and the town’s hilltop views. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking on the streets, touring museums or chasing back-to-back wines in Beaujolais; there’s always something new to learn.
Lyon is not just a city to visit; it’s an experience. You will remember its culture, beauty, and hospitality for a lifetime. So, grab your best suitcase and prepare for what Lyon has to offer, because it is a destination that you won’t soon forget!