Lyon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lyon featuring a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
Lyon
Lyon Opera featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views
Notre Dame Basilica which includes a city

France’s third largest city is famous for films, festivals, food and centuries-old architecture.

Art festivals and museums dedicated to filmmaking, a medieval old town and Roman ruins Lyon’s attractions are varied and showcased in style. Situated in east-central France, Lyon is a scenic city its beauty starts from the surrounding hills of La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière, and spills down to the banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers, which split the city into districts.The city has an excellent public transport system so getting around is easy. Trains, buses and the subway stop at major attractions. There’s also a public bicycle rental system: Vélo'v.Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district on foot. It’s one of Europe’s largest areas of Renaissance architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets such as Rue St. Jean where you will find an example of Lyon’s famous traboules, covered passageways built through houses. At the end of Rue St.-Jean is the majestic Lyon Cathedral, built between 1180 and 1480. Ride the cable railway to Fourvière hilltop. Check out the views of the city and Rhône Valley from the lookout at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Look for the ancient Roman amphitheater. It’s one of the venues for the Fourvière Nights Festival, a summer celebration of music, dance and theater.Go to La Croix-Rousse to see the old silk-weaving district. At the foot of the hill is Place des Terreaux, a central square with the City Hall, St. Peter's Palace and the Bartholdi Fountain. Cross the river to Parc de la Tete d’Or, a beautiful green space with a small zoo.Don’t miss out on a visit to the Lumière Institute. Motion picture pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière had factories on this site. A museum exhibits the brothers’ cinematography achievements. Watch classic movies and attend exhibitions during the annual Festival Lumière in October.Be sure to experience Lyon’s famous culinary scene. Try Lyonnais dishes, such as veal kidneys, at one of the city’s famous bouchons. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market named after an acclaimed French chef. Here you can sample cheese and wine, pâté and pastries from local sellers.

Where to stay in Lyon

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Lyon City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bellecour Square to Place Carnot – discover Lyon City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Lyon City Centre
Lyon showing a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture

Old Lyon

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Old Lyon, you might enjoy attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Palais de Justice de Lyon. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Old Lyon
Bellecour Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a river or creek and a bridge

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu

While you're in Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu, take in top sights like Bellecour Square and jump on the metro at Bellecour Station to see more of the city.

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu
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3rd Arrondissement

4/5(16 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Part Dieu Mall and Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dauphine - Lacassagne Tram Stop or Archives Départementales Tram Stop to see more of the city.

3rd Arrondissement
La Presqu\'ile featuring cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Place Carnot and Bellecour Square are top sights in La Presqu'île, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station to see more sights in the area.

La Presqu'île
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7th Arrondissement

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

7th Arrondissement is well liked for its cafes and theatres. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Halle Tony Garnier and Matmut Stadium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Debourg Station or Place Jean Jaures Station to get around.

7th Arrondissement
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
3 out of 5
31 rue Maurice Flandin, Lyon, Rhone
The price is NZ$138 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$138
4 July - 5 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (791 reviews)
"Un second siège serait bienvenu quand la chambre est réservée pour deux (mais y a-t-il la place vue la taille des chambres ?). La literie est de qualité moyenne, le siège des toilettes très petit, mais la climatisation est très silencieuse. Mauvaise surprise: tarifs plus que doublés ce week-end en ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
4 out of 5
29 Rue De Bonnel, Lyon, Rhone
The price is NZ$177 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$177
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Insite was very nice. Outside was a construction zone and a poorly lit area with substantial graffiti."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$145 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$145
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,698 reviews)
"It is far away from the Train Stations but very comfortable ."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,698 reviews)
"It is far away from the Train Stations but very comfortable ."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
3 out of 5
79 boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,055 reviews)
"Checked in early and they accommodated us with a room, but the if conditioner was faulty. After two trips down to the front desk, they moved us to another room right next door and all was good. Very accommodating."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
200 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon, Rhone
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (786 reviews)
"Sketchy area"

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2025

Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Lyon

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The people are friendly, the restaurant choices are marvellous, the Rhone wine selection was world class. It is a very walkable and interesting city. Lots to see, do and enjoy!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We’ve visited many cultural and tourist spots on a previous visit to Lyon. This visit was to catch up with family.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

the markets on sunday are amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

ValM

LYON is a great city. Easy to walk around. The transport pass at $15 for 72 hours is excellent value as it entitles you to unlimited travel on all public transport, metro,RER, bus.

5/5 - Excellent

Gingy

Lyon is a beautiful and very liveable city with fantastic food. It makes a great base to explore so many lovely places nearby. Trains and an international airport make it so easy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city should have stayed longer. Quiet quaint definitely a must to see.

Cities near Lyon