Things To Do
in Lyon
Lyon, France is a vibrant city known for its historical architecture, picturesque riverside location, and delicious local cuisine. The city features a charming old town with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, as well as several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lyon is also famous for its silk industry and annual Festival of Lights, attracting visitors from around the world.
With a bustling cultural scene, numerous museums, and a thriving gastronomic reputation, Lyon offers a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café in Vieux Lyon. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the Renaissance architecture.
Visit the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy lunch at a traditional bouchon restaurant to experience authentic Lyonnaise cuisine.
Stroll along the Rhône River, where you can relax by the water. Consider dining at a rooftop restaurant to enjoy the city lights.
Visit the Musée des Confluences to explore its fascinating exhibitions on science and anthropology. Afterward, grab a coffee in the museum's modern café.
Head to the Institut Lumière, where the birth of cinema happened, and learn about the Lumière brothers. Take a leisurely walk in the nearby Parc de la Tête d'Or.
Experience a classic Lyonnaise dinner in a vibrant district like Croix-Rousse. Don't miss out on trying local specialties such as quenelles or pralines.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical architecture and museums
- Gastronomic capital of France, known for its cuisine and local specialties
- Vibrant arts scene with numerous festivals and events throughout the year
- Strategic location between Paris and the French Riviera, making travel convenient
- Excellent public transportation system
- Beautiful parks and natural surroundings, including proximity to the Alps
- Multicultural atmosphere with diverse communities
- Cost of living can be high, especially in popular neighborhoods
- Traffic congestion in city center during peak hours
- Weather can be humid and hot in the summer months
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates compared to other cities
- Learning French may be necessary for full integration and socializing
- Limited job market in certain sectors compared to larger cities like Paris
Best Activities in Lyon
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful park, rent a boat on the lake, or visit the zoo.
Explore the city and its surroundings on a guided bike tour, taking in the scenic views and iconic landmarks.
Embark on a hiking adventure in the picturesque Beaujolais region, known for its vineyards and stunning landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Lyon with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Lyon
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on top of Fourvière Hill, the Basilica offers panoramic views of Lyon and the surrounding area.
This steep street offers stunning views of Lyon's cityscape, particularly at sunset.
A picturesque spot along the Saône River offering views of old Lyon and the historic architecture.
Food in Lyon
Lyon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. It can be found in traditional bouchons like Le Garet.
Must-Try!
A light, airy mixture of creamed fish or meat, sometimes combined with breadcrumbs, which is typically poached and served with a creamy sauce. La Meunière is a recommended restaurant to taste authentic quenelle.
A large, coarse pork sausage flavored with garlic and pepper, often served in salads or with bread and local cheeses. Look for it in Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, a famous food market.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lyon better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This indoor food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of high-quality regional products, charcuterie, cheeses, fresh produce, and gourmet food. It's a great place to explore local ingredients and enjoy some casual street food.
A vibrant outdoor market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and local specialties. There are also street food stalls offering crepes, socca, and other tasty treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Lyon, it is customary to greet people with a kiss on each cheek, starting with the left cheek. This is a common practice when meeting friends, family, or even acquaintances.
When dining in Lyon, it is important to wait for the host to initiate the start of the meal and to keep your hands on the table, not in your lap. It's also customary to say 'bon appétit' before starting to eat.
In Lyon, people generally appreciate a certain degree of personal space. It's important to be mindful of physical proximity and avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lyon with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Lyon
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lyon, France, tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is typically included in the bill. However, it's common to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a token of appreciation for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Lyon, and it's the most common method of payment. Cash is also accepted in most places, but it's always a good idea to carry some euros for smaller establishments and transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lyon.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Lyon as the city starts to bloom with beautiful flowers and the weather becomes mild. It is also the season of various cultural events and festivals, such as the Nuits Sonores electronic music festival.
Summer is a popular time to visit Lyon as the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the city's vibrant street life. There are also numerous outdoor concerts, film screenings, and food festivals during this season.
Fall is a great time to visit Lyon as the foliage turns into stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. The city also hosts the famous Fête des Lumières, an annual light festival that illuminates the city with captivating light installations.
Winter in Lyon is magical with its festive atmosphere, charming Christmas markets, and the traditional Festival of Lights. While the weather may be cold, the city's cozy atmosphere and warm food and wine make it a delightful winter destination.
Lyon at Night
Hiking in Lyon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large urban park with lakes and walking paths, ideal for leisurely hikes.
A series of hills located to the north of Lyon, offering scenic trails and panoramic views.
A vast natural area south of Lyon, perfect for hiking, with diverse landscapes and marked trails.
Known for its dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife, this park offers numerous hiking trails for all levels.
Rolling hills with vineyards, offering beautiful hikes and picturesque landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lyon through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Lyon by plane.
The primary international airport serving Lyon, located approximately 20 kilometers east of the city center.
Located about 150 kilometers from Lyon, it serves as a major international hub in Switzerland, close to the French border.
Situated around 130 kilometers from Lyon, this airport primarily serves seasonal flights connecting to various European destinations.
Located about 70 kilometers from Lyon, this airport offers limited international flights and primarily serves domestic traffic.
Approximately 100 kilometers from Lyon, this airport serves as an access point for travelers heading to the French Alps.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, including those of native French descent.
Significant communities from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, primarily due to historical migration patterns.
A growing demographic consisting of individuals from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A community mainly consisting of immigrants from various Latin American countries.
Includes communities from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
A group of individuals from other EU countries, living and working in Lyon.
The Soul of Lyon
Discover the essence of Lyon through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lyon is home to Olympique Lyonnais, a prominent football club that competes in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football.
Rugby is also popular in Lyon, with clubs like Lyon OU competing in the top divisions of French rugby.
ASVEL Basket is a key basketball team in Lyon, competing in the French Jeep Elite league and often participating in European competitions.
Lyon promotes cycling as a mode of transport, with many enthusiasts participating in both recreational and competitive cycling events.
Running events are frequent in Lyon, including marathons and various fun runs, attracting both local and international participants.
Tennis is widely played in Lyon, with several clubs offering facilities and coaching for players of all ages and skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lyon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Lyonnais cuisine leans heavily on meats and animal products, many restaurants in Lyon now offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes. Look for trendy bistros and upscale dining establishments for innovative plant-based options.
Lyon's culinary scene is becoming increasingly aware of dietary restrictions, and it's possible to find gluten-free options in many restaurants. Communicate your dietary needs clearly, and chefs are often willing to accommodate with suitable alternatives.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Lyon with these cultural adventures.
