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.
Lyon
Travel Guide
Visit Lyon
Where to stay in Lyon
Lyon City Centre
Lyon City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Bellecour Square and Place Carnot. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.
La Presqu'île
La Presqu'île is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Place Carnot and Bellecour Square. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station.
Old Lyon
Take time in Old Lyon to visit attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Palais de Justice de Lyon. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.
La Croix Rousse
Shopping, spas, and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about La Croix Rousse. Sights like Place de la Croix Rousse and Mur des Canuts are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Lyon area at Henon Station.
Part Dieu - Bir Hakeim
If you're spending time in Part Dieu - Bir Hakeim, check out sights like Part Dieu Mall or Auditorium Maurice Ravel and hop on the metro to see more the city at Part-Dieu - Auditorium Tram Stop or Part-Dieu - Vivier Merle Tram Stop.
Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
"Very convenient location for the main station. More a business hotel than a tourist hotel. Only one lift servicing the 32 nd floor reception for some of our stay - not acceptable. Hotel public areas often very busy with business conferences/meetings. Little sense of service - everything had a price ..."
Reviewed on May 24, 2026
Campanile PRIME - Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu
"Superb location for travellers and not too bad for getting around the city either. Staff were outstanding, Sacha was so helpful to us - we only had a day and a bit in the city and he set out the must see's / do's and how to get about. Room was spotless, bar had great beer and the breakfast was the ..."
Reviewed on May 30, 2026
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
"Camere molto spaziose, ho soggiornato solo una notte per lavoro e qui mi trovo sempre molto bene"
Reviewed on May 26, 2026
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
"Property location is 15 minutes by metro from the city center. Metro station is 260m from hotel which is convenient. Hotel is clean but run down. Bed wasn’t comfortable and beddings are old. If you’re on a budget this hotel would work. Bonus: it has a small kitchen with necessary kitchenware for ..."
Reviewed on May 26, 2026
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
"Air conditioning, clean room, nice staff."
Reviewed on May 31, 2026
Citadines Part-Dieu Lyon
"I was so disappointed with the property especially given the rate. The property is undergoing a refurb, had furniture and cables everywhere in the foyer, they were also painting and had a temporary check in desk. One lift wasn’t working, the door to our room got stuck each time and was very hard ..."
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2026
Popular places to visit
Part Dieu Mall
During your visit to Lyon, you can enjoy retail therapy at Part Dieu Mall. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Tête d'Or Park
Complete your Lyon visit with several hours in this delightful spot, a combination of botanical gardens, grassy public spaces and a zoo.
Bellecour Square
Relax at a café in one of Europe’s largest open squares and enjoy the French ambiance generated by street performers and live music.
Place des Terreaux
Life unfolds in this beautiful and busy central square, home to a superb fountain sculpted by Statue of Liberty designer, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi.
Lyon Confluence Shopping Center
During your trip to Lyon, you can do some window-shopping at Lyon Confluence Shopping Center. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Lyon National Opera
Watch a performance or tour the interior of this unusual opera house, which dramatically combines traditional and modern architectural styles.
Things to do
Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)
Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)
Lyon: Private Walking Tour of "Traboules" in the Old Town
Lyon City Card Public Transportation & 40 attractions
Lyon: City Highlights Walking Tour
Lyon Sunset Food Tour: Full Meal of Lyon’s Best Bites
Other places like Lyon
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