Things to do in Lyon

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Lyon showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Confluence Museum
Lyon Opera which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica which includes interior views, religious elements and heritage architecture
Notre Dame Basilica which includes a city

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Most popular activities in Lyon

Tours & day trips

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Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon Full day

Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon Full day

Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥27,569 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Full Day Tour Annecy and Pérouges

Full Day Tour Annecy and Pérouges

Activity duration is 8 hours
Price is ￥60,687 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Lyon: discover the best spots on a guided bike tour

Lyon: discover the best spots on a guided bike tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥8,323 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Taste Wine in Lyon: Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, and more

Taste Wine in Lyon: Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, and more

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,339 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,549 per adult
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What to do in Lyon

Discover the most popular places to visit in Lyon

This is a very famous spot among photographers, though I'd never had the chance of getting this photo right. This time, everything fell into place, and it is a blend of long exposures and short ones, especially for the birds.

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.

Part Dieu Mall
Bellecour Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza

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.

Bellecour Square
Tete d\'Or Park

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.

Tête d'Or Park
Terreaux Square showing a square or plaza, a fountain and a statue or sculpture

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.

Place des Terreaux
Terreaux Square which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

The symbol of Lyon and the seat of its government is a stunning 17th-century building with a history of swamps, fires and revolutions.

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
Notre Dame Basilica which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Lyon’s crowning glory, this monumental church stands atop Fourvière hill and provides fabulous panoramas of the city.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Lyon Opera which includes outdoor art

Lyon National Opera

Watch a performance or tour the interior of this unusual opera house, which dramatically combines traditional and modern architectural styles.

Lyon National Opera
Confluence Museum

Musée des Confluences

You can browse the exhibits at Musée des Confluences, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Lyon. Visit the area's shops or amble around its riverfront.

Musée des Confluences
Stade Gerland

Matmut Stadium

Join hordes of fans for a thrilling rugby match or an open-air concert at this Lyon stadium with a rich sporting history.

Matmut Stadium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Lyon

Textile Museum

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.

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

Old Lyon

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

Explore the largest Renaissance district in Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring three sections: Saint Jean, Saint Paul, and Saint Georges. Discover museums, traboules, and historic churches, with Gare Saint-Paul as a transportation hub.

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

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
At the bank of the Rhone River there are a lot of cool restaurants or bars within/on top of anchored ships.

3rd Arrondissement

4/5(140 area reviews)

Discover the 3rd arrondissement's impressive towers, such as Tour Part-Dieu and Tour Oxygène, and enjoy cultural venues like Auditorium Maurice-Ravel and Théâtre de la Tête d'Or. Easily navigate with Metro Lines B and D, and Tramway T1 and T3.

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

La Presqu'île

4.5/5(255 area reviews)

Explore numerous cafés, restaurants, and luxury shops in this UNESCO-listed central part of Lyon. Visit cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy a quiet urban oasis at the public garden in St. Pierre Palace.

La Presqu'île
Lyon featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Les Cordeliers

Lyon’s architectural highlights are strewn across this meeting point of wealth, religion and gastronomy. Visit the bank headquarters and medieval church.

Les Cordeliers

Popular day trips from Lyon

Photo "Bron" by Perreal (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Perreal (CC BY-SA)

Bron

Photo "Villeurbanne" by Gnu-Bricoleur (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Gnu-Bricoleur (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Villeurbanne

Photo by Journey Of A Nomadic Family

Caluire-et-Cuire

Photo "Saint-Priest" by Alamine M. (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Saint-Priest

Frequently asked questions

Is Lyon worth visiting?
Offering a blend of festivals and dining, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon. While you're here, check out Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Lyon?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Lugdunum and Lyon Aquarium, spend some time exploring Lyon's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lyon?
Don't leave without exploring Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, ranked the top tourist attraction in Lyon.
Is three days enough to stay in Lyon?
Three days in Lyon is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers spend two days on average. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Lyon Cathedral and Lugdunum are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Colombier-Saugnieu.
Is Lyon a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Lyon. Several key attractions, like Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and Lyon Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Lyon's neighborhoods, Lyon City Centre is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while 2nd Arrondissement is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lyon with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Lyon with kids.

What to do in Lyon for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon for adults including Hôtel de Ville de Lyon and Halle Tony Garnier.
Are there free things to do in Lyon?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Lyon is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Historic Site of Lyon is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.