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36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Free things to do

  1. 1

    Renaissance old town with narrow streets and traboules

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Weekdays
    2 tips
    • Look for hidden traboule passages
    • Eat at a bouchon
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  2. 2

    One of Europe's largest pedestrian squares

    3 tips
    • Meet at the statue of Louis XIV
    • Visit the tourist office
    • Start of Rue de la République shopping
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  3. 3

    Square with Bartholdi fountain and the town hall

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • See the fountain at night
    • Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts next door
    • Good terraces
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  4. 4

    Elegant square with an ornate fountain

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Beautiful at night
    • Near Rue de la République
    • Terraces around
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  5. 5

    Hillside silk-weavers' district with traboules and markets

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Explore the traboules
    • Climb the Pentes
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  6. 6

    Giant trompe-l'oeil mural in Croix-Rousse

    3 tips
    • Free to see
    • Photograph with the real street
    • Combine with Croix-Rousse
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  7. 7

    Huge park with lake, botanical gardens and zoo

    3 tips
    • Rent a boat
    • Visit the greenhouses
    • Free zoo entry
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  8. 8

    Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock

    3 tips
    • See the clock chimes at set hours
    • Free entry
    • Quiet visit
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  9. 9

    Hilltop basilica dominating the city with sweeping views

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon
    • Visit the crypt and the rooftop tour
    • Go at sunset
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  10. 10

    Roman theatre built in 15 BC, still used for festivals

    3 tips
    • Check Nuits de Fourvière schedule
    • Combine with Gallo-Roman museum
    • Great views of the city
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Before you go: Lyon tips

Transportation

  • Use the TCL network: Lyon's metro, trams, buses and funiculars are run by TCL; buy tickets in the TCL app or at machines.
  • Take the funicular to Fourviere: The funicular from Vieux Lyon saves a steep climb to the basilica and Roman theatres.
  • Catch the Rhonexpress: The Rhonexpress tram links Saint-Exupery Airport with Part-Dieu station quickly.

Security

  • Watch for pickpockets: Keep an eye on bags at Part-Dieu station and in crowded metro carriages.
  • Beware petition scams: Ignore people asking for signatures near tourist sites, often a distraction for theft.
  • Stay alert late at night: Some areas around stations can feel rough after dark; use busy streets.

Saving

  • Get the Lyon City Card: It covers transport, many museums and guided tours, ideal for busy sightseeing days.
  • Eat the lunch menu: Bouchons and bistros offer set lunch menus that cost less than dinner.
  • Rent Velo'v bikes: Lyon's bike share system is cheap for short rides along the riverbanks.

Weather/Clothing

  • Hot summers: Summers can be hot; pack light clothes, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
  • Chilly, grey winters: Winters are cold and often foggy; bring a warm coat and scarf.
  • Comfortable shoes for hills: Croix-Rousse and Fourviere involve steep streets and stairs.

Cultural

  • Dine in a bouchon: Try traditional Lyonnaise dishes like quenelles and saucisson brioche in a certified bouchon.
  • Greet with bonjour: Always say bonjour when entering shops and restaurants; it is expected politeness.
  • Visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse: The famous food hall showcases cheeses, charcuterie and local specialties.

Local Hacks

  • Explore the traboules: Discover hidden passageways in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse that link streets through buildings.
  • See the Festival of Lights: In early December, the Fete des Lumieres lights up the city; book accommodation early.
  • Picnic on the Rhone banks: Locals relax along the Berges du Rhone on warm evenings.

1-day itineraries in Lyon

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

Théâtre antique de Fourvière and around

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 6 stops

  1. 1Théâtre antique de Fourvière
  2. 2Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  3. 3Vieux Lyon
  4. 4Cathédrale Saint-Jean
  5. 5Place Bellecour
  6. and 1 more
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Day 2 of 3

La Croix-Rousse and around

🕘 9:30–14:00📍 4 stops

  1. 1Mur des Canuts
  2. 2La Croix-Rousse
  3. 3Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
  4. 4Place des Terreaux
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Day 3 of 3

Parc de la Tête d'Or and around

🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops

  1. 1Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon
  2. 2Parc de la Tête d'Or
  3. 3Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
See the day →

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