Lyon map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, markets, free things to do, rainy day

8 places on the map

Museums

1
Futuristic museum of science and anthropology
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Take the tram T1
- Walk around the building at the Rhône-Saône confluence
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2
One of France's great fine-arts museums in a former abbey
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Relax in the cloister garden
- Allow 2 hours
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3
Birthplace of cinema in the Lumière family home
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Visit the garden and the hangar
- Take metro D to Monplaisir
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4
Archaeological museum built into the hill
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Ticket combined with the theatre
- Impressive architecture
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5
Textiles and decorative arts in a mansion
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Visit the garden
- Great for silk history
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6
Contemporary art museum near the Parc de la Tête d'Or
- Must know: Closed Mondays
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Combine with the park
- Check exhibitions
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7
Miniatures and film special effects museum
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Fun for families
- Allow an hour
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8
History of Lyon and puppet museum in a Renaissance house
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Rooftop terrace has views
- Allow 90 minutes
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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.

Lyon

Museums

Take this map with you

Before you go: Lyon tips

Transportation

Security

Saving

Weather/Clothing

Cultural

Local Hacks

1-day itineraries in Lyon

Théâtre antique de Fourvière and around

La Croix-Rousse and around

Parc de la Tête d'Or and around

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