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

Walking Tour

1
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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2
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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3
Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock
3 tips
- See the clock chimes at set hours
- Free entry
- Quiet visit
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4
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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5
Pedestrian bridge over the Saône with views of Fourvière
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Best light in the evening
- Quiet crossing
- Photograph the basilica from here
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6
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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7
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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8
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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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

Walking Tour

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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