Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Mikhail Nilov, Pexels
Lyon captivates visitors with its rich history, celebrated gastronomy, and vibrant cultural scene. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it presents a blend of Gallo-Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture, offering a truly immersive experience for those who appreciate historical depth. The city is renowned as France's culinary capital, inviting exploration of traditional 'bouchons' and modern food markets.
For those looking to socialise, Lyon offers several lively districts. The Presqu'île area, situated between the Rhône and Saône rivers, is particularly vibrant with numerous bars, cafes, and a bustling nightlife, often attracting students and young professionals. Vieux-Lyon also provides a lively setting with bars and clubs popular among younger crowds, despite its historical charm. Additionally, the creative and bustling Croix-Rousse district is known for its cafes and nightlife, appealing to artists and students. Hostels in the city, such as Alter Hostel and Le Flaneur Guesthouse, often host social events like pub crawls and shared meals, making it easier for solo travellers and backpackers to connect.
Top 6 Things to do in Lyon
Activities in Lyon typically involve exploring historical sites, enjoying exquisite culinary experiences, and appreciating diverse cultural institutions.
1. Explore Vieux Lyon and its Traboules
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience a journey back to the Renaissance era. This historic district is known for its well-preserved architecture, including the famous 'traboules,' which are hidden passageways used by silk workers to transport goods. Discovering these secret routes provides a unique insight into Lyon's past and offers a sense of adventure. It is recommended to explore with a map or a guided tour to find the accessible traboules and understand their historical significance.
Cost: Exploring Vieux Lyon and most traboules is free. Guided walking tours often start from approximately €15-€30, offering deeper historical context and easier navigation of the traboules.
Transport: Vieux Lyon is a central, walkable area. It is easily accessible via the Metro D line to 'Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean' station.
2. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Roman Theatres
Ascend Fourvière Hill to discover the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning 19th-century basilica offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica's intricate mosaics and stained glass are particularly impressive inside. Adjacent to the basilica are the ancient Roman theatres, remnants of Lugdunum, the Roman capital of Gaul. These well-preserved amphitheatres still host performances today, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
Cost: Entry to the Basilica is free. The Roman Theatres are also free to explore. A return ticket for the funicular costs approximately €3.60, or it is included with public transport passes like the Lyon City Card.
Transport: The most scenic way to reach Fourvière Hill is by taking the Funicular (line F2) from the 'Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean' metro station. A taxi from the city center to Fourvière Hill would cost approximately €14-€17.
3. Indulge at Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Experience Lyon's status as France's gastronomic capital by visiting Les Halles Paul Bocuse, an upscale indoor market named after the legendary chef. This market is a paradise for food lovers, featuring over 50 stalls offering high-quality local produce, cheeses, cured meats, pastries, and seafood. It is an excellent place to sample Lyonnaise specialties, enjoy a meal at one of the small eateries, or purchase gourmet souvenirs.
Cost: Entry to Les Halles is free. The cost of food and drink varies widely depending on purchases, from a few euros for a pastry to higher prices for a full meal or gourmet products.
Transport: Les Halles Paul Bocuse is located in the Part-Dieu district. It is easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus and tram lines serving the area. It is a short walk from the 'Part-Dieu – Vivier Merle' metro station (Line B) or 'Gare Part-Dieu' train station.
4. Discover the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)
Immerse yourself in art and history at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a magnificent 17th-century abbey on Place des Terreaux. It stands as France's second-largest fine arts museum after the Louvre. The museum showcases an extensive collection spanning ancient Egyptian antiquities to European paintings and sculptures, including works by Monet and Picasso. The tranquil garden within the museum offers a peaceful retreat.
Cost: A full-price adult ticket is typically around €12-€15. The museum is often included with the Lyon City Card.
Transport: The museum is centrally located on Place des Terreaux, making it easily walkable from many central areas. It is accessible via Metro A or C lines to 'Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel' station.
5. Relax at Parc de la Tête d'Or
Escape the urban bustle at Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon's largest urban park, situated along the Rhône River. This expansive park offers beautiful botanical gardens, a free zoo with an African plain, a large lake where visitors can rent boats, and plenty of green space for relaxation or picnics. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor activities and a breath of fresh air.
Cost: Entry to the park, botanical gardens, and zoo is free. Boat rentals on the lake may incur a small fee. Cycling around the park is an option, with Vélo'v (city bikes) available for rent at approximately €4 per day.
Transport: The park is located north of the city center. It can be reached by several bus lines, or by Metro A line to 'Masséna' or 'Charpennes' stations, followed by a walk or tram connection. It is also accessible by car, with paid parking options nearby.
6. Visit the Musée des Confluences
Explore the Musée des Confluences, a striking modern museum located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its deconstructivist architecture, resembling a 'floating crystal cloud,' is a landmark in itself. The museum focuses on natural history, anthropology, and societies, guiding visitors through the grand narrative of humanity and the living world with diverse and original exhibits, from meteorites to samurai armor.
Cost: A full-price adult ticket is typically €12. Reduced rates are available, and entry is free for those under 18 or with a Lyon City Card.
Transport: The museum is located at the southern tip of the Presqu'île. It is well-served by public transport, including Tram T1 to 'Musée des Confluences' stop, and several bus lines (C7, C10, 15, 63). A taxi from central Lyon would cost approximately €11-€15.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
