Things to do in Lyon

Activities, attractions and tours

Lyon which includes a river or creek, a city and a statue or sculpture
Lyon
Lyon Opera showing street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre-Dame Basilica showing religious elements, interior views and a church or cathedral
Notre-Dame Basilica showing a city
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Top places to visit

1. Bellecour Square

Bellecour Square is an enormous square that serves as the central hub of Lyon. Join locals and other travelers at this common meeting spot on a peninsula between the city’s two rivers. Gaze up at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV standing proudly in the heart of the plaza.
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Bellecour Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza

2. Place des Terreaux

Terreaux Square (Place des Terreaux) is a bustling and busy square where both city inhabitants and tourists convene. Make this your starting point to visit major shopping streets, restaurants, bars and cafés, as well as the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
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Terreaux Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a fountain and heritage architecture

3. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

Be sure to visit the City Hall of Lyon (Hôtel de Ville de Lyon) on your journey through this historic city. The magnificent structure has a rich legacy of stories and an elegant façade that causes visitors to stop and stare. Come to see the stunning exterior, then explore the surrounding square to see further examples of gorgeous Lyonnais art and architecture.
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Hôtel de Ville de Lyon featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a square or plaza

4. Tête d'Or Park

Tête d’Or Parc is to Lyon as Central Park is to New York, a favorite spot to escape city bustle and find new treasures in every corner. Plan family outings or daily jogs in this lovely green space.
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Tete d\'Or Park

5. Lyon National Opera

The Opéra de Lyon or Nouvel Opera is an eye-catching building that incorporates an original 19th-century façade and foyer with a striking modern extension. A remarkable architectural feat that blends old and new, the opera house can be further explored on a tour or by buying tickets for a show.
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Lyon Opera featuring outdoor art

What to do in Lyon

Popular places to visit

Bellecour Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Bellecour Square

4/5(82 reviews)

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
Part Dieu Mall

Part Dieu Mall

4/5(33 reviews)

During your visit to Lyon, you can do some window-shopping at Part Dieu Mall. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Part Dieu Mall
Terreaux Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a fountain and heritage architecture

Place des Terreaux

4/5(59 reviews)

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 showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and a square or plaza

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

4/5(53 reviews)

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
Tête d'Or Park

Tête d'Or Park

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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
Lyon Opera featuring outdoor art

Lyon National Opera

4/5(28 reviews)

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

Lyon National Opera
Musée des Confluences

Musée des Confluences

4/5(12 reviews)

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
Notre-Dame Basilica which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

4.5/5(80 reviews)

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

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Matmut Stadium

Matmut Stadium

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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

Areas of Lyon

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Lyon City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bellecour Square to Hôtel-Dieu – discover Lyon City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Old Lyon

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Old Lyon, you might enjoy attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Palais de Justice de Lyon. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.

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

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
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3rd Arrondissement

3.5/5(62 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Part Dieu Mall and Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dauphine - Lacassagne Tram Stop or Archives Départementales Tram Stop to see more of the city.

3rd Arrondissement
Lyon which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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
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2nd Arrondissement

Travellers love 2nd Arrondissement for its popular shops, and you can see more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Place des Archives or Sainte-Blandine Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Place Carnot and Lyon Confluence Shopping Center.

2nd Arrondissement
Tassin-la-Demi-Lune

Tassin-la-Demi-Lune

Photo "Ecully" by Alex.cella (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Alex.cella (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Ecully

Photo "Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon" by Madpe (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Madpe (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon

Photo "Meyzieu" by Benoît Prieur (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Benoît Prieur (CC BY-SA)

Meyzieu

Neuville-sur-Saone which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Neuville-sur-Saone

Photo "Rillieux-la-Pape" by Benoît Prieur (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Benoît Prieur (CC BY-SA)

Rillieux-la-Pape

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Lyon City Centre is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while 2nd Arrondissement is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lyon with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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.