Things to do in Lyon

Activities, attractions and tours

Lyon which includes a river or creek, a city and a statue or sculpture
Lyon which includes a river or creek, a city and a statue or sculpture
Confluence Museum
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
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Most popular experiences in Lyon

Tours & day trips

See all 149 activities
Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funic...

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funic...

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €33 per adult
Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funic...Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 67 activities
Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour

Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is €270 per adult*
Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 29 activities
Lyon Music & Wine tasting

Lyon Music & Wine tasting

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €140 per adult*
Lyon Music & Wine tastingOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 15 activities
Lyon: discover the best spots on a guided bike tour

Lyon: discover the best spots on a guided bike tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €48 per adult
Lyon: discover the best spots on a guided bike tourOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 4 activities
Lyon: Tête d'Or park on an electric bike Tour

Lyon: Tête d'Or park on an electric bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €35 per adult
Lyon: Tête d'Or park on an electric bike TourOpens in new tab

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
This is a very famous spot among photographers, though I'd never had the chance of getting this photo right. This time, everything fell into place, and it is a blend of long exposures and short ones, especially for the birds.

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
Tete 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
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
#FDL2014

Lyon Confluence Shopping Center

4/5(18 reviews)

During your trip to Lyon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Lyon Confluence Shopping Center. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Lyon Confluence Shopping Center
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
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
Confluence Museum

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

Areas of Lyon

Textile Museum

Lyon City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bellecour Square to Place Carnot – 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
Excellent view of the setting sun on the 2 iconic « Gratte Ciel » in downtown LYON #lifeatexpedia #lyon #spring

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
At the bank of the Rhone River there are a lot of cool restaurants or bars within/on top of anchored ships.

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
Presqu\'ile showing cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

4/5(95 area reviews)

Spread over a narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Sâone rivers, Lyon’s commercial center draws in visitors with its luxury shops and cultural institutions.

La Presqu'île
Photo of the place where the European Hackathon will be held in 2015.

Tassin-la-Demi-Lune

Photo of the place where the European Hackathon will be held in 2015.

Ecully

Hôtel de Ville de Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon, vu depuis son parc en automne.

Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon

Arbre (Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage).

Meyzieu

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

Neuville-sur-Saone

Vue de Rillieux-la-Pape à partir du chemin de la chapelle, dans le Rhône en France.

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.

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