Lyon

Travel Guide

Lyon which includes a statue or sculpture, a city and a river or creek
Lyon
Lyon Opera featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Notre Dame Basilica featuring a city

France’s third largest city is famous for films, festivals, food and centuries-old architecture.

Art festivals and museums dedicated to filmmaking, a medieval old town and Roman ruins Lyon’s attractions are varied and showcased in style. Situated in east-central France, Lyon is a scenic city its beauty starts from the surrounding hills of La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière, and spills down to the banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers, which split the city into districts.The city has an excellent public transport system so getting around is easy. Trains, buses and the subway stop at major attractions. There’s also a public bicycle rental system: Vélo'v.Explore the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district on foot. It’s one of Europe’s largest areas of Renaissance architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets such as Rue St. Jean where you will find an example of Lyon’s famous traboules, covered passageways built through houses. At the end of Rue St.-Jean is the majestic Lyon Cathedral, built between 1180 and 1480. Ride the cable railway to Fourvière hilltop. Check out the views of the city and Rhône Valley from the lookout at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Look for the ancient Roman amphitheatre. It’s one of the venues for the Fourvière Nights Festival, a summer celebration of music, dance and theatre.Go to La Croix-Rousse to see the old silk-weaving district. At the foot of the hill is Place des Terreaux, a central square with the City Hall, St. Peter's Palace and the Bartholdi Fountain. Cross the river to Parc de la Tete d’Or, a beautiful green space with a small zoo.Don’t miss out on a visit to the Lumière Institute. Motion picture pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière had factories on this site. A museum exhibits the brothers’ cinematography achievements. Watch classic movies and attend exhibitions during the annual Festival Lumière in October.Be sure to experience Lyon’s famous culinary scene. Try Lyonnais dishes, such as veal kidneys, at one of the city’s famous bouchons. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market named after an acclaimed French chef. Here you can sample cheese and wine, pâté and pastries from local sellers.

Where to stay in Lyon

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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 statue or sculpture, a city and a river or creek

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 statue or sculpture, a river or creek and a bridge

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 featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Les Cordeliers

Take time in Les Cordeliers to visit attractions like Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and Place des Terreaux. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Cordeliers Bourse Station to see more of the city.

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
Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon

Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon

4 out of 5
129 rue Servient, Lyon, Rhone
The price is RM548 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
RM548
RM627 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
Excellent location!
"Beautiful, medium priced Westfield shopping mall is right beside the hotel. The train station is within walking distance."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

3 out of 5
31 rue Maurice Flandin, Lyon, Rhone
The price is RM320 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
RM320
RM368 total
17 Oct - 18 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,053 reviews)
"Convenient location and comfy bed."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

2 out of 5
75 Boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM228 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
RM228
RM261 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved the stay! Thanks for a great experience in Lyon downtown 💯"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière

4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,741 reviews)
"It was fine for an overnight stop."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu

3 out of 5
79 boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,159 reviews)
"Good size and location"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud

Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud

200 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon, Rhone
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (802 reviews)
Comfortable and accessible
"The stay was very comfortable and everything was clean, and even got to enjoy the jacuzzi and sauna for one night! Was easy to get to my train station for travel the next day."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Résidence Ôtelia - Gestetud
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Lyon

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
86
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
56
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely laid back city where nothing was too much from the locals. I’ll be going again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent city, was cold when we were there for the rugby, but friendly and easy to get around, the Metro is clean, safe and cheap.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a cosmopolitan city, exciting nightlife. Love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Peach

The Basilica walk is well worth it. Go inside for a stunning experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent food especially in bouchons but need to reserve.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Food was amazing everywhere we went...