Lyon.
Lyon is a silken tapestry of Renaissance charm and avant-garde gastronomy, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge in a shimmering embrace. It is a city that whispers history through its hidden passageways while shouting its culinary brilliance from every bustling bouchon.
Top Things to Do.
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The Survival Kit.
Hotels in Lyon
Find the perfect stay from historic boutique hotels in the city center to modern budget suites.
Stay near the Old Centre for walking access.
Flights to Lyon
Compare all major airlines and low-cost carriers flying into Lyon's main airports.
Mid-week flights are usually 20% cheaper.
Local Transport
Book your airport transfer, local city passes, or regional train tickets for exploring beyond Lyon.
Most cities offer 24/48h unlimited travel cards.
Guided Tours
Explore hidden corners with expert-led walking tours, food tastings, and day trips.
Free walking tours are a great first-day activity.
48 Hours in Lyon.
Day 1: Heritage and Horizons
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Ascend the funicular to the 'praying hill' for breathtaking panoramic views and a tour of the shimmering neo-Byzantine mosaics.
The Secret Traboules of Vieux Lyon
Explore the hidden Renaissance passageways used by silk merchants that weave through the honey-colored courtyards of the Old Town.
Dining at a Traditional Bouchon
Indulge in an authentic Lyonnais feast of pike quenelles and local cheeses at a certified tavern like Daniel et Denise.
Day 2: Gourmet Soul and Silk
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Navigate this legendary indoor food market to sample world-class oysters, artisanal charcuterie, and Saint-Marcellin cheese.
Croix-Rousse Silk Workshops
Visit the Maison des Canuts to discover the intricate history of the silk workers who defined the city's industrial identity.
Riverside Promenade and Presqu'île
Stroll the elegantly lit banks of the Rhône before enjoying a sophisticated cocktail at a high-end bar near the Place des Terreaux.
Where to Stay?
Presqu'île
StatelyThe beating heart of the city features grand 19th-century architecture, luxury boutiques, and the finest cultural institutions.
Croix-Rousse
BohemianPerched on a hill, this creative district offers artisan ateliers, vibrant street markets, and a village-like atmosphere.
Vieux Lyon
MedievalOne of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods, it is perfect for those seeking atmospheric cobblestones and history.
Local Secrets
The Traboule Etiquette
Many traboules are located in private residential buildings; keep voices to a whisper and respect the 'silence' signs to ensure they stay open to the public.
The Mâchon Tradition
Seek out restaurants serving a 'mâchon,' a traditional early morning feast of hot meats and Beaujolais originally enjoyed by silk workers.
Free Museum Sundays
Many of Lyon's municipal museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
Escapes from Lyon.
Annecy
Known as the 'Venice of the Alps,' it offers a stunning turquoise lake and medieval canals at the foot of snow-capped mountains.
Beaujolais Wine Region
Explore the rolling golden hills and sample world-famous Gamay wines in the charming stone villages north of the city.
Pérouges
Step back in time in this perfectly preserved medieval walled village, famous for its galette au sucre.
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