Lyon

Travel Guide

Lyon which includes a city, a statue or sculpture and a river or creek
Lyon
Lyon Opera which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and heritage architecture
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 amphitheater. It’s one of the venues for the Fourvière Nights Festival, a summer celebration of music, dance and theater.

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

Default Image

Lyon City Centre

Lyon City Centre is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Bellecour Square and Place Carnot. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.

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

Old Lyon

Take time in Old Lyon to visit attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Palais de Justice de Lyon. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Old Lyon
Bellecour Square featuring 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
Default Image

3rd Arrondissement

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
La Presqu\'ile which includes cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

La Presqu'île is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Place Carnot and Bellecour Square. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station.

La Presqu'île
Default Image

2nd Arrondissement

Travelers 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
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

3 out of 5
31 rue Maurice Flandin, Lyon, Rhone
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,066 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P4,066
P4,690 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
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! (882 reviews)
"The hotel is steps away from a major transportation hub, very convenient, good location! The room is reasonable size and clean. The staffs are friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

4 out of 5
29 Rue De Bonnel, Lyon, Rhone
The price is P6,099 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,099
P7,038 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice hotel and staff. However, dinner in the restaurant was a disappointment. Ordered steak and fish, both were tough (old?). Steak sent back, came back same. Steak only about one-quarter-inch thick. Desserts were good. Only there one night, should have gone to a Michelin-recommended bistro ..."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
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
The price is P3,103 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P3,103
P3,544 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Room was small, but clean and quiet. Common areas (reception, elevators, hallways) are dirty and feel unsafe. I kept a chair in front of the door at night as a precaution. Restaurant next door for breakfast was excellent and friendly. Neighborhood is gritty and very urban; homeless people, feces, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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! (1,710 reviews)
"Clean, well-equipped room, helpful staff, excellent location, great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 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! (1,091 reviews)
"Great hotel on outer of Lyon..great for an overnight stop. Would happily spend time there again."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Appart'City Classic Lyon Part-Dieu

Appart'City Classic Lyon Part-Dieu

111 Boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
6.4/10 (1,564 reviews)
"Shopping complex on walking distance. Apartment was family friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Appart'City Classic Lyon 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do