Things to do in Lyon

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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Most popular experiences in Lyon

Tours & day trips

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Lyon: Private Walking Tour of "Traboules" in the Old Town

Lyon: Private Walking Tour of "Traboules" in the Old Town

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,362 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Full Day Tour Annecy and Pérouges

Full Day Tour Annecy and Pérouges

Activity duration is 8 hours
Price is P 23,622 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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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 P 3,240 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Taste Wine in Lyon: Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, and more

Taste Wine in Lyon: Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, and more

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,749 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,160 per adult
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What to do in Lyon

Popular places to visit

Part Dieu Mall

Part Dieu Mall

During your visit to Lyon, you can enjoy retail therapy at Part Dieu Mall. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Part Dieu Mall
Bellecour Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Bellecour Square

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
Tête d'Or Park

Tête d'Or Park

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 showing a statue or sculpture, a square or plaza and a fountain

Place des Terreaux

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 which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

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

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

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

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Lyon Opera which includes outdoor art

Lyon National Opera

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

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
Matmut Stadium

Matmut Stadium

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

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
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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
Lyon featuring 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

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

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 travelers 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 neighborhoods, Lyon City Centre is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while 2nd Arrondissement is 2 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lyon with kids?
Whether you're traveling 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 neighborhoods, 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.