Things to do in Lyon

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A statue of an angel overlooking a densely packed city with red-roofed buildings and a river.
A modern building with a glass facade and a bike parking area in front.
An ornate church interior with intricate carvings, golden accents, and a central altar.
A densely packed urban area with historic buildings, a river, and a bridge.
An ornate room with elaborate wall decorations, a wooden floor, and antique furniture.

Lyon Attractions

Are you a fan of fine dining or shopping? Or maybe you prefer to make your way around a new city like a local. While staying in Lyon, it doesn't really matter what your preferences are — this happening metropolis offers all the experiences and attractions you could ever need.

Discover what makes Lyon tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {273 fun activities in Lyon fun activities in Lyon}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Picture 2 for Activity Lyon: Private Walking Tour of Lyon's Traboules

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

$40
per adult
Lyon: Private Walking Tour of "Traboules" in the Old Town
Lyon City Card Public Transportation & 40 attractions

Lyon City Card Public Transportation & 40 attractions

$37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lyon City Card Public Transportation & 40 attractions
Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour

Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)

$6
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)
Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise

$17
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Lyon: Guided Sightseeing Cruise
Lyon: Guided Evening Food Tour

Lyon Sunset Food Tour: Full Meal of Lyon’s Best Bites

$102
per adult
Lyon Sunset Food Tour: Full Meal of Lyon’s Best Bites
Lyon: Aquarium Entrance Ticket

Lyon: Aquarium Entrance Ticket

$22
per adult
Lyon: Aquarium Entrance Ticket
Lyon: Segway Tour Along Rhône and Saône River

Lyon : 1,5-hour Segway tour

$51
per adult
Lyon : 1,5-hour Segway tour
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Lyon must see attractions

1. Bellecour Square

Bellecour Square is an enormous square that serves as the central hub of Lyon. Join locals and other travelers at this common meeting spot on a peninsula between the city’s two rivers. Gaze up at the equestrian statue of Louis XIV standing proudly in the heart of the plaza.
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A historic plaza with a statue of a man on a horse, a clock tower, and the Hotel Royal building.

2. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Because of its hilltop location, the Notre-Dame Basilica, officially Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, can be seen from almost anywhere in Lyon. Not only is it a symbol of the city, but it is also one of Lyon’s most popular attractions. Visit to admire the extravagant excess of the gilded interior and admire spectacular views across the city.
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A detailed ceiling with intricate gold and turquoise patterns, including floral motifs and angelic figures.

3. Tête d'Or Park

Tête d’Or Parc is to Lyon as Central Park is to New York, a favorite spot to escape city bustle and find new treasures in every corner. Plan family outings or daily jogs in this lovely green space.
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A bronze equestrian statue in a park with surrounding flowers and trees.

4. Place des Terreaux

Terreaux Square (Place des Terreaux) is a bustling and busy square where both city inhabitants and tourists convene. Make this your starting point to visit major shopping streets, restaurants, bars and cafés, as well as the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
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A grand building with a clock tower, ornate sculptures, and a large dome.

5. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

Be sure to visit the City Hall of Lyon (Hôtel de Ville de Lyon) on your journey through this historic city. The magnificent structure has a rich legacy of stories and an elegant façade that causes visitors to stop and stare. Come to see the stunning exterior, then explore the surrounding square to see further examples of gorgeous Lyonnais art and architecture.
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A grand historic building with ornate architecture, a large open square, and surrounding cafes.

6. Matmut Stadium

Stade Gerland is a famous name for French sports fans, as this is the historic home of the soccer team Olympique Lyonnais. Today, the arena is known as Matmut Stadium de Gerland and the soccer team have moved on, yet it remains a major sporting and concert venue. Attend an event here to experience the historic stadium come to life with music and the roar of a crowd.
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A modern architectural structure with a curved roof and a staircase leading up to it.

Recommended things to do in Lyon

Number of things to do
273
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Tours in Lyon with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Lyon

Free Things to Do in Lyon

Touring on a shoestring budget in Lyon? Spend time, not your paycheck, on great experiences.

Musée d'Art Religieux - Approach the friendly staff or curator and learn more about the special collections exhibited at this museum.

Fresque des Lyonnais - This is an ideal place to get your culture fix and learn all about the buzzing local arts scene.

University of Lyon II - Architecture buffs will no doubt enjoy admiring the impressive modern design of this local landmark.

Medieval & Renaissance Architecture - Roam around this historic site and uncover a couple of secrets from times past.

Place des Jacobins - Mingle with some local people and seek out the true character and energy of this unique place.

Gros Caillou - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Eglise Saint Nizier - Do some quiet contemplation and discover a few things about this site's spiritual importance.

Le Jardin Des Chartreux - If you're into digging around the garden, this attraction will fascinate your green thumb.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Lyon? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Lyon attractions

A historic plaza with a statue of a man on a horse, a clock tower, and the Hotel Royal building.

Bellecour Square

8.6/10 (2,316 reviews)
Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest pedestrian squares, pulses at Lyon's heart beneath Louis XIV's statue. Relax at surrounding cafés or visit during December's spectacular Fête des Lumières.
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Where to stay in Lyon

Find the best Lyon areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lyon
Learn more about Lyon
A statue of a figure holding a staff, overlooking a city with red-roofed buildings and a river.

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 des Jacobins. See more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Saint-André Tram Stop or Rue de l'Universite Tram Stop.

A modern architectural building with a unique geometric design, surrounded by a landscaped area with grass and pathways.

La Presqu'île

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

A statue of an angel overlooking a densely packed city with red-roofed buildings and a river.

Old Lyon

Take time in Old Lyon to visit attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Cinema and Miniature Museum. 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.

A cityscape with a river, historic buildings, and a prominent church with a large circular window.

La Croix Rousse

Shopping, spas, and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about La Croix Rousse. Sights like Place de la Croix Rousse and Mur des Canuts are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Lyon area at Henon Station.

A tall building with a curved facade and a clear blue sky above.
Photo by Kevin CARY
Open Photo by Kevin CARY

Part Dieu - Bir Hakeim

If you're spending time in Part Dieu - Bir Hakeim, check out sights like Part Dieu Mall or Auditorium Maurice Ravel and hop on the metro to see more the city at Part-Dieu - Auditorium Tram Stop or Part-Dieu - Vivier Merle Tram Stop.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Lyon

A stone bridge with metal railings leading to a tunnel entrance.

Bron

A cityscape with a prominent hilltop church and a tower.

Charbonnieres-les-Bains

A historic stone tower by a river, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional buildings.

Chasse-sur-Rhone

A snow-covered courtyard with a yellow building featuring a central tower and multiple windows.

Tassin-la-Demi-Lune

A panoramic view of a city with a river, historic buildings, and a prominent tower.

Villeurbanne

A historic stone church with a bell tower and arched windows.

Dardilly

A calm lake surrounded by dense greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.

Miribel

A rural road with trees and fields, leading to industrial buildings in the distance.

Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost

Frequently asked questions

Is Lyon worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Lyon is visit Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon. Tick this top attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's festivals and dining.
How do I spend a day in Lyon?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Lugdunum and Lyon Aquarium, spend some time exploring Lyon's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lyon?
The top tourist attraction in Lyon is Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, so don't forget to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Lyon?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Lyon Cathedral and Lugdunum with a three-day escape to Lyon. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Colombier-Saugnieu.
Is Lyon a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Lyon. Several key attractions, including Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and Lyon Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Lyon's best neighborhoods, Lyon City Centre is 1 mile away from downtown, while 2nd Arrondissement is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lyon with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Lyon with kids.

What to do in Lyon for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or adventure seeker, there are lots 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?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Lyon. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Odéon is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.

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