Location: Lyon
Top Things to do in Lyon
10 Free Things to do in Lyon That You Shouldn't Miss
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travelers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets. (When we say "interesting," we mean it.)
Restaurants in Lyon
1. Vieux Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,612 reviews
Lyon's historic section is full of old buildings and a traditional old French atmosphere.
Reviewed By gavinb213
The best part of Lyon: fascinating and friendly. Wander around: get lost among the charming streets, stop for a drink or food at one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants.
2. Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,335 reviews
Standing atop Fourvière Hill, this basilica, constructed in the late 19th century, has an ornate interior to contrast its grave exterior.
Reviewed By Moko2000
This is a very beautiful church and the mosaics and ceiling are amazing and the view over Lyon is amazing as well. You can either take the tram or walk up. Its very easy to reach from old town
3. Colline de Fourviere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,672 reviews
This hill was the location of Lyon's original Roman settlement and still is home to ancient ruins from that era.
Reviewed By Andrew081 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Fourviere Hill famous for its firework display and processions during the festival of light (every December) is home to Tour Métallique de Fourvière (mini Eiffel tower), the ornate Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière (Cathedral) and the amazing remains of the Théâtre Gallo Romain (Roman Theatre) where open-air events are still held. Best reached by one of the two funicular railways from Vieux Lyon – railway cost is one standard metro/bus ticket (€1.90).
4. Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,723 reviews
A 12th-century Gothic cathedral with impressive stained-glass windows.
Reviewed By morelqueen
I love old churches. The stained glass , astronomical clock, and the statue of Christ by the altar are all worthy of a stop on your meandering walk through Lyon.
5. Hotel de Ville de Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Lyon's city hall, with its tall clock tower and blue-domed pavilions, fulfills the French tradition of dignified government buildings.
Reviewed By BernardBertram - London, United Kingdom
The whole area is full of these stunning old buildings & this one is opposite the Opera. Grand area. Very busy though.
6. Theatres Romains de Fourviere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,155 reviews
A remnant from the era of dominance of the Roman Empire, the ruins of these two amphitheaters are over 2,000 years old.
Reviewed By Jimlockard - Lyon, France
Up on Fourviere Hill, accessible by funicular, you will find the ruins of a large Roman theater and a smaller adjacent meeting place in what was a large Roman settlement in the first Century. Both are now used for concerts in the summer. Easy to explore (but no disabled access to the sites). There is also a museum nearby. Worth visiting, great view, come to a concert if you can.
7. The Presqu'ile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
The Presqu'ile is a lovely area of Lyon. It's full of restaurants, cafes, fashion and other types of stores. It also has wonderful architecture as well as some stunning buildings. This is certainly a part of Lyon one has to visit.
8. Mur des Canuts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,423 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
There are several areas in Lyon with huge wall paintings or murals. And they are all fantastic. We managed to see a few, although we had to walk around quite a bit. Le Mur Des Canuts is one such mural and it is painted on a huge wall. It was created in 1987. It represents a day in the life of silk workers who worked in the neighbourhood and who had taken protest action against their poor working conditions in the 1800s. Apparently the mural is updated every now and then. This is a great piece of art and is really part of the local area and its culture and traditions.
9. Parc de la Tete d'Or
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,504 reviews
Come enjoy a moment of relaxation in family in a wooded and natural setting. A double course of 18 tracks awaits you. Young and old alike will share an unforgettable moment on the playful and amazing trails of mini-golf. Both children and parents will find happiness. A little introduction to the practice of mini-golf will be provided if you wish.
Reviewed By Jimlockard - Lyon, France
Parc de la Tete d'Or is about ten blocks from our new flat in Lyon. It is a huge park with a large lake, lots of trails for walking and jogging, playgrounds, a zoo, and an excellent botanical garden. It is the "Central Park" of Lyon, even though it is in the northeastern edge of the city. A great gathering place and lots to explore. Very safe.
10. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,833 reviews
Reviewed By PTB1276
Breathtaking! Sounds. Smells. Colors. Sights. A feast for eyes and palate that sparks culinary creativity. Simply breathtaking for any foodie who love fresh products, exquisite meats, aisles of cheeses, pates, charcuterie, Foie Gras, fish, shellfish, caviar, and more. Restaurants tucked around the wide stalls offer speciality dishes from truffles (one offered foie gras stuffed ravioli with a truffle sauce), to the freshest oysters, with others providing more savory fare, and even casual dining—there are also buy-and-takeaway prepared food options. If you love looking at food, Go! If you love trying new foods, Go! If you love eating and preparing your own foods, Go! If you love just doing photography of food, Go! Oh, Heck! Just Go!
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