Location: Lyon
Top Things to do in Lyon
The 10 Best Things to do in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
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. Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,980 reviews
This stately old building is located in Vieux Lyon.
Reviewed By Peta_and_Stu - Hobart, Australia
Please don't miss this fantastic museum. If you love movies and enjoy learning about the behind the scenes then you will enjoy this. The miniatures were outstanding, so realistic.
5. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,183 reviews
The museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is the largest French museum outside of Paris, in terms of the richness of its collections, and the importance of the bequests received at its creation, in the wake of the Revolution. The ongoing enrichment of the collection and its dynamic artistic program place the museum on the international art scene. The museum is located place des Terreaux, in the heart of the city center, in a former 17th century Benedictine abbey. Its cloister is now home to a quiet garden featuring sculptures by Rodin and Bourdelle, among others. The museum’s encyclopedic collections are exhibited in five sections and seventy galleries presenting artworks from all the major civilizations and artistic schools, from Antiquity to the present day. All year long, the museum offers its visitors an exceptional tour of 5 000 years of art history and organizes major temporary exhibitions, as well as cultural activities engaging all audiences.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
A wonderful building, located in a beautiful area of the city. Many great sights around. Interestingly the building originally was a Benedictine convent! The stunning artworks include many masterpieces of great artists, as well as sculptures and other artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle East and elsewhere. This is a must visit sight.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. Traboules du Vieux Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,028 reviews
Reviewed By 386bast - Brussels, Belgium
this has to be one of the highlights of visiting this amazing city you just have to wander the Streets get lost and then start looking for the traboules and whe you find them just marvel in their beauty
10. Musee des Confluences
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,781 reviews
Unmissable in Lyon, the musée des Confluences tells the story of mankind and the history of life. Unprecedented in the world of European museums, it sets up a dialogue between all the sciences to better understand the world. Live out a unique experience by leafing through the great tale of the origins of humanity and life. At the heart of remarkable scenographies, let yourselves be guided through time and continents and be surprised by the beauty of the collections: meteorites, Camarasaurus, humming birds, femina sapiens, microscopes, Siberian tiger, sputnik, Samurai armours… Between Rhône and Saône, come to discover an audacious architecture and an exceptional site on the cutting edge of the Lyon peninsula.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
We visited the Musee des Confluences because of its unusual design and location. It opened in 2014 on a terrific spot where two rivers meet, at the southern end of the Presqu'île, the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The views are fantastic particularly from the top of the building. The museum is an Anthropology and Natural Sciences museum, but we only inspected the building itself, not the museum exhibits. This is a wonderful building and an absolute must see.
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