2-Day Local Explorer's Guide to Lyon: Sightseeing, Cuisine, Shopping
Lyon, France
2 days
About Lyon, France
Experience the charm of Lyon, France, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its historical and architectural landmarks. As the gastronomic capital of the world, Lyon offers a plethora of exquisite dining options, including traditional bouchons and Michelin-starred restaurants. Explore the city's vibrant culture by visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Renaissance district Vieux Lyon, and the modern Confluence district. Don't miss the stunning views from Fourvière Hill and the beautiful Parc de la Tête d'Or. Lyon also hosts the famous Festival of Lights every December, transforming the city into a spectacular light show. Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or art lover, Lyon promises a unique and unforgettable journey.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art, Shopping and Fine Dining in Lyon
Morning
Begin your second day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest art galleries in France. It houses an impressive collection of art ranging from ancient Egypt to the Modern period.
Lunch
Have lunch in a charming café in the Terreaux district. Try some local pastries and a 'Café Lyonnais', a strong black coffee.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon shopping in the upscale Presqu'île district. This area is known for its luxury boutiques and high-end department stores.
Dinner
Enjoy your last dinner in Lyon in a restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. Try some local wines and cheese to round off your culinary journey.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Opera House. Enjoy a performance or simply admire the stunning architecture of this 19th-century building.
Attractions in Itinerary (6)
1Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon is the largest Renaissance district of Lyon in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.
2Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon. It was built with private funds between 1872 and 1884 in a dominant position overlooking the city.
3Roman Theatres
The Roman Theatres of Lyon are two ancient Roman theatres that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lyon. The large theatre and the Odeon are both embedded into the hill, and are part of the city's ancient heritage.
4Museum of Fine Arts
One of the largest art museums in France, housing a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from various periods.
5Presqu'île
Presqu'île is a district located in the heart of Lyon, France. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical architecture.
6Opera House
The Lyon Opera House, officially the National Opera of Lyon, is a modern reinterpretation of the original 1831 opera house. It is known for its unique architecture and is a major cultural landmark in the city. It hosts a variety of performances including opera, ballet, and concerts.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Quenelles
A traditional Lyonnaise dish made from creamed fish or meat, mixed with breadcrumbs and egg. It's a staple in Lyon and a must-try for any food lover.
Coq au Vin
A classic French dish originating from Lyon, made with chicken slow-cooked in a wine sauce, typically a red wine from Burgundy.
Salade Lyonnaise
A hearty salad from Lyon, typically made with frisée or curly endive, bacon, croutons, and a poached egg.
Rosette de Lyon
A type of dry-cured sausage from Lyon, typically made from pork. It's a popular addition to charcuterie boards.
Cervelle de Canut
A cheese spread or dip from Lyon, made with fromage blanc, seasoned with chopped herbs, shallots, salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.
Tarte à la Praline
A sweet tart made with red pralines, a specialty of Lyon. The pralines are made with almonds coated in a hard, red sugar shell.
Saumon en Croute
A dish from Lyon made with salmon wrapped in a pastry crust, typically served with a creamy sauce.
Bugnes
A type of doughnut from Lyon, typically made for Mardi Gras. They're light, crispy, and often dusted with powdered sugar.
Andouillette Lyonnaise
A sausage made from pork intestines, a specialty of Lyon. It's typically grilled and served with mustard.
Ravioles du Dauphiné
Small, square pasta filled with cheese and parsley, a specialty of the Dauphiné region near Lyon.
Saint-Marcellin
A soft cheese from the Isère department near Lyon. It's typically made from cow's milk and has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
Côte du Rhône
A red wine from the Rhône Valley, which is near Lyon. It's typically full-bodied and fruity, with flavors of blackberry and black currant.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lyon, France, is from September to November or from April to June. During these periods, the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. The summer months can also be a good time if you don't mind the heat and a bit more tourist traffic. However, if you're interested in Lyon's famous Festival of Lights, plan your visit in early December.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
May 8 | Wed | WWII Victory Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
July 14 | Sun | Bastille Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
November 11 | Mon | Armistice Day |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Public Transport
Lyon has a comprehensive public transport system, known as TCL, which includes metro, tram, trolleybus, and bus services. The metro has four lines (A, B, C, and D) that cover most of the city. The tram network has six lines (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6) and is a great way to travel longer distances. The trolleybus and bus services cover the entire city and surrounding suburbs.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Lyon. These can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. Simply download the app, set your pickup and drop-off locations, and wait for your ride to arrive.
Bicycle
Lyon has a popular bike-sharing program called Vélo'v. There are hundreds of stations across the city where you can pick up and drop off bikes. The first 30 minutes of each ride are free, and you can use the bikes as often as you like.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Lyon, and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked in advance. They're a good option for direct, comfortable travel, especially outside of public transport operating hours.
Car Rental
Renting a car can be a good option if you're planning to explore the surrounding region. However, traffic can be heavy in the city and parking can be difficult and expensive. Most international car rental companies have offices in Lyon.
Foot
Lyon is a very walkable city, especially in the city center and the Old Town (Vieux Lyon). Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Riverboat
Lyon is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and riverboats are a unique and scenic way to get around. There are public riverboat services, as well as private river cruises.
Scooter
Electric scooters are a popular and fun way to get around Lyon. Several companies, including Lime and Bird, operate in the city. You can rent a scooter using the company's app, and then leave it anywhere in the city when you're done.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Lyon, France as a first time visitor
1
Lyon is located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, and is the third largest city in the country.
2
The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3
Lyon has a semi-continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures are around 75°F (24°C), while winter temperatures can drop to around 32°F (0°C).
4
The city is renowned for its cuisine and gastronomy, and is often referred to as the 'gastronomic capital of the world'.
5
Lyon is home to many 'bouchons', traditional Lyonnaise restaurants that serve local dishes.
6
The city is also known for its silk production, and you can find many shops selling silk products.
7
Lyon is a bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and bike rental services available.
8
The city has an efficient public transportation system, including a metro, tram, and bus network.
9
Lyon's main airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry, located about 20 miles east of the city.
10
The city is divided into nine districts, called 'arrondissements', each with its own unique character.
11
The local currency is the Euro (€), and credit cards are widely accepted.
12
French is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and hotels.
13
Tipping is not mandatory in France, as service charge is included in the bill, but it is customary to leave small change.
14
Lyon is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
15
The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues.
16
Lyon is a safe city, but like any major city, it's advisable to take precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas.
17
The city has many markets, where you can buy fresh produce, local products, and antiques.
18
Lyon is home to several universities, and has a large student population.
19
The city is also known for its festivals, the most famous of which is the 'Fête des Lumières' (Festival of Lights) in December.
20
Lyon is a great base for exploring the surrounding regions, including the vineyards of Beaujolais and the French Alps.
Basic French to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Bonjour | bon-zhoor | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Au revoir | oh reh-vwar | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | S'il vous plaît | see voo play | Making a request |
Thank you | Merci | mehr-see | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Oui | wee | Agreeing or affirming |
No | Non | non | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-zay mwah | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Je suis désolé | zhuh swee day-zoh-lay | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Parlez-vous anglais? | par-lay voo ahn-glay | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas | zhuh nuh kom-prahn pah | Expressing difficulty in understanding |
Where is...? | Où est...? | oo eh...? | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Toilettes | twah-let | Asking for the restroom |
Help | Aidez-moi | ed-ay mwah | In case of emergency |
Call the police | Appelez la police | ah-peh-lay la po-lease | In case of emergency |
I'm lost | Je suis perdu | zhuh swee pehr-doo | When you're lost |
How much does it cost? | Combien ça coûte? | kom-byen sah koot | Asking for the price |
Can I have the bill, please? | L'addition, s'il vous plaît | la-dee-syon, see voo play | Asking for the bill at a restaurant |
Water | Eau | oh | Asking for water |
Food | Nourriture | noo-ree-toor | Talking about food |
Cheers | Santé | sahn-tay | Making a toast |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts
Pants/Jeans
Comfortable walking shoes
Sleepwear
Light jacket or sweater
Raincoat or umbrella
Scarf, gloves and hat (if in winter)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Face wash and moisturizer
Sunscreen
Makeup and makeup remover
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport/ID
Flight tickets
Hotel booking confirmation
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contacts and addresses
Maps and guidebooks
French phrasebook
Credit cards and cash
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger and adapter
Headphones
Camera
Laptop or tablet (if needed)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Water bottle
Travel pillow and eye mask
Books or e-books for entertainment
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Reusable shopping bag
Weather Conditions
Lyon, France, is known for its temperate climate, which can vary greatly throughout the year. As such, it's important to plan your visit according to the weather conditions you prefer. Spring (March to May) in Lyon is generally mild with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C). It's a great time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities, as the city is in full bloom. However, it's also the city's rainiest season, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Summer (June to August) is warm and sunny, with temperatures often reaching up to 86°F (30°C). This is the perfect time for sun-seekers to visit. However, it can get quite hot, so make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade when sightseeing. Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures ranging from 45°F to 64°F (7°C to 18°C). The city is beautifully colored with fall foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. Do pack some warm clothing as it can get quite chilly, especially in the evenings. Winter (December to February) in Lyon is cold with temperatures often dropping to around 32°F (0°C), and occasionally snowfall. If you're planning to visit during this time, make sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and hats. Regardless of when you visit, Lyon's weather can be unpredictable. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack layers to accommodate changing conditions. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 10° / 1° | January is the coldest month in Lyon, with temperatures often dropping to near freezing. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter activities and don't mind the cold. |
February | 11° / 1° | February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crowds. |
March | 16° / 4° | March sees the start of spring in Lyon, with temperatures starting to rise. The city begins to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit. |
April | 19° / 7° | April is a pleasant month to visit Lyon, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The city is in full bloom and outdoor activities are enjoyable. |
May | 23° / 11° | May is a great time to visit Lyon, with warm temperatures and long days. The city is bustling with outdoor activities and festivals. |
June | 27° / 15° | June marks the start of summer in Lyon, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the city. |
July | 30° / 18° | July is the hottest month in Lyon, with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy hot weather and want to take advantage of the city's outdoor activities. |
August | 30° / 18° | August is another hot month in Lyon, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the heat and want to explore the city's outdoor attractions. |
September | 26° / 14° | September marks the start of autumn in Lyon, with temperatures starting to drop. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the city's autumnal beauty. |
October | 20° / 10° | October is a mild month in Lyon, with temperatures dropping further. The city is adorned with autumn colors, making it a beautiful time to visit. |
November | 15° / 5° | November is a cool month in Lyon, with temperatures dropping further. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and want to explore the city's indoor attractions. |
December | 10° / 2° | December is a cold month in Lyon, with temperatures often dropping to near freezing. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy winter activities and want to experience the city's Christmas festivities. |
Did you know?
Places near by Lyon, France
Château de Chambord
One of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
Geneva
Known for its Red Cross headquarters and a hub of diplomacy, featuring luxury shops, restaurants, and the Jet d'Eau, a large fountain in Geneva Lake.
Annecy
Known as the 'Venice of the Alps', this idyllic and touristic representation offers a harmonious and romantic mix of cultural and natural beauty.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Famous for its stunning alpine scenery and the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
Dijon
Known for its traditional mustard, Dijon is also a city of art and history with an exceptionally preserved heritage.
Beaune
Famous for its historic old town and the 1443 Hospices de Beaune.
Saint-Étienne
A design city that has a rich industrial heritage, beautifully designed by renowned architects.
Grenoble
Known as the 'Capital of the Alps', Grenoble is surrounded by mountains and is renowned for its universities and research centers.
Vienne
Known for its Roman monuments including a theater, and the Temple of Augustus and Livia.
Château de Versailles
The most famous castle in France, known for its history and the Treaty of Versailles signed in the Hall of Mirrors.
