Lyon is a vibrant city in France known for its rich history, delicious food, and beautiful architecture. It’s divided by two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, giving it a unique charm with scenic waterfronts. Having travelled to Lyon, France, back in 2022, here are the things that I did that I think you should add to your list of the best places to visit in Lyon.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- 1. Place Bellecour
- 2. Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice
- 3. Vieux Lyon
- 4. Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- 5. Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- 6. Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière
- 7. Quai de Bondy
- 8. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
- 9. Fontaine Saint Jean
- 10. Fontaine Bartholdi
General Information
Where should I stay in Lyon?
I recommend staying near the center of Lyon, where it is easy access to the things you want to see. Lyon is a pretty small city, so everything is super walkable. If you do decide to not stay in the center, there are also various transportations you can take to get to the city.
When I was in Lyon, I stayed at the MEININGER Hotel Lyon Centre Berthelot. It is close to the best places to see in Lyon, so you can easily walk to every location. They have various rooms such as single, twin, triple, quadruple and family rooms.
Looking for more affordable accommodations like hostels? Click here to see all the options!
How do I get around Lyon?
The best ways to get around Lyon are by walking or by metro. The public transit system is very good in Lyon. To purchase tickets, you can do so at the metro stations or at major bus stops.
Should I get an eSIM before going to Lyon?
If you do not already have a SIM card that covers data in Lyon, I highly recommend getting one. This will provide you a stress-free experience once you land in a new country. A great way is to get an eSIM, which means that you can simply download the SIM instead of swapping it out.
Should I go on tours or explore by myself?
Going on tours or not is a personal preference. Tour guides can provide you more explanation on the history and can help you create a more stress-free travel experience. When I travel, I personally explore by myself because I like not being restricted to a certain time.
1. Place Bellecour
Place Bellecour is a large square in Lyon, France, famous for its size and central location. It’s a great spot for events, picnics, and enjoying views of the city. With shops, cafes, and a statue of King Louis XIV, it’s a must-visit when in Lyon.
An amazing way to explore the Place Bellecour is by doing a bike tour with a local guide. It lets you move faster than walking, lets you see more things with your time, and you even have a guide to explain to you the history of everything. Worried that your legs will get tired? DON’T WORRY; the bikes are electric!
2. Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice
The Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice is a red bridge that connects the Saône River. The best way to view the Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice is by taking a walk along one of the bridges in Lyon that connects the Saône River. The Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice is also walkable, so you can decide to come back by walking on it. With the beautiful city skyline in the back, it is a great place to take a stroll and relax.
3. Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, is a historic neighborhood in Lyon, France. It’s known for its charming narrow streets, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore its many traboules (hidden passageways), visit the Saint-Jean Cathedral, and enjoy delicious local cuisine in cozy bistros. Vieux Lyon is a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy that captivates tourists and locals alike. In Vieux Lyon, I loved just walking around, exploring shops and testing out cafes and restaurants.
4. Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is a beautiful church located on a hill overlooking Lyon, France. It’s known for its stunning architecture, intricate details, and panoramic views of the city. Visitors can admire its ornate interiors, including colorful mosaics and impressive stained glass windows. The basilica is also a popular pilgrimage site and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer.
To get to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, you will need to take the funicular from the Vieux Lyon. If you have bought Lyon’s metro ticket, it can be used for the funicular also! Also, the entry to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is free.
5. Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière
After visiting the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, make sure to not just leave right away! A few meters away, there is the Esplanade du Site Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the rivers and iconic landmarks like the Fourvière Hill and the Croix-Rousse district. The esplanade is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists, who come to relax, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
6. Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière
Also located next to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, the Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière is an ancient Roman theater. It’s a historic site that dates back to the Roman era, showcasing impressive architectural remains. Visitors can explore the theater’s well-preserved structure, including the stage area, seating sections, and surrounding columns. The theater offers a glimpse into Lyon’s rich history and serves as a reminder of the city’s Roman heritage. It’s a fascinating place to visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in ancient architecture.
To visit the theatre, there is an entry fee. Click here for the updated prices.
7. Quai de Bondy
The Quai de Bondy is a picturesque waterfront area located along the Saône River in Lyon, France. It’s known for its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. I loved strolling along the quay and enjoying scenic views of the river and the city skyline.
The Quai de Bondy is also home to quaint cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a delightful spot to relax, dine, and soak in the beauty of Lyon’s riverside ambiance.
8. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
The Hôtel de Ville de Lyon is the City Hall of Lyon. It’s a grand and historic building located in the heart of the city. The architecture is impressive, with ornate facades, elegant decorations, and a clock tower that adds to its charm. The Hôtel de Ville is not only a government building but also a symbol of Lyon’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Although you cannot visit the inside, the outside is stunning. Before visiting Lyon, the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon wasn’t on my list of things to see here, but as I was strolling along the city, I realized how pretty this building was, so you should definitely stop by if you are in the area.
9. Fontaine Saint Jean
The Fontaine Saint Jean is a beautiful fountain located in Lyon, France, in the Vieux Lyon neighborhood. The fountain features sculptures depicting figures from Greek mythology, including dolphins and sea creatures. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship of the fountain while exploring the old streets of Lyon, making it a lovely spot for taking photos and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
The area is super cute, and you can even see the famous Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière from the Fontaine Saint Jean.
10. Fontaine Bartholdi
The Fontaine Bartholdi is a famous fountain located in Place des Terreaux in Lyon. It’s named after its designer, the renowned sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty. The fountain features a central figure of a woman holding a torch, surrounded by cherubs and dolphins. It’s a stunning piece of art that adds charm and beauty to the square. Around the Fontaine Bartholdi, in the Place des Terreaux, there are many restaurants and cafes where you can relax at.
Jessie Across the World 