7 Best Things to do in Lyon, France

Planning a trip to Lyon, France? Well, you’ve found the right blog.

We’ve explored the best of Lyon, from its charming Old Town to its legendary food scene. Now, we’re here to share the top experiences that you just can’t miss! In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your visit to France’s culinary capital.

Whether you want to indulge in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, taste exceptional Rhône Valley wines, or learn how to make French pastries with a professional chef, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start planning an unforgettable (and delicious) adventure in Lyon. Let’s go!

Things to do in Lyon, France

1. See Lyon’s top attractions and museums with a Lyon City Card

The Lyon City Card proved to be an absolute game-changer for our trip to the city. With free access to 22 museums, unlimited public transport, and even guided tours and river cruises, we got way more out of Lyon than we ever expected—without blowing our budget! 

With our pass, we visited a bunch of museums, including the Fine Arts Museum, the Gallo-Roman Museum, and the Miniature and Cinema Museum – each offering a unique glimpse into Lyon’s rich history and culture.

We loved the included boat cruise along the Saône River, as it gave us a completely new perspective on the city. We also took advantage of several guided walking tours, from an introduction to Lyon’s historic center to more specialized tours focusing on its hidden traboules and silk-making history.

Getting around was effortless, with unlimited rides on the metro, buses, trams, and even the funicular to the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, which is an absolute must-see! The shopping and dining discounts were an added bonus. We enjoyed a fantastic meal at a traditional bouchon for less and picked up some gorgeous Lyonnais silk scarves at a discounted price.

The Lyon City Card made our trip so much easier and more affordable. Without it, we would have easily spent twice as much on transportation and entrance fees. If you want to experience the best of Lyon without worrying about your budget, this card is the way to go!

2. Discover Lyon’s iconic culinary scene on a food tour

France is known for its world-class food, and Lyon is its culinary capital, so taking this secret food tour is a must! We had the best time eating the city’s top treats, and we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it – check out hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

We started out at a beloved local restaurant, where we sampled a delicious selection of local charcuterie and cheeses. Best of all, it was paired with wine from a traditional “Pot Lyonnais”.

As we strolled down the Rue Saint-Jean, we admired medieval buildings and learned about the city’s hidden passageways that tell the stories of Lyon’s past – as long as you know where to look!

We also got to try amazing pink praline brioches and specialty treats at a local chocolatier before heading to an authentic bouchon for a hearty meal. The food was rich and flavorful and perfectly paired with a glass of wine. Finally, we wrapped up the tour with an espresso at a gorgeous local cafe, which was the perfect way to end the experience.

This tour was hands down the best thing that we did in Lyon, and we can’t recommend it enough. The food was out of this world, and we had so much fun that the time just flew by. If you only do one food tour in Lyon, make it one!

3. Explore Lyon with a private pedicab

Zipping through Lyon’s streets in a pedicab feels like having a front-row seat to the city’s history—without the sore feet. This private pedicab tour made it easy to cover more ground than a walking tour while skipping the crowds of a big bus. With a personal guide at the helm, it’s a relaxed and fun way to see Lyon’s most famous landmarks up close.

Our guide, Didac, was super charismatic and full of insights into Lyon’s unique history and culture. We started by visiting Place Bellecour, where we learned about the city’s origins beneath a grand statue of Louis XIV.

From there, we cruised to the Théâtre des Célestins, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste, and, of course, the famous traboules. We had so much fun veering through the city’s secret passageways that were used by silk workers and members of the resistance movement back in the day.

The ride continued past Place des Terreaux, where we saw the striking Bartholdi Fountain and the Hôtel de Ville. Best of all, we stopped at the Fresque des Lyonnais, a massive mural that depicts 24 of Lyon’s most famous historical figures. Seeing familiar faces like the Lumière brothers and Paul Bocuse painted larger than life was a cool reminder of just how much this city has shaped history.

This tour was such an easy and fun way to see the city—without sore feet or stress. Plus, with hotel pickup included for longer tour options, it’s a hassle-free way to dive into the city’s charm!

Related Read: If you’re exploring more of France before or after your trip to Lyon, check out the 17 BEST things to do in France here!

4. Sip, savor, and explore Beaujolais by vintage Land Rover

There’s no better way to dive into the heart of French wine country than spending a full day in Beaujolais, and this private tour was hands down one of our favorite ways to experience it. Between the rolling vineyards, charming villages, and endless pours of incredible wine, it truly felt like stepping into a postcard.

The tour takes you out of Lyon and into the stunning countryside, cruising in a vintage Land Rover that adds a fun, adventurous touch to the day. Riding through the winding roads and vineyard-dotted hills in this classic car adds so much charm and a real sense of adventure to the journey — it’s the perfect way to set the tone for a relaxed and unforgettable day!

We loved how personal the experience felt. At each stop, the winemakers themselves welcomed us, sharing stories about their vines, their traditions, and what makes Beaujolais wines so special, especially the famous Gamay grape that thrives here.

Tastings are relaxed and generous, and you’ll get to sample a variety of styles, from young, fruit-forward reds to more structured, aged bottles. Midway through the day, you’ll sit down for a delicious regional lunch, with classic dishes paired perfectly with local wines.

The pace of the tour is easygoing, with plenty of time to take photos, ask questions, and just enjoy the scenery. If you’re a wine lover, or just someone who appreciates beautiful places and good food, this day trip from Lyon is absolutely worth it. Come ready to sip, stroll, and soak up all the Beaujolais charm!

5. Get around the city easily on an e-bike

Exploring Lyon on this electric bike tour was so much fun. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed or exhausted. The e-bikes were so easy to use and made traversing the hills of Lyon an absolute breeze. Don’t just take our word for it—check out over 200 glowing reviews here!

We started our journey by riding through the historic streets of Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Then glided over to Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares, and cycled along the scenic riverbanks of the Rhône. 

There were plenty of dedicated bike paths, making the ride effortless and worry-free. Meanwhile, our guide, Pierre, kept the energy high with his sharp sense of humor, turning the journey into a mix of sightseeing and laughter as we moved through the city.

One of my favorite parts of the tour was cruising through Parc de la Tête d’Or, which is Lyon’s largest green space. But probably the biggest surprise was the Croix Rousse tunnel—a big passageway designed just for cyclists and pedestrians. Inside, there’s an amazing light and sound installation. Riding through it felt like some kind of futuristic dream!

This tour was relaxed, well-paced, and super informative. Whether you’re new to Lyon or just want a fresh perspective on the city, this tour is a must-do. It does tend to sell out, though, so don’t wait too long to grab your spot! 

6. Go wine tasting in the Rhône Valley

If you want to explore the best of the Northern Rhône wine region, then this wine-tasting tour is the way to go! We had the best time exploring beautiful French villages, strolling through sun-drenched vineyards, and tasting the region’s unique wines. Talk about a dreamy day out! 

Our first stop was the village of Ampuis, the birthplace of Côte-Rôtie wines. As we walked through the vineyards, our guide, Mathidle, explained how the steep hillsides, rich soil, and perfect level of sun exposure combine to create the ideal environment for Syrah and Viognier grapes. The views over the Rhône Valley were breathtaking, too.

Next, we visited a family-run estate where we stepped into an old-world wine cellar. The atmosphere was incredible, and we loved sampling the wines and a beautifully aromatic Viognier.

The final stop was an exclusive winery in Condrieu, where we enjoyed another round of tastings. As we worked our way through the different wines, Mathilde helped us understand their unique characteristics. Then, on our way back to Lyon, we passed through the ancient city of Vienne and enjoyed glimpses of its well-preserved Roman ruins.

All in all, this tour was a perfect blend of scenery, history, and world-class wine. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just interested in exploring the Rhône Valley, you won’t regret booking this one! Just be sure to reserve your spot early—this tour is popular and frequently sells out.

7. Learn how to make French pastries with a chef 

If you’ve ever tried making French pastries at home, then you know just how tricky they can be to get right! So to avoid ending up with a sticky, doughy mess, we booked this small group pastry-making class with Chef Thierry, and under his expert guidance, everything suddenly made sense!

As soon as we rocked up to Chef Thierry’s atelier, we knew we were in for a great afternoon. Located in a charming 15th-century building, his kitchen just oozes charm. And as for the man himself, he really couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming! 

During the class, we learned how to make pink praline tarts, a must-try regional specialty, and delicate cream puffs and macarons. Before this class, we thought we would never be able to bake macarons, but with Thierry’s know-how, we pulled it off!

By the end of the class, we had a table full of beautifully baked treats. We enjoyed some on the spot, but we made way too many to eat in one sitting, so we took the rest home with us. 

This experience was a real highlight of our trip to Lyon. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, Thierry makes it approachable and fun. We left feeling confident, inspired, and, best of all, with a box full of incredible pastries!

Related Read: Maximize your time in Lyon and follow our ideal 2-day Lyon Itinerary! This includes most of these top activities, plus our personal recommendations.

Where to Stay in Lyon, France

Lyon is a vibrant city with plenty of great places to stay, no matter your budget or travel style. Whether you’re after luxury, comfort, or affordability, there’s something for everyone.

To make your decision easier, I’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Lyon, so you can focus on enjoying everything this incredible city has to offer!

Luxury – $$$

Set in a stunning 19th-century building, Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel that blends Belle Époque charm with modern elegance. Located by the Rhône River, it features stylish rooms, a luxurious spa, an indoor pool, and an upscale Italian restaurant. With impeccable service and a prime location near Lyon’s top sights, it’s a perfect choice for a sophisticated stay.

Prices vary depending on the season and room type but usually range from €200 – €400 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

The Hotel de Verdun 1882, BW Signature Collection is a great mid-range stay in the Perrache district, just a short walk from Lyon’s main attractions. Blending modern comforts with classic decor, it features spacious rooms, a cozy lounge, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests love the personalized service and the delicious breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients.

Prices typically range from €100 – €200 per night, depending on the season. You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget-friendly accommodation in Lyon, Pilo Lyon is a fantastic choice! Situated in the Croix-Rousse district, this stylish hostel-hotel hybrid offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms, catering to different budgets and travel styles. Guests can unwind in the trendy communal spaces, including a bar, restaurant, and a shared lounge, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Plus, free Wi-Fi throughout the property ensures you stay connected during your trip.

Private rooms start at around €100 per night, while a dorm bed is about €30. Visit Booking.com or Hostelworld.com to secure your stay!

For more options, check out all of Lyon’s hotels here!

Related Read: Still need help deciding where to stay in Lyon? We break down the 5 best areas to stay and all the best hotel options in this detailed guide!

Thanks for reading!

That’s our full guide on all the best things to do in Lyon! Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or the wine, this city is packed with incredible experiences that will make your trip one to remember.

If Europe is calling your name for future travels, be sure to check out all our other Europe blogs! Or, if you’re planning to explore more of France, I’ve picked out a few popular guides to nearby destinations that might come in handy. Happy travels!

5 Best Things to do in Marseille, France

10 Fun & Exciting Things to do in Paris, France

10 Best Things to do in Nice, France

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Nice, France: 3-Day Itinerary