7 Best Things to do in Lyon, France

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

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

• Duration: 1 – 4 days  
• Time: Flexible  
• Highlights: Unlimited access to 22 of the city’s best museums, walking and boat tours, Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, Miniature World Lyon
• Inclusions: Access to 30+ attractions, free use of public transport, map of Lyon, walking and boat tours
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check prices here!

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!

Grab your Lyon City Card here!

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

• Duration: 3.5 hours  
• Time: Various time slots between 10 am and 4:30 pm    
• Highlights: Sampling local cheese and charcuterie, wine pairing, tasting local favorites like pink pralines, a range of meat, fish and vegetarian options, drinking espresso at one of Lyon’s top coffee boutiques, visiting local favorite spots
• Inclusions: All food and drink, local guide 
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check prices here!

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!

Book this tour here with FREE cancellation!

3. Explore Lyon with a private pedicab

• Duration: 1 – 3 hours 
• Time: Various departures between 9 am and 3 pm   
• Highlights: Cruising around the city in a comfortable pedicab, Place Bellecour, Theater des Celestins, Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste, seeing the city’s ancient traboules, Opera de Lyon, Places de Terreaux
• Inclusions: Professional guide, private pedicab, flexiglass protection screen, Lyon hotel pickup (with 2 and 3-hour options)
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check prices here!

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!

Reserve your spot on this private pedicab tour here!

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

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 9:30 am
• Highlights: Explore the beautiful Beaujolais wine region in a vintage Land Rover, visit several family-run wineries, enjoy guided tastings of local wines, learn about traditional winemaking methods
• Inclusions: Your professional guide, all drink tastings, snacks, lunch, bottled water, round-trip transport (if option selected)
• Rating: 5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check price here!

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!

This is easily one of the most exciting ways to explore Beaujolais – book here!

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

• Duration: 2 hours 
• Time: 9:30 am, 12 pm, 3 pm 
• Highlights: Exploring Lyon’s UNESCO-listed historic center, cruising along the banks of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, visiting the Tête d’Or Park, enjoying the light show inside the Croix Rousse tunnel, Lyon Cathedral, Bellecour square, discovering lesser-known local gems
• Inclusions: Use of electric bike, helmet, local guide, rain jacket (if necessary)
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 225+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check prices here!

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! 

Book this tour here before it sells out! 

6. Go wine tasting in the Rhône Valley

• Duration: 4 hours 
• Time: 9 am or 2 pm (not available Sunday or Monday)
• Highlights: Wine tasting tour of the northern Rhône region, get a behind-the-scenes look at France’s southeastern wine country at three wine locations, learn about the region’s most exclusive wine appellations, with tastings at each stop, drive through the ancient Roman city of Vienne
• Inclusions: Round trip transport, local guide, all wine tastings 
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check price here!

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.

Check availability and book this wine tour here, with FREE cancellation!

7. Learn how to make French pastries with a chef 

• Duration: 3 hours 
• Time: 3 pm (dates vary)
• Highlights: Learn how to make pastries from a professional chef, enjoy tea and coffee as you go, discover the tricks of the trade, take home pastries for later, option to bring your own alcoholic drinks
• Inclusions: Professional chef instructor, all ingredients and equipment, tea, coffee, juice, pastries to take home, local snacks
• Rating: 4.7 stars (check great reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check price here!

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!

Check availability and grab your spot in this exclusive pastry workshop here!

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!

Renting a Car in France

France is a dream to explore by car—think lavender fields in Provence, medieval villages in the Dordogne, and coastal drives along the Côte d’Azur. While the train network is excellent, having your own wheels lets you uncover those hidden gems at your own pace. Plus, French drivers are generally courteous, making road tripping here a breeze!

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in France

• Know the local rules: In France, they drive on the right-hand side, and some intersections follow priorité à droite—meaning cars from the right have the right of way, even if you’re on the main road. It’s also mandatory to carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in your car.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in France are manual transmission, and automatic cars are limited—so book early if that’s what you need. Also, a compact car is great for narrow village roads or tight city parking. We love how easy it is to filter for exactly what you need on Discover Cars.
• Watch for restricted zones (LEZs): Many major French cities (like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille) have low-emission or restricted driving zones. These areas often require special permits or advance registration, and driving into them without authorization can lead to fines. Always check ahead if you’re planning to drive into a city center.
• Be prepared for toll roads: France has an extensive network of toll roads (autoroutes). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with a toll transponder for convenience.

What You Need to Rent a Car in France

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Some rental companies may require one.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring France on your own terms!

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