Lyon Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget meal€13.00≈ $14.85
- Mid-range meal€35.00≈ $39.98
- Cappuccino€2.20≈ $2.51
- Domestic beer€4.00≈ $4.57
- Taxi (per km)€1.20≈ $1.37
- Public transport ticket€2.00≈ $2.28
- Museum entry€10.00≈ $11.42
- Mid-range hotel (night)€115.00≈ $131.35
Food & Drink
- Paul Bocuse (L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges)Classic French · $$$$
The legendary restaurant of the late chef Paul Bocuse just outside Lyon, a temple of classic French haute cuisine.
- Café des FédérationsLyonnais/Bouchon · $$
A classic bouchon in the Presqu'île serving Lyonnais staples like quenelles and andouillette at long shared tables.
- Daniel et DeniseLyonnais/Bouchon · $$$
A well-regarded bouchon with several locations across Lyon, known for boudin noir and traditional Lyonnais cooking.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul BocuseMarket food · $$$
Lyon's premier covered food market with stalls from top producers, cheesemongers and charcutiers.
- La Mère BrazierContemporary French · $$$$
A two-Michelin-star restaurant continuing the legacy of Lyon's pioneering female chef Eugénie Brazier.
- Le Musée BouchonLyonnais/Bouchon · $$
A traditional bouchon near the Presqu'île theatre district serving classic gratin and tablier de sapeur.
- Sucre
A rooftop club atop the Confluence's Sucrière building with electronic music and skyline views.
- Le Sirius
A bar set aboard a barge moored on the Rhône, popular for evening drinks with river views.
Culture & History
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
One of France's largest art museums outside Paris, housed in a former abbey, with works spanning antiquity to Monet and Picasso.
- Musée des Confluences
A striking crystal-and-steel building at the Rhône-Saône confluence covering natural history, anthropology and science.
- Musée Lumière
Set in the family home of the Lumière brothers, inventors of cinema, showcasing early film equipment and history.
- Musée Gadagne
Housed in a Renaissance mansion in Vieux Lyon, covering the city's history and puppet theatre traditions (Guignol).
- Institut Lumière (Hangar du Premier-Film)
A cinema and cultural institute on the site where the Lumière brothers shot the first-ever film, hosting festivals and classic screenings.
- Fête des Lumières
Lyon's famous festival of light, when buildings across the city are illuminated with elaborate light installations.
- Nuits de Fourvière
A summer arts festival staged in the ancient Roman theatre atop Fourvière hill, mixing music, theatre and dance.
Nature & Outdoors
- Fourvière Hill
The hill overlooking Lyon topped by the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with sweeping views over the two rivers.
Active & Fun
- Basic-Fit Lyon Part-Dieu
A centrally located gym near the Part-Dieu shopping district with standard cardio and weights.
- Piscine du Rhône
An outdoor Olympic-size pool along the Rhône riverbank, popular with locals in summer.