Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do on a Weekend Getaway

Considered the third biggest city in France, Lyon is still somewhat of a hidden gem, a world away from the insane crowds and endless queues of the French capital. Furthermore, its relatively compact size makes it the perfect weekend destination, allowing you to enjoy the marvels of a city-break without wasting away any of your valuable PTO. However, do not take the fact that you can see Lyon in just 2 days as a sign that is little to see or do here – quite the contrary, as the city is brimming with both charm and history!

Besides being widely known as France’s very best destination for foodies, Lyon also boasts a wealth of cultural treasures, from the ancient Roman ruins of Lugdunum to the medieval beauty of its Old Town and the grandeur of the district of Presqu’île. Add in some vibrant street art (check out the Murals of Lyon) and the quirky traboules, hidden passageways that traverse through the city, and you got yourself an excellent weekend getaway ahead! The kind of place where you can enjoy good food and walk around while appreciating some of the most underrated beauty in France. Quick, easy and painless!

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Lyon 2-day travel guide and discover the best the city has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Lyon in 2 days.

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Lyon – Flights from the UK

As one of the largest and most popular cities in France, it comes as no surprise that Lyon is served by an international air hub: the Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly to Lyon from London-Heathrow (British Airways), London-Gatwick (British Airways, Wizz Air and Easyjet), London-Luton (Easyjet), Bristol (Easyjet), Manchester (Easyjet and Jet2), Bournemouth (Easyjet), Newcastle upon Tyne (Easyjet), Liverpool (Easyjet) and Edinburgh (Easyjet).

How many days do I need to visit Lyon?

Given the geographic proximity, the city’s size and the abundance of affordable flights, Lyon definitely stands out as a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway.

As such, two days should be plenty for you to check out the city’s highlights. Nevertheless, if you’ve got an extra day to spare, you might want to check out some of the best day trips from Lyon.

Lyon 2-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

Located in eastern France, relatively close to the tri-border with neighboring Switzerland and Italy, Spring, Summer and Fall are definitely the most sought-after months when it comes to booking a trip to Lyon, with the period between April and October standing out as the most researched. However, keep in mind accommodation prices will be through the roof in the peak of Summer!

On the other hand, you may choose to visit during shoulder-season, when temperatures tend to be more pleasant, the streets less crowded and the prices smaller.

Finally, if you’d like to experience the grape harvesting process at one of the many vineyards around Lyon – especially in Beaujolais and along the Rhône Valley – then you might want to plan your visit for September/October.

Documents needed for your trip to Lyon

Since France is part of the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to visit. You’ll just need your passport, which must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip.

However, keep in mind that starting in 2025, British passengers will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter any EU country.

Lyon 2-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Euro (€) as France’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Lyon 2-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Unsurprisingly, Lyon is an extremely safe destination, since France, on the whole, is a nation that welcomes millions of tourists every year. Besides, since Lyon hasn’t experienced overtourism yet, you don’t really have to worry about pickpockets and/or travel scams like you would in several other destinations across the country.

However, and much like you would do in any other big city, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (especially around train stations). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing in any other city!

Where to sleep in Lyon – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Lyon 2-day travel guide then we got your covered!

Considering this is one of the biggest cities in France, Lyon isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Although flights are usually quite cheap, food and accommodation can make a dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. Still, if you look hard enough, there are always a few good options suited to every budget.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel: Le Flâneur Guesthouse
• €: MEININGER Hotel Lyon Centre Berthelot
• €€: Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache
• €€€: Hotel et Spa Fort St Laurent Lyon – Handwritten Collection
• €€€: InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airport and the city centre

Located about 25 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between the Saint-Exupéry Airport and the city center is to rely on the Rhônexpress, a tram line specifically designed to transport passengers between the air hub and the Lyon-Part-Dieu Train Station. The service runs from 04h25 to midnight in 15-minute intervals, and you can find the station by simply following the signage. The trip takes about 30 minutes and tickets are available online, at the automatic machines inside the airport or directly from the driver (though an extra fee €4,00 applies for the latter option). Currently, tickets cost €15,20 one-way or €26,70 round-trip. On the other hand, if you complete your booking at least 2 months in advance, then your round-trip will cost just €22,00.

Alternatively, if you want the absolute cheapest option, just go for the local bus network. In this case, you should hop on route 47 to Meyzieu Zi, where you will then transfer to line 3 of the tram system heading to Lyon-Part-Dieu. The bus line runs every day between 06h10 and 00h20, with a new vehicle stopping at the airport every 30 minutes. In total, expect to take you about 50 minutes to get to the final train station (transfer included). It may take longer than the Rhônexpress, but prices are pretty unbeatable, since you can use same ticket for the bus and the tram (within 60 minutes) and cover the whole trip for just €2,00.

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Despite being served by a highly efficient and diverse network that includes the metro, buses and trams, the truth is that Lyon city center is so compact that you’ll barely need to use any public transportation. Although you can certainly save some energy and shorten distances by taking one metro ride or two, and aside from the commute between the airport and the city, using public transportation in Lyon isn’t a must.

Be that as it may, we’ve decided to round up some info on the local metro system, just in case it comes in handy!

Lyon Metro – Maps, Tickets and Fares

Composed of 42 stations spread across 4 different lines, the metro is the main public transport in Lyon, serving as an essential mode of transportation for residents commuting between their homes and their places of work and study. Plus, it covers the entire downtown area! To find out which metro line to hop on (and where) for a specific route, you can simply use Google Maps since the schedules are integrated in the platform. Officially, the Funicular of Fourvière is also a part of the metro network.

The metro operates every day from 05h00 to midnight, extending to 02h00 on Friday and Saturday nights.

As for tickets, each individual ride will set you back 2,00€, allowing you to switch between lines and even different modes of transportation within 60 minutes of validating your ticket. You may also buy a 10-trip carnet for €19,50, meaning each ride will cost €1,95. Tickets can be bought from the automatic machines located inside each station/stop, or directly through the TCL app, with your smartphone serving as your ticket. Alternatively, some stations will also allow you to use your bank card as a ticket. Just scan it in one of the readers/validation machines and the total fare will be deducted from your balance at the end of the trip.

That being said, if you plan on using public transportation frequently, it’s worth looking into the daily and multi-day options available:

• 24-hour Pass: €6,70
• 48-hour Pass: €12,90
• 72-hour Pass: €17,50

Lyon 2-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Lyon, you have the option to explore the city center with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Lyon, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €8,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Lyon:

• Lyon Explorer
• Free Tour Lyon
• Essential Free Tour Lyon

Lyon 2-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

As mentioned earlier, and despite being a great tourist destination on its own, this French city is far from the sheer size or magnitude of other more popular European stops. That being said, 2 days in Lyon will be enough for you to explore the city’s main tourist attractions and highlights.

Be that as it may, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Lyon in 2 days:

Jardin des Curiosités: Although most visitors flock to the hills of Croix-Rousse or to Parc des Hauteurs for panoramic views of Lyon, this charming garden, right on the edge of Vieux Lyon, offers a more unique perspective. Definitely worth the detour when exploring the historic center!

Théâtre des Célestins: Built in 19^th century, this is Lyon’s most classical performance venue, though the more modern-looking Opéra National de Lyon also deserves a mention. While you can obviously choose to attend a show, the institution also arranges guided tours for just €8,00.

Great Synagogue of Lyon: Definitely an off-the-beaten-path place, this synagogue can be found along the banks of the Saône River, tucked between rows of other beautiful, old buildings. While its façade doesn’t really stand out from the rest, the interiors are quite stunning, serving as a worshipping hub for Lyon’s Jewish community.

Jardin Rosa Mir: Created by a Spanish artist, this garden was originally designed as a private space, hence why it’s actually located on the terrace of a building. However, this place is now fully open to visitors, who can walk in and appreciate its quirky pieces, pathways and pergolas crafted from pebbles, shells and plants.

Le Bal des Ardents: The most beautiful bookstore in Lyon, and one of world’s most unique. Though it may lack the grand architecture of other more famous counterparts (like Livraria Lello, in Porto), all it takes is walking through its book-made arch at the front door to help you realize this is a very special place.

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

Looking for a weekend getaway? In just 48 hours, you can get a taste of the very best of Lyon, including its gorgeous Old Town, the scenic riverbanks of the Saône and the Rhône, the picturesque districts of Croix-Rousse and Presqu’île, the panoramic views from Fourvière or the roman ruins of the Lugdunum Archaeological Site. In between all of these amazing places, do not forget to walk along a few traboules, photograph one or two of the iconic Murals of Lyon and – evidently – try out local food in as many bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) as you humanly can!

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Lyon in 2 days:

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide: Day 1 – Croix-Rousse and Presqu’île

Kicking off your adventure in France’s third-largest city, your getaway begins in the picturesque hillside district of La Croix-Rousse, regarded as one of the most beautiful and photogenic areas in Lyon. Despite its classical and posh looks, with historic façades lining the steep streets and staircases, La Croix-Rousse was once a working-class stronghold, home to the city’s thriving silk industry and its workers, known as the Canuts. Furthermore, this is also where you’ll come across two of the city’s most iconic symbols for the very first time: the Murals of Lyon and the Traboules. The murals originated from an initiative by CitéCréation, a local cooperative that gained permission to create artworks celebrating Lyon’s history. Apparently, the population absolutely loved the result, since dozens of different murals adorn buildings across the city today, effectively transforming Lyon into an open-air urban art museum. In fact, the most famous mural in the entire city can be found in Croix-Rousse: the spectacular Mur des Canuts, a tribute to those silk workers who helped shape the district. Officially, it is also the largest mural in Europe, covering an impressive 1200 square meters. Nearby, by the river, don’t miss out on the Fresque des Lyonnais, which portraits some of Lyon’s most notable figures, including Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Lumière brothers or Chef Paul Bocuse.

As for traboules, these are semi-hidden passageways between buildings and blocks that allow people to get from one place to another quicker. Like small shortcuts through the city. Turns out Lyon is filled to the brim with these little passageways, having become one of its most prominent symbols and elements. Obviously, there is a reason why the traboules came to be, and these unique features were originally designed to provide quick access to the Saône River, Lyon’s primary water source at the time. Later on, merchants (especially the silk workers) started using them to transport goods more efficiently, creating new traboules in the process. Lastly, in more recent history, the Traboules served as hiding spots for the French Resistance during World War II, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s fight against Nazi occupation. Long-story-short, be sure to explore any Traboules you find! Luckily, two of the most famous passageways can be found in Croix-Rousse, like the Traboule de la Cour des Voraces and the Traboule Escalier Mermet. Aside from the murals and the traboules, in Croix-Rousse you may also visit the Jardin Rosa Mir. Created by a Spanish artist, this garden was originally designed as a private space, hence why it’s actually located on the terrace of a building. However, this place is now fully open to visitors, who can walk in and appreciate its quirky pieces, pathways and pergolas crafted from pebbles, shells and plants.

As you move on from Croix-Rousse, you’ll gradually transition into the District of Presqu’île, a narrow peninsula ending at the confluence between the Saône and Rhône rivers. While you will only be visiting the Old Town tomorrow, Presqu’île is home to the most majestic and monumental architecture in Lyon, shaped by imperial buildings and expansive squares. Your first stop here will take place at Place des Terreaux, considered the city’s most prominent square, and the place where you’ll find the Hôtel de Ville, the Bartholdi Fountain and the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon (€8,00), regarded as one of Europe’s very best. Next up, visit the Théâtre des Célestins, one of Lyon’s hidden gems. Built in 19^th century, this is the most classical performance venue in the city, though the more modern-looking Opéra National de Lyon also deserves a mention. While you can obviously choose to attend a show, the institution also arranges guided tours for just €8,00. Other popular landmarks in Presqu’île include the Palais de la Bourse, the Basilica of Saint-Bonaventure, the Saint-Nizier Church or Le Bal des Ardents, one of the quirkiest bookstores on Earth. Finally, as the day winds down, treat yourself to a fantastic meal at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor market featuring some of the city’s finest gourmet ingredients. After all, it’s no coincidence the market was named after one of the greatest kitchen chefs in history!

First day wrap-up:

• La Croix-Rousse
  • Jardin Rosa Mir
  • Mur des Canuts (Mural)
  • Traboule de la Cour des Voraces
  • Traboule Escalier Mermet
  • Fresque des Lyonnais (Mural)
• District of Presqu’île
  • Place des Terreaux
  • Hôtel de Ville
  • Bartholdi Fountain
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
  • Saint-Nizier Church
  • Le Bal des Ardents
  • Théâtre des Célestins
  • Palais de la Bourse
  • Basilica of Saint-Bonaventure
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Where to eat in Lyon – Best restaurants in Croix-Rousse and Presqu’île

• Chez Micheline (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• La Cabane (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• Flam’s Lyon (Alsatian traditional)
• Les Pates Vivantes (Chinese)
• Sabai Sabai (Thai)
• Crêperie La Marie Morgane (crepes and galettes)
• Empanadas Club (Argentinian empanadas)
• Smash Burger Joint (hamburgers)
• Green Lab (falafel and hummus)
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (market)

Lyon 2-Day Travel Guide: Day 2 – Vieux Lyon and Fourvière

Given how short this itinerary is, it means you’ll barely arrive in Lyon before it’s time to say goodbye! But for the final leg, though, you’ll still have the opportunity to visit the charming district of Vieux Lyon, where the Saint Jean and Saint Georges quarters come together to form the Old Town. Nestled along the Saône riverbanks, wandering aimlessly through the area’s maze of medieval streets and historic buildings is one of the single, greatest things one can do in Lyon! Along the way, don’t miss the chance to explore some other traboules (especially La Longue Traboule and Traboule Tour Rose), visit the iconic Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and take a peek inside the quaint Saint George Church. When you’re ready for a break, hop on the funicular (€3,40) to the top of Fourvière Hill, where you can unwind at Parc des Hauteurs and at the Esplanade de Fourvière while soaking in some of Lyon’s most breathtaking views. The crown jewel of this hill, however, is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a magnificent church with stunning interiors adorned in green and gold. If you visit only one church in Lyon, make it this one! While general admission is free, climbing the tower for panoramic views costs €14,00. After taking in the sights from the hilltop, start making your way back down towards the Old Town. However, there is one very special place you should stop by along the way.

After all, before Lyon existed as we know it, the area was called Lugdunum, and was part of the Roman Empire. As a result, many remnants from this era have been excavated and are now part of the Lugdunum Museum €7,00), which, in addition to the fascinating displays of archaeological artifacts and mosaics, also offers access to the Roman Theater, the Odeon and the Roman Baths, considered the best-preserved structures of the ancient colony. Afterwards, and before getting all the way back to the riverside, consider a quick detour to the Jardin des Curiosités. Although most visitors flock to the hills of Croix-Rousse or to Parc des Hauteurs for panoramic views of Lyon, this charming garden, right on the edge of Vieux Lyon, offers a more unique perspective. Finally back in the Old Town, you’ll cross the river again into Presqu’île (which you explored yesterday) to visit the Great Synagogue of Lyon. Definitely an off-the-beaten-path place, this synagogue can be found along the banks of the Saône River, tucked between rows of other beautiful, old buildings. While its façade doesn’t really stand out from the rest, the interiors are quite stunning, serving as a worshipping hub for Lyon’s Jewish community. Finally, and to cap off your weekend getaway in Lyon, all there is left to do is visit Place Bellecour, the only square capable of rivaling the grandeur of Place des Terreaux, and, if time permits, bid the city farewell with a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay, the only surviving Romanesque church.

Second day wrap-up:

• Vieux Lyon
  • Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste
  • La Longue Traboule
  • Traboule Tour Rose
  • Saint George Church
• Fourvière Hill
  • Parc des Hauteurs
  • Esplanade de Fourvière
  • Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • Lugdunum (Museum, Roman Theater, Odeon and Roman Baths)
• Jardin des Curiosités
• Great Synagogue of Lyon
• Place Bellecour
• Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay

Where to eat in Lyon – Best restaurants in Vieux Lyon

• Le Laurencin (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• Les Adrets (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• La table des canuts (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• Les Encavés (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• Le Bistrot Nicephore (bouchon – traditional Lyonnaise)
• Le Penjab (Indian)
• Le Touareg (Moroccan)
• La Piazzetta (Italian)
• l’Alchimiste (hamburgers and poutines)
• Le Luminarium (tea salon)

Got more than 2 days in Lyon? Then you might want to check out the best day trips from the city:

Annecy: One of France’s best kept secrets, Annecy feels like it has been taken straight out of a fairytale book. With its medieval old town and dozens of picturesque canals fed by the pristine waters of Lake Annecy, this small town came to be known at the “Venice of the Alps”. A must-visit!

Beaujolais: Ranking among France’s most prestigious wine regions, this is a destination wine enthusiasts will not want to miss. Evidently, harvest season is the perfect time to visit, although the region’s vineyards and estates are open to visitors all-year-round.

Dijon: Once the prosperous capital of the powerful Duchy of Burgundy, one of medieval Europe’s most important nations, Dijon makes for yet another fantastic day trip from Lyon. Besides getting to try out its world-famous mustard, the city offers plenty to see and do, like the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the panoramic views from Philippe le Bon Tower.

Vienne: Just 30 kilometers away from Lyon, the small town of Vienne is the easiest option on this list. Nonetheless, that doesn’t make it any less valuable, as Vienne is filled with archaeological treasures dating back to Ancient Rome, such as the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the remarkable Ancient Theatre.

Geneva: Finally, we round out this compilation with a quick visit to neighboring Switzerland. A great option for those who live to tick off as many new countries as possible, with one day in Geneva you can stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva, marvel at the iconic Jet d’Eau and wander through the charming historic center. On the other hand, for science and geopolitics nerds, it’s also possible to visit the CERN or the Palais des Nations, the UN headquarters in Europe.