Lyon is classy, elegant and gastronomically awesome, it’s also huge fun.
There are several museums, Roman ruins, quirky shops, incredible architecture including the preserved streets of the old silk quarter and it’s a town with more restaurants than you can shake a stick at!
Lyon City Guide
Best way to find your bearings: Take a tour by boat, open bus or by bike. Buy a city card from the tourist office which covers you for public transport including the 4 line metro and Vaporetto, the river shuttle service, as well as entry to museums and attractions.
Wander: You need a map as the city is huge and the old town which is a must-see is a veritable maze of narrow streets. Head up the hill for a view of the city to take your breath away. Take the funicular (known as La Ficelle, the string) from Vieux Lyon Metro station to the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière which overlooks Lyon.
Eating and Drinking: It’s hard to know where to start in a place that has more restaurants per head than any other town in France. Eating out is a passion and hobby for the Lyonnais and there’s a huge choice. Head to the old town to experience Bouchons, traditional Lyon eateries where you’re likely to hear a chef sing and the details reflect restaurants of old and are very charming. Fun dining to fine dining, microbreweries, ultra posh to gourmet burger – this town has it all, and then some.
Top Tip: Wear comfy shoes – Lyon is hilly, the old town streets are cobbled and this is a great place to walk and take in the sights. Head to the Parc Tete d’Or for a relaxing break and to visit the free zoo. Cycle along the banks of the river Rhone and visit the brand new museum at La Confluence. Head to Les Halles de Bocuse for the poshest market you’ll ever see and a terrific place for a bite to eat.
More on Lyon
Lyon – Gastronomic capital of France
Visiting Vieux Lyon
How to spend 3 days in Lyon
Musée des Confluences
Lyon – a city with an intoxicating, split personality
