top of page
Search

What to do in Lyon, France

  • May 16
  • 3 min read

Perhaps less well known, but equally interesting as other cities in France, Lyon has a charm that cannot be found elsewhere. The third-largest city in France and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting France for the first time.


Although it is a large city, most of its main attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. If you’d rather not walk too much, Lyon also has an excellent and efficient public transport system. We stayed for two and a half days, which felt like the perfect amount of time to explore and enjoy most of what this beautiful city has to offer, from its historic old to its scenic riverside views.



Top 10 things to do in Lyon


  1. Walk by the Rhône River


Lyon is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. When I first saw the Rhône river I was instantly reminded of Budapest and the Danube river. Its green-blue crystilline waters make you forget you are in a city. You get that sense of liberty that is so difficult to find in crowded cities.


People sit on steps by a riverside, with a large historic building and a bridge in the background. Overcast sky and bare trees. Quiet atmosphere. What to do in Lyon, France. Rhône river

The Rhône river in Lyon


A person with braids walks on a sandy riverbank in blue jeans and green sweater. Calm, clear water and bare branches in the background. What to do in Lyon, France

  1. Visit Saint-Nizier Church


This beautiful Gothic church, whose construction began in the 14th century, is known for its beautifully unique façade.


Gothic cathedral facade with ornate carvings and a clock. People walking and a parked car in front. Overcast sky, street sign visible. What to do in Lyon, France

Outside of Saint-Nizier Church


Gothic cathedral interior with tall arches and stained glass windows casting colorful light. Soaring vaulted ceiling creates a majestic ambiance. What to do in Lyon, France

Inside of Saint-Nizier Church


  1. Walk up to Fourvière Hill


I won’t lie to you, it’s a good climb. However, once you get up there, you’ll see why it’s worth it. Not only will you be able to get a fantastic view of the city, but you will also be able to visit the Notre Dame de la Fourvière Basilica and the ancient roman theatre.


Cityscape view of Lyon, France, with tall buildings in the distance, a bridge over the green Rhône River, and bare branches in the foreground. What to do in Lyon, France

View of Lyon from Fourvière Hill


  1. Visit the Fourvière Basilica


Thanks to its Romanesque and Byzantine heritage, this beautiful basilica stands out from other religious monuments in France. Its interior is even more breathtaking than its exterior, with intricate mosaics and detailed marble work.


Ornate white basilica with two towers and crosses, intricate carvings, under a cloudy sky. A smaller golden statue-topped dome nearby. What to do in Lyon, France

Exterior of Notre-Dame de Fourvière


Ornate cathedral interior with detailed arches, columns, and stained glass windows. Rich gold and turquoise patterns adorn the ceiling. What to do in Lyon, France

Interior of Notre-Dame de Fourvière


  1. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière


Located just beside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière is one of Lyon’s most impressive historical sites and a fascinating reminder of the city’s Roman origins. Built around 15 BC, it is one of the oldest Roman theaters in France and could once hold up to 10,000 spectators who gathered to watch plays, performances, and public events. Remarkably well preserved, the theater still features its original stone seating and stage structure.


What to do in Lyon, France Ancient amphitheater ruins with stone steps under a blue sky. Sparse visitors explore the historic site. Buildings are seen in the background.

Ancient Theater of Fourvière


  1. Visit Vieux Lyon


Vieux Lyon is the city’s oldest district and one of the best-preserved Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe. Located along the Saône River at the foot of Fourvière Hill, it is known for its colorful façades, and hidden passageways called traboules, which once allowed silk workers and merchants to move discreetly through the city. I strongly recommend walking the Saint-Jean street where you will be able to see very nice little local shops.


What to do in Lyon, France Cobblestone street lined with old buildings in a European city. A blue sign reads "Place du Gouvernement." People walking in the distance.

Vieux Lyon


  1. Visit Lyon's murals


Lyon is famous for its large and detailed murals that bring the city’s walls to life. Scattered across different neighborhoods, these impressive paintings often cover entire buildings and create the illusion of real scenes rather than flat artwork. One of the most well-known is the Fresque des Lyonnais, which features portraits of famous people from Lyon’s history alongside everyday local life.


What to do in Lyon, France Mural on a yellow building shows people on balconies and a bookstore below. Text: "La Fresque des Lyonnais." Overcast sky.

La Fresque des Lyonnais


What to do in Lyon, France Building mural with greenery and windows painted on the facade. A painted bank entrance with figures. Warm colors create a lively scene.

Lyon's murals


  1. Visit Parc de la Tête d’or


Parc de la Tête d’Or is the largest urban park in Lyon. This beautiful and enormous park is perfect for a nice little stroll or a picnic with friends and family. Being one of the largest urban parks in France, with an area of over 115 hectares, Tête d’or even contains a botanical garden and a velodrome.


What to do in Lyon, France People cycling in a park with bare trees and a clear sky. A lake and statue are in the background. The mood is calm and leisurely.

Parc de la Tête d'Or


  1. Visit Place Bellecour


Place Bellecour is the main square of Lyon, where all the different parts of the city come together.


What to do in Lyon, France Equestrian statue in a square with historical architecture and hilltop basilica in the background under a clear blue sky.

Photo: hotels.com


  1. Visit Place des Jacobins


Place des Jacobins is a small but elegant square located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district. It feels calmer and more intimate compared to the city’s larger and busier squares.


What to do in Lyon, France Historic fountain with sculptures in a European plaza, surrounded by classic buildings under a cloudy sky. People in the background.

Place des Jacobins


I hope you enjoyed this Lyon guide. Don't hesitate to take a look at my website and see if there are other itineraries that might interest you !

Comments

Hey there!

I’m Sofía, a soft explorer and a Colombian living in France. I love traveling and discovering new places, especially nature spots and places linked to ecotourism. I’m into slow, meaningful travel, where I can actually take my time and experience things instead of rushing through them. I also care about comfort, so I usually look for a balance between nature, simplicity, and feeling good while I travel.

PXL_20250806_130052965.RAW-01.COVER.jpg

Sign up to our newsletter, it's free (and no spam)!

Join our email list to get exclusive content

Thanks for submitting!

©2026 The Soft Explorer

bottom of page