2 Days In Lyon: How To Spend A Weekend In Lyon, France

By Leyla Alyanak. This guide to 2 days in Lyon, France contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to spend 2 days in Lyon, but need help with the planning?

Then you’re in the right place!

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon showcases the charm of a historic city with the ease of a modern metropolis.

Known for its rich culture, delicious gastronomy, and architectural marvels, the city offers endless attractions and activities for a memorable French getaway.

Even with just 48 hours at your disposal, you’ll be able to experience many of Lyon’s main sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or an avid wanderer seeking new adventures, you can find what you’re looking for in Lyon.

As an Eastern France local, I’ll guide you through a carefully curated 2-day Lyon itinerary, revealing the city’s highlights and hidden gems to help ensure that your short but sweet visit leaves a lasting impression.

Quick tip: Save money while exploring top Lyon attractions with a Lyon City Card. It includes access to 22+ attractions, unlimited local transportation use, free guided tours and river cruises, complimentary concerts and puppet shows, and more!

Free Resources For Your Lyon Travel Itinerary

But first, before we go over a suggested itinerary for your trip to Lyon, I invite you to grab Jessie’s free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips
• And more!

Once you’ve grabbed your copy, keep reading for an unforgettable Lyon itinerary.

Where Is Lyon?

Lyon is located in south-central France in Europe. It is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Rhône département and sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. This all helps to add to its stunning scenery.

Is Lyon Worth Visiting?

Lyon is absolutely worth visiting! First of all, it is one of France’s most wonderfully diverse cities, with stunning scenery ranging from the Alps to volcanoes to forests and lakes.

Lyon is also France’s second-largest city — or is it the third?

It depends on whether you look at size as population or urban area. This is because its ranking for the coveted second place will always be disputed by Marseille, who believes Lyon is France’s third-largest city.

Whatever the pecking order, Lyon is a world-class city, which some call a smaller version of Paris — though this is a nickname the Lyonnais resent.

Why? Because their proud city refuses to compare itself to any other, preferring to show off its own considerable attributes.

Lyon is also considered France’s gastronomical capital, and for centuries was Europe’s silk-weaving center. Further back, when it was called Lugdunum, it was the capital of Roman Gaul. And its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So many superlatives!

But there’s even more: Lyon is also famous for its secret passageways (traboules), its giant murals painted throughout the city, and its inventions — like the cinematograph, the license plate, and the sewing machine.

In short, when it comes to Lyon, France tourism, you’ll have plenty to explore.

Getting To Lyon

Travel to Lyon, France is quite straightforward. You can fly direct into Lyon Airport, officially called Lyon Airport Saint-Exupéry, from more than 30 cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as from Montreal.

That being said, most visitors arrive by train. Lyon is only a 2-hour ride from Paris on the high-speed TGV, and approximately the same from Geneva, albeit on a slower train.

You can drive to Lyon, of course, but why would you want to? Traffic is notoriously bad, parking difficult, and drivers aggressive.

If you do drive in, consider staying in a hotel with parking. This way, you can leave your car in the garage and use public transport.

Getting Around Lyon

Lyon is a very walkable city; but it is large, so at times that you’ll need public transportation. Luckily, the city has a system that combines bus, tram, subway, and funicular transport — with a single ticket valid for all.

You can buy individual tickets or ticket booklets — though the best deal for visitors is the full-day ticket, which you can buy in any machine or at a subway entrance. For more information, visit Lyon’s public transit company.

Another idea: get a Lyon City Card for one or more days and use it for museum entrance fees and public transport.

Note that you can also buy your ticket on the bus, but it will cost you more.

Best Time To Visit Lyon

Given Lyon’s latitude to the north of Montreal, you’d expect a long and cold winter with plenty of snow; however, while it does get cold and foggy, snow is rare and it doesn’t often stick.

Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures that will remind you more of North Africa than France; but, it is a good season to visit if the heat doesn’t bother you.

Autumn still has some wonderful days, although it can rain often, leaving spring as the best time to visit Lyon.

Is Lyon Safe?

According to Travel Safe – Abroad, Lyon is a safe city to visit and your overall risk of being the victim of a crime is low, particularly in the city centre.

That being said, while the risk of being involved in a violent crime is low, there is a medium risk of being the victim of a scam or pickpocketing incident.

To avoid pickpockets, it’s recommended to leave valuables at home or in the hotel safe and keep your credit cards and cash securely hidden using pickpocket-proof clothing.

If out exploring the many things to do in Lyon at night, try to stick to well-lit tourist areas with people walking around.

Public transportation in the center is also safe as long as people are out and about, but it’s wise to use Uber or call a taxi if you’re out late.

How Many Days In Lyon Is Enough?

If you visit Lyon in 2 days, you’ll see most of the city’s high points — with enough time to visit the major neighborhoods, explore one or two of the city’s best museums, eat plenty of the city’s renowned food, and even take a boat trip on one of the city’s two rivers.

Of course, if you have more time to spare, spending 3 or 4 days in Lyon is even better. With this extra time, you can also add some day trips to the mix, like Avignon and Annecy in France or Geneva in Switzerland.

Where To Stay During A Weekend In Lyon

Lyon has several excellent neighborhoods in which to sleep — and a few to avoid.

Vieux Lyon

Historic Vieux Lyon, with its traboules and cobblestones, is often considered the best place to stay in Lyon.

On the plus side, you’ll be right next to some of the best city attractions; but you can’t get around easily by car, so this only really works if you’re traveling light.

The MiHotel Tour Rose is a perfect place to stay in this area, right next to the Food Traboule, a fusion food court.

Click here for a full list of top-rated hotels in Vieux Lyon.

La Presqu’ile

The other excellent area for overnight stays is La Presqu’ile, the heart of Lyon, where the shops and many of the restaurants are, along with the City Hall and main squares. Consider staying at the Aparthotel Adagio Lyon Patio Confluence.

If you’d rather be above the area’s hustle and bustle, the Fourvière Hotel is near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Lugdunum Roman ruins.

Click here for a full list of top-rated hotels in La Presqu’ile.

Part-Dieu Metro Station

If you’re coming by train to Part-Dieu Station, there are plenty of modern hotels nearby; but, the neighborhood is rather soulless and really only worth it if you have to catch an early train.

Don’t confuse this with the other, less frequented train station, Perrache, which is not in the safest neighborhood and is best avoided at nighttime.

Click here for a full list of top-rated hotels near Part-Dieu Train Station.

To compare accommodation in Lyon, you can click here or use the map below. It’s set to Vieux Lyon, but you can easily change it to your preferred destination:

Lyon Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map for your 2 days in Lyon, France. It includes most of the main points and solo activities mentioned in this guide pre-plotted:

Click here for the interactive version.

Lyon 2 Day Itinerary: Quick Overview

Two days in Lyon is enough time to see the city — but you’ll have to pack it in. The areas to visit are compact, and because of the way the city’s transport works, you may have to return to the same district more than once. For example, the Presqu’ile is an extremely long area and is best seen in two separate visits.

Here, then, is what to see in Lyon in 2 days:

Day #1 morning

• Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste)
• Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) with its Renaissance architecture and traboules (secret passages)
• Lunch in a bouchon

Day #1 afternoon

• Lyon river cruise or ride the Vaporetto to Confluences
• Confluences Museum (Musée des Confluences)
• Bellecour Square (Place Bellecour)
• Presqu’ile district

Day #2 morning

• Fresque des Lyonnais (Lyon mural)
• Place des Terreaux
• Croix-Rousse
• Lunch at Halles Paul Bocuse

Day #2 afternoon

• Tête d’Or park
• Lugdunum Museum (formerly the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière)
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Sunset on Fourvière Hill

2 Days In Lyon Itinerary: Breakdown

Lyon is one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, with a wealth of things to see, from its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Fourvière Hill with its Basilica and panoramic view.

Wondering what to do in Lyon for 2 days? The following highlights should be part of your Lyon city break.

While the itinerary is laid out into 2 complete days, feel free to mix and match based on the weather and how you’re feeling using the proposed half days in the above section of this Lyon, France travel guide.

Day #1 (AM): Lyon history & traditional cuisine

Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste)

The impressive Lyon Cathedral is often the first thing you notice when entering Old Lyon, as it flanks Place Saint-Jean (square) from which most of the district’s streets extend.

Build between 1180 and 1476, it showcases an intriguing mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Like much of Old Lyon, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tucked away towards the front of the nave on your left is a unique feature: an astronomical clock.

This engineering marvel not only tells the time and date but also predicts eclipses, solstices, Christian holidays, and the position of the planets and the sun — while also providing plenty of other information about the skies.

Built in 1379, it is a complex machine that happens to be one of the oldest and most accurate in the world.

Old Lyon and its traboules

After the cathedral, it’s time to visit the rest of Old Lyon, starting with the district’s main street, Rue Saint-Jean.

This cobblestone street is where you’ll find many courtyards as well as the traboules of Lyon — a network of hidden passageways that run through the city’s historic buildings. Originally, they were used by silk workers to carry their bolts of silk down from the workshops on Croix-Rousse Hill to the shops below.

Lyon has more than 400 traboules. Most of them are either in Old Lyon or in Croix-Rousse, but only a few are open to the general public.

You’ll find the longest traboule in Old Lyon at 54 Rue Saint-Jean. Just push the door open and walk in; but quietly please, because people live in the apartments above.

Eat lunch in a bouchon

You may have to reserve in advance for this experience, but it will be a memorable one. A bouchon is a typical Lyon eatery, whose original aim was to serve the silk workers.

The workers may be gone, but the bouchon tradition remains and should be tried at least once.

Just make sure to choose an authentic one. Here is a list of certified bouchons to help you plan your meal, and you’ll find several in Old Lyon or very close by.

Day #1 (PM): Ships, museums & shopping

Take a river cruise

Lyon is bisected by two rivers: the Rhône and the Saône. During summer, boats float down the Saône River, showing off Lyon’s architecture from a different perspective.

There are few better ways to beat the heat in July and August than by hopping a breezy boat ride. Not only will you discover buildings from the water, but you’ll also sail to the confluence of the two rivers until you reach the Confluences Museum.

You can also reach the museum by catching a Vaporetto boat from Saint-Paul, at the other end of Old Lyon from the cathedral.

By the way, you can click here for a list of top-rated Lyon River cruise options.

Confluences Museum

Shaped to resemble a floating cloud of glass and metal, this anthropology museum is striking from any angle.

Its more than two million objects are supposed to ask the “big” questions about our human existence, our evolution, and our planet.

From ancient documents to the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, this is a museum designed to surprise. You can catch the Vaporetto back and get off at Place Bellecour.

Visit Place Bellecour

This enormous expanse is generally considered the largest pedestrian square in Europe. Many events are staged here, like the Lyon Christmas Market, and it is also where the Tourist Information Office for Lyon is located.

At more than 10 meters (33 feet) high, the Le Cheval de Bronze statue of Louis XIV on horseback is the third-largest equestrian statue in the world.

The king is seen riding bareback and, according to legend, the sculptor François-Frédéric Lemot committed suicide having forgotten the stirrups! Nobody knows for sure.

Wander the Presqu’ile district

The Presqu’ile is Lyon’s central district and is a narrow strip of land sitting between the city’s two rivers.

It’s known as being one of the main shopping areas, with a mixture of high-end shops and smaller boutiques. Many of the smaller shopping streets around Place des Terreaux have specialty stores, including antiques.

Additionally, you’ll find many of Lyon’s traditional restaurants, brasseries, and fresh food markets here – as well as some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Have your camera ready to snap photo after photo of the gorgeous 19th-century buildings and important monuments.

Day #2 (AM): Art, silk & French food specialties

Look for the Lyonnais fresco

It’s now time to return to the Presqu’ile because there is still much to see. Some 150 giant murals in Lyon cover the walls of buildings, particularly in Guillotière — a neighborhood within Presqu’ile — and nearby Croix-Rousse.

One of the most famous, the Fresque des Lyonnais, is in the Presqu’ile — not far from the Place des Terreaux. It depicts over 30 famous figures from the city’s history over some 800 square meters (8,611 square feet).

Visit Place des Terreaux

Speaking of, the highlight of the Presqu’ile is the Place des Terreaux. This square is dominated by the intricate Bartholdi Fountain — an iconic masterpiece designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi of Statue of Liberty fame!

Place des Terreaux is also surrounded by impressive buildings — including the rear of Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, which houses one of the finest art collections in France.

When Lyon hosts its annual Festival of Lights in December, the display at the Place des Terreaux is one of the best, the beautiful façades providing a perfect backdrop for the light show.

Explore the Croix-Rousse district

From the Place des Terreaux, a gentle uphill walk will take you to the area known as Croix-Rousse — which was once a thriving silk-weaving district at the heart of Europe’s silk trade.

Today it is a bohemian hub, filled with colorful buildings and street art as well as the lively La Croix Rousse Market, vintage shops, and excellent food.

For a glimpse into Lyon’s silk-weaving history, visit the Maison des Canuts, a museum dedicated to the silk industry.

Another gigantic mural is located in Croix-Rousse: Le Mur des Canuts, or the Wall of Silk Workers. At over 1,200 square meters (12,917 square feet), it depicts the history of the silk-weaving industry in Lyon down to the tiniest detail.

While most of the traboules are located in Old Lyon, the remainder are in Croix-Rousse — and you can use them to find your way down the hill, through charming streets and hidden courtyards and tunnels — just like the silk weavers who once used them to carry their goods.

Eat at Les Halles Paul Bocuse

This upmarket food hall is named after Paul Bocuse, a world-renowned chef from Lyon.

The best food shops in Lyon have stalls here, so you can buy products to take home or, better yet, sit at one of the tiny restaurants and sample specialties like frogs’ legs, fresh seafood, or truffles.

You’ll find everything here: cheese, meats, pastries, chocolates. There is no such thing as walking out empty-handed — or hungry.

Day #2 (PM): Parks, views & Roman ruins

Explore Tête d’Or Park

Lunch may require a walk, so why not head towards the giant Parc de la Tête d’Or — the largest urban park in France? It has a lake, a botanical garden, and a zoo.

Along one edge is a stretch of wealthy homes: some in the Art Nouveau style. The park is an island of green and freshness, a perfect place for a picnic if you’ve decided to save your appetite for the evening.

It’s now time to head up the hill you can see from nearly everywhere in Lyon.

Explore Lugdunum Museum and its Roman theaters

A funicular heads up the hill from the entrance of Old Lyon to Lugdunum, Lyon’s name in Roman times. The ruins include a theater, an amphitheater (which seated up to 20,000 spectators), and a forum — once at the heart of civic life in Roman Lyon.

Fourvière Hill

From Lugdunum, it is a short walk to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière at the top of Fourvière Hill.

In a city filled with antiquities, the Basilica is relatively recent — built in the 1870s to thank the Virgin Mary for sparing Lyon from destruction during the Franco-Prussian war.

Behind the Basilica is a fabulous view of the city below, especially at sunset. On a clear day, you can even see out toward the Alps!

Where To Eat In Lyon

Bouchons

As the gastronomic capital of France, visiting Lyon will of course involve plenty of meals.

While a stop in a bouchon is indispensable, be forewarned: Lyonnaise cuisine, however high the standard, is very pork-heavy and features plenty of offal. A typical bouchon menu will undoubtedly include such items as tripe or andouillette (tripe sausage).

But you’ll find plenty of other dishes, too, like Salade Lyonnaise, with its poached egg and smoked bacon, or simple cuts of beef.

If not for the specialties, go for the ambiance. Daniel & Denise is a bouchon in the Old Lyon with both local dishes and less “specialized” fare.

You won’t go wrong unless you eat in excessively touristy establishments. Just walk a block from the crowds and quality should go up as prices go down.

Michelin-starred restaurants

You should also save one of your evenings for dinner at one of Lyon’s fabled Michelin-starred eateries, like La Mère Brazier bouchon or PRaiRiaL for haute cuisine. Both are on the pricier side, but are worth the splurge if it’s in your budget.

Just check their opening hours. Lyon, like the rest of France, is notorious for closing days, and many establishments are shut on Sundays and a few other days.

Around Lyon’s quais

If the weather is nice, take a stroll along the quais (quays) of one of Lyon’s two rivers, where dozens of houseboats are moored.

Many of them have been turned into bars and restaurants. Some of the more popular “péniches” include the Restaurant Modulo and Bateau Bellona.

Things To Do In Lyon After Dark

There are many memorable nightlife experiences in Lyon, like:

1) See Lyon lit up. After dinner, simply walk the streets of the city and admire the 350 or so buildings that have been lit up for the evening, including many iconic landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Courthouse, and Saône and Rhône rivers.

2) Get pampered. In the evening, you can also head for one of the city’s luxurious spas, like Les Cent Ciels, which is open until 10pm every evening except Tuesday.

3) Enjoy music, performances & more. In the mood for some local Lyonnais culture? Along with your typical bars, clubs, and live music venues, Lyon hosts a variety of performances.

The Opéra National de Lyon presents opera, ballet, and classical music concerts.

Additionally, the Théâtre des Célestins and the Théâtre des Marronniers are renowned for their stage productions, including both classic and contemporary plays.

4) Enjoy some jazz. Lyon also has a vibrant jazz scene, with many venues offering live jazz performances in the evening. A few of these include Le Péristyle, Hot Club de Lyon, and Le Sirius.

5) Take in the view from a rooftop. Lyon is home to numerous rooftop bars and clubs — like Le Sucre, which sits on top of a former sugar factory in the Confluence district and offers panoramic views of Lyon’s skyline, a spacious terrace, and a vibrant nightlife scene with DJ sets and live music.

For something sophisticated, Terrasse Le Melhor at Le Sofitel Lyon Bellecour is a rooftop terrace that provides breathtaking views of the Rhône River and the city.

Looking for a more laid-back experience? Head to Mama Shelter, a chill and cozy rooftop bar featuring beautiful views of Lyon’s cityscape, comfortable seating, and an array of cocktails to sip while unwinding.

Fun Tours In Lyon

Short on time but want to make the most of your visit in Lyon? Add the following top-rated experiences to your Lyon itinerary:

• Walking Food Tour in Vieux Lyon
• Discover Lyon in an Unusual Way
• Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour including Funicular (Small-Group)
• Lyon Small Group Guided Electric Bike Tour with Food Tasting
• Lyon Old District: Private Walking Tour

Click here for a full list of Lyon tours.

Day Trips From Lyon

Lyon is in the heart of France and near enough to make a number of easy day trips. If you have an extra day, it is well worth leaving the city to discover nearby towns or explore the countryside. Here are a few of the best:

• Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps” because of the canals that run through its center. Just as beautiful is its lake, Lake Annecy, which is ringed by mountains and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in Europe.

• Not far from Lyon is the hilltop village of Pérouges, often touted as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

• The Beaujolais region is famous for its wines, though it’s also home to ancient medieval villages — especially in the area known as Pierres Dorées, or Golden Stones.

• Geneva, Switzerland, is also an easy day trip from Lyon. Drive around Lake Geneva, stop at the famous Geneva Flower Clock, or visit the United Nations or the Red Cross Museum. This is definitely a memorable road trip option!

Cost Of 2 Days In Lyon

While the cost of a 2 day trip in Lyon will vary depending on how budget-minded or luxuriously you travel, here is an estimated breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Accommodation

Lyon accommodation is relatively affordable for a city in France. In July, which is high season, you can expect to pay around €90-€100 per night for a single room in a mid-level hotel on average.

You can also find rooms for as little as €60, but those will go fast and you’ll have to reserve well ahead of time. Of course, you can also find hostels but these won’t necessarily be cheaper than a hotel.

Food

Lyon is a foodie paradise so eating out is a must. It can, however, be pricey.

If you’d like to try some Lyonnaise specialties, aim for lunch rather than dinner. You can eat an excellent lunch in a bouchon for €20-€25, whereas dinner will be a pricier €25-€40 on average. Weekday lunch menus are also cheaper than weekends.

Transportation

Lyon has an excellent public transport system, with individual tickets priced at €2 per ticket, valid for an hour.

You can also get tickets for longer. For example, a 48-hour ticket costs €12.50, and a 72-hour ticket (the longest available for visitors) costs €17.

Tickets are valid across all Lyon public transportation — bus, tram, metro, and funicular.

Activities

Most activity costs will involve museum or attraction entrances, or local tours. Museum entrances can vary from €6-€15, making the Lyon City Card an excellent value: for 48 hours you’ll pay €40, which includes most museum entrances and all public transportation.

Tips For Enjoying 2 Days In Lyon

Allot enough time. Because many Lyon attractions aren’t necessarily near one another, make sure you leave enough time between activities and destinations for travel from one to the next.

Bring your appetite. Even though it may seem daunting, eat at least once in a real bouchon. You don’t have to eat offal — you can have some of the more familiar dishes, like Salade Lyonnaise (with bacon and a poached egg) or the famous Bresse chicken.

Avoid driving. Instead, get some kind of public transportation deal. The Lyon City Card is ideal, but you can also buy a 24-hour ticket from the TCL, the transport company.

Wear comfortable shoes. Even though there is excellent public transport in Lyon, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. These AKK travel walking shoes are comfortable, cushioned, and come in a variety of colors.

Travel Insurance For Lyon

When visiting Lyon — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Lyon In 2 Days: Final Thoughts

As you can see, you’ll be able to do a lot with 2 days in Lyon. Within 48 hours, you’ll be able to see many of the city’s main highlights.

From delicious bouchon meals to taking in panoramic views from Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière to exploring the city’s secret passageways, your time in Lyon is sure to be memorable — especially if you follow the above itinerary!

How would you spend 2 days in Lyon, France?

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About The Author

Leyla is a journalist and former foreign correspondent with a passion for travel in her native France, which she documents on her blog, Offbeat France. Her newsletter, Beyond the Baguette, looks at the quirky side of France. Or, take a peek at her Instagram feed.