2 days in Lyon: How to see the top sights
By Emma Marshall and Nick Warburton
This post contains affiliate links
Lyon is generally recognised as being France’s gastronomic capital. But it’s not all about eating here (although that does play a big part!). There are lots of other things to see and do with 2 days in Lyon.
As France’s third largest city, on the banks of the Rhône river, Lyon has a generous sprinkling of attractions to keep visitors occupied for a weekend break.
It is home to top notch museums, fascinating historical sites, a UNESCO-listed old town with beautiful architecture, and it is where the Lumière brothers pioneered the cinematic industry. It really is a great city for a short break.
Read on for more information on how to see the sights in 2 days in Lyon and the best places to visit in this wonderful French city.
Where is Lyon?
Lyon is part of central France, not far from Geneva on the Swiss border. It’s situated in the Rhône Valley, home to the famous Beaujolais wines (and if wine is your thing, you can day trip to the region for some tastings).
And although Paris is over 240 miles away, there is a high-speed train that connects the two cities in under two hours.
Lyon’s neighbourhoods
France’s third-largest city is made up of nine neighbourhoods (arrondissements).
Much of the city, including the business district, lies to the east of the Rhône River. This is one of two major rivers (the other being the Saône) that run through the very heart of the city and that you can book tours to cruise along.
The main tourist attractions (or at least the ones you’ll want to explore on a weekend in Lyon) can be found in just a handful of central neighbourhoods that are more to the west.
We focused on the following ones and below are our top tips on what to see in those area, particularly if you are walking.
However, if you don’t want to walk or don’t have a lot of time here, one of the best ways to get around may be to book onto this hop-on hop-off bus that will take you to the main areas.
The Lyon City Pass
On your 2 days in Lyon, you could also purchase the Lyon City Card.
This allows you to access free transport, bike tours, and river cruises. You can also go into various local museums (including any temporary exhibitions being shown).
There are 23 museums in total. These include the Fine Arts Museum, the Musée des Confluences, the Fourviere Museum of Religious Art, the Electricity Museum, the Printing Museum and the Museum of Gallo Roman Civilisation.
If you plan to make use of public transport during your stay and want to visit some museums, the Lyon City Card is a great way to do this and is good value for money.
2 days in Lyon: what to put on your itinerary
People who visit for the first time often ask: what is there to do in Lyon for 2 days? A lot is the short answer!
And what should I not miss in Lyon? This really depends on the type of thing you enjoy seeing and doing. To browse some of the options, and the best things to see and do, carry on reading.
The Presqu’île
A good place to kick off your 2 days in Lyon is the Presqu’île (city centre).
This is located on the long peninsula sandwiched between the two rivers. Most of Lyon’s main attractions are dotted around here (and the surrounding neighbourhoods).
Place Bellecour
Most tourists that start their Lyon break in this central area will undoubtedly head for Place Bellecour. We read that this is one of Europe’s largest squares. Marvelling at this huge expansive space, it certainly felt that way.
When we stepped into Place Bellecour from Rue Victor Hugo (a wide pedestrian shopping street that runs south to Gare de Perrache), a massive wheel was gently rotating in the corner adjacent to Place Antonin Poncet.
This is perhaps a reference to the city’s silk weavers, and we were told this appears in the square during the winter months.
At night the wheel is lit up. We stood for ages admiring the kaleidoscopic colours projecting from it as it slowly spun around.
A statue of Louis XIV mounted on his horse takes pride of place in the centre of Place Bellecour.
The square is also a perfect spot to admire the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière (see below) as it overlooks Lyon from its spectacular hilltop retreat.
You are only a short walk away here from both the Rhône and the Saône rivers. If you’d like a closer view of the basilica, just head for Pont Bonaparte.
This straddles the Saône and offers fabulous views of Vieux Lyon (the old town) and Croix Rousse (silk weavers’ area) to the right.
If you look in the opposite direction, you’ll notice a small red bridge a little further down the river. This popular tourist attraction is called Passerelle Saint-Georges.
We’d thoroughly recommend a slight detour and a short stroll down to it (the river should be on your right).
Cross this beautiful bridge and you’ll see the St-Georges church straight ahead. From the halfway point, you’ll get fantastic photos of Vieux Lyon and the basilica with the bridge’s elegant red frames.
Place des Jacobins
After your detour to the Passerelle Saint-Georges, you can then back track to Place Bellecour. From here, you can take one of several streets leading north to explore the area called Mercière-Saint-Antoine.
Most of the streets take you to the delightful Place des Jacobins, the highlight of which is the striking fountain in the centre.
Then if you are peckish or fancy something more substantial, potter along the narrow pedestrianised Rue Mercière. This is lined with small bistros (bouchons) and larger eateries such as the stylish Le Bistrot de Lyon.
However, if you only fancy a drink, albeit in stylish surroundings, turn right at the end of this very pretty street and walk a few minutes to Rue Édouard-Herriot.
Here you can pop into the Grand Café des Négociants and marvel at its opulent interior while sipping tea or coffee.
Once refreshed, backtrack until you reach the Pont Alphonse Juin on the Saône River where you can admire the superb views of the old quarter and the basilica.
Place des Terreaux
From here, don’t cross the bridge to Vieux Lyon but rather head north with the river on your left.
Keep going until you reach the next crossing to St-Paul Ferry Dock. The river bends here and you can stop briefly, look up and admire the houses lining the hills in Croix Rousse and the stunning building that is the basilica.
If you steal yourself away from the river and walk down Rue Constantine, you’ll soon come to Place des Terreaux. One of Lyon’s main tourist sights, there is quite a bit to see and do around here.
You can’t miss the impressive 19th century fountain here depicting a woman riding a chariot pulled by four horses. French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the man behind the Statue of Liberty, was the mastermind behind this.
You’ll also find the Hôtel de Ville at the far end of the square, built predominantly in the 1650s. This is one of the city’s largest buildings.
If you have time (we didn’t) pop into Musée des Beaux-Arts (the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon). The entrance is on the square.
From what we read, the museum (a former Benedictine convent) houses France’s best collection of sculptures and paintings outside of Paris. Art enthusiasts can see works by Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso, to name a few.
La Croix-Rousse
From Place des Terreaux, it’s a steady climb up the slope to the hilltop quarter of Croix Rousse. Head first up Rue Ste-Marie des Terreaux and then onwards along Montée de la Grande Côte.
You’ll come to some steps and Pentes de la Croix-Rousse. From the viewpoint here, you can look back over the city.
This bohemian quarter was originally an independent neighbourhood and only became part of Lyon in the mid-19th century. It’s worth spending quite a bit of time wandering around this area.
It boasts a main square (Place Bertone), an outdoor food market and a smattering of eateries dotted along the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse.
As you’ll discover from your guidebooks, La Croix-Rousse was home to a thriving silk industry. At its height in the 15th century there were literally thousands of workshops where silk weavers beavered away for long hours at their looms producing this in-demand product.
The vibrant trade practised in the quarter’s narrow streets made Lyon Europe’s silk-weaving capital. Only a few of the old silk workshops have survived the industry’s inevitable decline.
We didn’t have time on our weekend in Lyon, but anyone interested in finding out more about the city’s colourful past should check out Soierie Vivante association. A few other operators, including Maison des Canuts, offer a guided tour where visitors can see manual looms in operation.
The Mur des Canuts
If you are short on time, head for the Mur des Canuts, a popular tourist draw that is free to admire. It’s definitely worth the ten minute walk from Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse along Boulevard des Canuts.
The work of mural painters from the co-operative CitéCréation, this lifelike fresco takes up the entire 1,200 square metres façade of an old building. It records the changes that have shaped and transformed Croix Rousse since the first fresco was applied in the mid-1980s.
Cross the road in front of it so you can see it from a slight distance. It’s from this perspective that you’ll fully appreciate how incredible and life-like this is.
There’s also a small display on the left under an arch that offers a fascinating historical account of the fresco and its evolution over the past three decades.
Once you’ve exhausted yourself looking at the intricate detail of this eye-catching artwork, double back to the district’s main boulevard and head down the hill to the river. This might also be a good time to finish your sightseeing for day 1 and to save the rest for your second day.
Vieux Lyon
Old Lyon is characterised by its warren of narrow cobbled streets, covered passages and historical buildings with a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site neighbourhood is arguably Lyon’s calling card.
The old town is relatively small and compact, so everything here is within a few minutes’ walk.
Wander independently or book onto a walking tour to learn more about the history of the area with a guide.
Cathédrale St-Jean
Lyon Cathedral – Cathédrale St-Jean – is the main tourist sight in this part. It’s definitely worth popping into this beautiful building, which took around five centuries to complete, to explore the interior. One of its highlights is the 14th century astronomical clock.
We really enjoyed pottering around this charming area soaking in the sights and admiring the architecture. It’s also a great place to stop off to for a bite to eat.
Vieux Lyon Museums
Nearby, you’ll find some of the city’s top museums.
These include the twin-themed Musée Gadagne (combining a local history museum and international puppet museum), Le Petit Musée Fantastique de Guignol (paying homage to Lyon’s famous Guignol puppet) and Musée Miniature et Cinéma.
We didn’t have time to go into any of the museums, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’d like to visit.
Fourvière
Fourvière is another place that you definitely must visit. You can reach it via funicular from the Saint-Jean metro station to the top of Fourvière hill. This takes you to the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière with its four towers.
You can also reach Fourviere by taking the footpath that winds up the hill to the Parc des Hauteurs. This sits below the basilica and contains an orchard, Chinese garden and rose garden.
You’ll see the imposing basilica when you come out of the funicular station entrance. Most tourists can’t resist popping into this magnificent building first but we’d advise that you make a slight detour first to some nearby Roman amphitheatres.
Lyon’s Roman amphitheatres
Anyone interested in delving into some Roman history only has to walk five minutes down the road from the basilica to visit some well preserved Roman ruins.
In Roman times, this area was home to the city of Lugdunum. You can still find remnants of Gaul’s commercial and military capital in the two excavated amphitheatres perched on the hillside.
The larger of the two, the Grand Theatre, is apparently the oldest theatre in France and dates from 15 BC. It is still used for modern performances.
While here, and if you have time, pop into the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine (the Lugdunum Museum). You can take a look at its collection of Roman artefacts, including statues, mosaics and coins.
The Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Aftr seeing the amphitheatres, you can then double back to explore the basilica. This was built in the late 19th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The interior is stunning.
Visitors can go into the crypt and also take rooftop tours. It’s a superb vantage point from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Some of Lyon’s best views can be had here.
To return to Vieux Lyon, you can either return by funicular or descend via the park and tree lined pathway that zigzags down the slope.
Lyon’s botanical garden
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is also worth a visit if you have time. It covers a large area – it is France’s largest urban park – and is situated on the other side of the Rhone river and to the north of the Place Bellecour.
The garden has different sections which are open at varying times before and after early to late Spring (so if you visit during the winter months, check in advance that the parts you want to see are open).
As well as the botanical gardens, there is an International Rose Garden, an alpine garden, an open air garden and a large collection of greenhouses. You can also have have some fun riding bikes, taking boats out on the lake, or riding the mini train!
2 days in Lyon: how to get to there
Lyon is well connected throughout Europe and beyond. You can catch flights from countries which include the UK, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Malta.
It’s also linked internally, with domestic flights from other French destinations including Bordeaux, Nantes, Paris, Nice, and Corsica.
Its location also means that it’s easy to catch the train to nearby Switzerland.
2 days in Lyon: Lyon airport to the city
You can catch the Rhône Express into the city from the airport. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
It takes you into the city’s main train station. From here, you can pick up trams, buses or metro lines to your final destination, or catch a cab.
If you’d prefer to take a cab directly from the airport to your hotel, rather than rely on public transportation, click here.
2 days in Lyon: Where to stay in Lyon
There are so many places to stay in Lyon that it would be hard to list even a fraction here.
I have therefore selected a few below that are highly recommended and centrally located. This way you can make the most of your 2 days in Lyon.
- The Grand Hotel des Terreaux is located a stone’s throw from the Musee des Beaux-Arts and near to the Opera House. It is apparently one of the oldest places to stay in the city. It has an indoor pool if you need more exercise after your time sightseeing in Lyon, as well as a bar where you can put your feet up later.
- The Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts is less than a 10 minute walk from the Place Bellecour so ideally located in the heart of everything. For me, Mercure properties always provide a reasonably priced place to stay when you’re on time budget, so is definitely a place to check out.
- The Ibis Lyon Centre Perrache is another value for money option which will meet all your needs if you only have 2 days in Lyon. We stayed here. It’s a slightly longer walk into the main centre than other options. But it is right next door to Brasserie Georges (see below), so is a perfect place if you plan to eat out here (you can literally stumble next door to bed!).
2 days in Lyon: Places to eat in Lyon
As mentioned at the start of this post, Lyon is regarded as France’s gastronomic capital. You therefore won’t be spoiled for fine dining.
In fact, the challenge will be how to choose wisely with so much on offer and with only 2 days in Lyon to try things out.
We ate at Brasserie Georges one evening. This is the largest brasserie in Lyon with an art deco interior and serving hearty Lyonnaise food. We had a fabulous three-course meal here, although be aware that you’ll be tackling huge portions!
We also ate in the Rue Merciere. This picturesque street has a generous range of restaurants lining it. This includes Le Bistro de Lyon on a corner and with a lovely grand interior.
There are plenty of places to eat in the old town, and a range of eateries in Croix-Rousse area along the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse and Place Bertone.
2 days in Lyon: Food tours
If you’re a foodie and really want to learn about the cuisine in this area, you could alternatively book a food tour for your 2 days in Lyon.
This four hour food tour of Vieux Lyon includes 17 tastings.
And the “Lyon Secret Food Tour” includes tasting local pastry and cheese, slugging local wine and trying a “secret” dish to be revealed during your tour!
Other ideas for weekends away
I hope you enjoy your 2 days in Lyon, a beautiful city with so much to see and do.
If you enjoy short European breaks, you might be interested in other recent posts I have published, some of which are also in France:
Pin it!
One Comment
Comments are closed.