Lyon City Guide

Lyon's soul resides in the narrow, cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon and the soaring heights of Fourvière Hill. Wander through the medieval and Renaissance quarters to discover hidden traboules—secret passageways that wind through historic courtyards. A funicular ride to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière offers not just spiritual grandeur but also a panoramic view of the city’s red-tiled roofs and the distant Alps.

The heart of the city beats on the Presqu'île, the narrow strip of land between the Rhône and Saône rivers. Here, the grand Place des Terreaux and the Palais de la Bourse reflect Lyon's historical wealth. As the gastronomic capital of France, no visit is complete without a meal in a traditional bouchon, where hearty Lyonnaise cuisine is served in a convivial atmosphere. For a breath of fresh air, the vast Parc de la Tête d'Or provides a lakeside retreat complete with a botanical garden and a free zoo.

Escape the main tourist circuits and find serenity at ‡le Barbe, a tranquil island on the Sa“ne featuring medieval ruins and lush greenery. For a taste of the city's local vibe, visit Les Halles de la Martiniˆre, a community-focused food hall located in a beautiful art deco building that prioritizes organic and sustainable producers. Finally, explore the Cour des Voraces in the Croix-Rousse district; this monumental six-story staircase is an architectural marvel of the silk-weaving era that offers a profound connection to Lyon's industrial history without the crowds of Vieux Lyon.

Lyon boasts a world-class public transportation system known as TCL, which includes four metro lines, an extensive tram network, and over 100 bus routes. A single journey ticket costs approximately €2.00 and allows for transfers within one hour. For those who prefer two wheels, the Velo'v bike-sharing program offers stations every few hundred meters, making it easy to cycle along the scenic riverbanks. Walking is also highly recommended, particularly when exploring the narrow traboules of Vieux Lyon or the vibrant Presqu'île district.

The most efficient way to travel from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to the city center is the Rhônexpress tram-train, which arrives at Gare Part-Dieu in 30 minutes for roughly €16.30. Taxis and Uber are also widely available; a ride from the airport to the city center generally costs between €55 and €75. Within the city, a short Uber or taxi ride, such as from the Part-Dieu station to Place Bellecour, typically averages between €12 and €20.

For a quintessential Lyonnais experience, use the historic funiculars—locally known as "ficelles"—to ascend Fourvière Hill. These are included in the standard TCL ticket price and offer a breathtaking view of the city without the strenuous climb. Whether using the sleek trams or wandering the historic streets on foot, navigating Lyon is both intuitive and highly accessible for every traveler.

Lyon offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to every budget. For those seeking luxury, the Carré d’Or in the Presqu'île district is the destination of choice. Centered around Rue Édouard Herriot, this area hosts prestigious fashion houses and high-end boutiques. Meanwhile, the pedestrianized Rue de la République provides a vibrant mix of popular international brands and historic department stores, making it perfect for a classic high-street spree.

Bargain hunters and mall enthusiasts should head to Westfield La Part-Dieu, one of Europe’s largest urban shopping centers, located conveniently by the main train station. For a more authentic and bohemian experience, explore the slopes of the Croix-Rousse district. Here, you will find independent designer workshops and vintage shops tucked away in historic buildings, reflecting the city's rich heritage as a silk-weaving capital.

No shopping trip to Lyon is complete without indulging in its world-famous culinary exports. Visit the legendary Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse to pick up gourmet souvenirs like saucisson de Lyon or the iconic pralines roses. If you are looking for textiles, seek out genuine Lyonnaise silk scarves, a craft perfected here since the Renaissance and still sold in specialized boutiques across the city center.

In the culinary capital of Lyon, tipping is appreciated but rarely expected, as a 15% service charge is legally included in every restaurant bill. For a casual meal or a coffee at a traditional bouchon, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving one or two euros is a kind gesture of gratitude for attentive service. In more formal dining establishments, a tip of 5% to 10% is considered generous if the experience was exceptional.

For other services like taxi rides or hotel assistance, small gratuities are standard; rounding up the fare or offering a couple of euros per bag is perfectly appropriate. All transactions are handled in Euros (€), which currently trades at approximately 1 EUR to 1.10 USD. This modest approach to tipping allows you to focus on the city's rich flavors without the pressure of complex calculations.

The ideal time to explore Lyon is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for strolling through the historic traboules or enjoying a meal at an outdoor cafe. You will find more manageable crowd levels and better value for accommodations compared to the peak summer months of July and August, when the city can become humid and many local boutiques close for the traditional holiday season.

For those seeking a unique cultural spectacle, early December is unforgettable thanks to the Fête des Lumières. While this period sees the highest prices and densest crowds, the spectacular light installations across the city are a peerless highlight. If budget is the primary concern, the quieter winter months of January and February offer the lowest rates and a cozy, intimate atmosphere in the city’s legendary bouchons, though the weather remains crisp and often overcast.