Lyon 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Lyon

  • Morning:

    1. Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Hotel Cour des Loges or Hôtel du Vieux-Lyon) in the Vieux-Lyon district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    2. Breakfast at Café des Fédérations, known for its traditional Lyonnais cuisine.
    3. Start your day with a visit to Fourvière Hill, accessible by funicular or tram (T4). Enjoy the panoramic view of Lyon from the Basilica of Fourvière.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Descend Fourvière and explore the Gallo-Roman Museum to learn about the history of the region.
    2. Walk along Rue du Boeuf, a charming pedestrian street lined with boutiques and eateries.
    3. Visit the Croix-Rousse district, known as the ‘Silk Capital’, and explore its traboules (hidden passageways).
    4. Lunch at Le Café des Filles de la Croix, a historic café in the heart of Croix-Rousse.

  • Evening:

    1. Take a stroll along the Presqu’île, Lyon’s central peninsula, and admire its baroque architecture.
    2. Visit the Palais de la Bourse (Stock Exchange) and the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
    3. Dinner at Brasserie Georges, one of the oldest bistros in Lyon, known for its bouchons (traditional Lyonnais cuisine).

Day 2: Discovering Modern Lyon

  • Morning:

    1. Breakfast at Paul Bocuse’s L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, if you prefer a more upscale dining experience (reservation required). Alternatively, grab a croissant at a local bakery.
    2. Head to Confluence district, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Explore the modern architecture, including the Musée des Confluences and the Odyssée Aquarium.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Take a boat tour on the Saône River to see Lyon from a different perspective (boat tours depart from Quai Charles de Gaulle).
    2. Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s largest park, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon picnic.
    3. Dinner at Le Comptoir du Coin, located in the vibrant Brotteaux district, offering a variety of dishes inspired by world cuisines.

Things to Know:

  1. Public transportation in Lyon is operated by TCL (Transports en Commun de Lyon). A Mobilis ticket allows unlimited travel on all trams, buses, and metro lines for 1 hour, 24 hours, or 5 days.
  2. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but it’s always helpful to learn a few French phrases.
  3. Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, so be sure to try some traditional dishes like Quenelles, Sausages de Lyon, and Coq au Vin.
  4. Always validate your ticket when entering public transport vehicles, as unvalidated tickets can result in fines.
  5. Enjoy your time in Lyon, take plenty of photos, and don’t forget to savor the local cuisine!