Lyon 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical Lyon

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty French breakfast at Café des Federations, located in the Presqu’île district.
    • Visit the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Basilique Saint-Jean, both showcasing beautiful Baroque architecture.
    • Walk through the vibrant Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food market for a taste of local produce. Don’t miss the famous Lyonnaise sausage!

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Fourvière Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Roman Theater.
    • For lunch, try out Bouchon Le Nord for a traditional Lyonnais bouchon experience.

  • Evening:

    • Stroll along the Rhône River and enjoy the sunset.
    • Dine at Bristoquet, another classic bouchon offering delicious dishes.

Day 2: Discovering Vieux Lyon and Modern Lyon

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Vieux Lyon (Old Town) and discover its beautiful Renaissance architecture, including the Place des Terreaux and Saint-Jean du Rhône Church.
    • Step inside the Traboules – secret passageways that crisscross Vieux Lyon.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to Confluence district, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Visit the Musée des Confluences for an interactive exploration of history and culture.
    • Grab lunch at Le Comptoir du Silk, located in the heart of the Confluence district.

  • Evening:

    • Visit the modern Odéon and Bellecour squares, and enjoy a drink at Le 7ème Sens with stunning views of the city.
    • Dine at Pierre-Marie, one of the best restaurants in town.

Day 3: Art, Nature and Shopping

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, home to an impressive collection of artworks from various periods.
    • Head to the Parc de la Tête d’Or for a leisurely walk, boat ride, or visit the zoo.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the trendy Croix Rousse district, known for its silk weaving history and hipster vibe. Don’t forget to visit the Institut Lumière, birthplace of cinema!
    • Grab lunch at Le Verger des Fétis, a cozy bistro in Croix Rousse.

  • Evening:

    • Spend your last evening shopping for souvenirs along the Rue de la République and the surrounding streets.
    • Have dinner at Le Nord Pinot, a modern bouchon offering creative Lyonnaise cuisine.

Accommodation:

Transportation:

  • The best way to explore Lyon is by using its efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metros. A day pass costs €5.30.

Tips:

  • Lyon’s famous “bouchons” can get busy, so it’s best to make reservations in advance.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous dishes like Quenelles de brochet (fish dumplings), Salad Lyonnaise, and Coq au Vin.
  • Enjoy your trip to beautiful Lyon!