Lyon in 5 days

France's gastronomic capital: Renaissance alleyways, Michelin stars, and the best food market in Europe. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $80 to $140 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Vieux Lyon, The Renaissance old town: cobbled lanes, traboules, and the highest concentration of bouchons.

Morning: Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. The city's legendary indoor food market: cheeses, wines, and stalls for a standing lunch.

Afternoon: Explore Vieux Lyon, The Renaissance old town: cobbled lanes, traboules, and the highest concentration of bouchons.

Evening: Bouchon dinner. A traditional Lyonnais bistro: quenelles, andouillette, and cervelle de canut.

Eat: Quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) in Nantua sauce

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Presqu'île, The peninsula between the rivers: Bellecour, the opera, and the best shopping streets.

Morning: Traboules of Vieux Lyon. Secret Renaissance passageways between courtyards, some open to the public with a map.

Afternoon: Explore Presqu'île, The peninsula between the rivers: Bellecour, the opera, and the best shopping streets.

Evening: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The hilltop basilica with panoramic views over the city's red roofs and both rivers.

Eat: Salade lyonnaise with lardons and a poached egg

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Croix-Rousse, The old silk-weavers' hill: village atmosphere, great views, and a buzzing local scene.

Morning: The Roman theatres on Fourvière, still used for the summer Nuits de Fourvière festival.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Croix-Rousse, The old silk-weavers' hill: village atmosphere, great views, and a buzzing local scene.

Evening: A morning coffee and croissant at a local boulangerie on the slopes of Croix-Rousse.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Cervelle de canut (herbed fromage blanc)

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Confluence, The modern district at the river meeting point: architecture, museums, and waterfront dining.

Morning: The Mur des Canuts, a giant trompe-l'oeil silk-weavers' mural in Croix-Rousse.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Confluence, The modern district at the river meeting point: architecture, museums, and waterfront dining.

Evening: A wine tasting in a cave à vin tucked under a traboule in Vieux Lyon.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: A praline tart from a local pâtisserie

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Fourvière, The hill above the old town: the basilica, Roman theatres, and the best sunset panorama.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Fourvière, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Fourvière, The hill above the old town: the basilica, Roman theatres, and the best sunset panorama.

Evening: Dinner at Quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) in Nantua sauce, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Fourvière.

Eat: Quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) in Nantua sauce

Hidden gems

The Roman theatres on Fourvière, still used for the summer Nuits de Fourvière festival.
A morning coffee and croissant at a local boulangerie on the slopes of Croix-Rousse.
The Mur des Canuts, a giant trompe-l'oeil silk-weavers' mural in Croix-Rousse.
A wine tasting in a cave à vin tucked under a traboule in Vieux Lyon.

Getting around

Lyon's centre is walkable and the Vieux Lyon-Fourvière funicular is part of the public transport network. The metro, trams, and buses are clean and efficient; a day pass covers everything including the funicular. Vélo'v bike share is great for riverside rides. Taxis and Uber are affordable for late nights.

Safety

Lyon is very safe, including for solo travellers at night in the old town and Presqu'île. Standard precautions: watch belongings in crowded markets and on public transport. The Croix-Rousse hill is steep; wear comfortable shoes. Summer heat can be intense in July and August.

Lyon in 3 days | Lyon in 7 days | Full Lyon guide