Lyon-5-day-itinerary

Lyon 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

  • Morning: Start your day at the famous Place des Terreaux, a historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings. Visit the Lyon City Hall and the nearby Saint-Bonaventure Church.
  • Lunch: Head to Café des Négres, a charming café with a unique atmosphere. Try their croque-monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) or a salad from their menu.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, exploring the medieval district’s many hidden gems. Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière perched on top of a hill overlooking the city.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Le Garet, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

Accommodation: Consider staying in Vieux Lyon or nearby districts to be within walking distance to many attractions. Some recommended hotels include:

  • Hotel des Célestins (4-star)
  • Hotel du Dauphiné (3-star)

Day 2: Discover Modern Lyon

  • Morning: Start your day at the Confluence district, a modern area where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Visit the Musée des Confluences, a museum featuring exhibits on science, history, and the natural world.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Le Jardin des Célestins, a charming park with food stalls and restaurants serving everything from sandwiches to salads.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), which features an impressive collection of art from around the world.

Tips:

  • Don’t forget to purchase a Lyon City Card for free entry to many attractions and public transportation.
  • Try some traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, such as salade lyonnaise or quenelles.

Day 3: Visit Roman Ruins and Markets

  • Morning: Start your day at the Théâtre Romain de Fourvière, a well-preserved Roman theater with stunning views of the city.
  • Lunch: Head to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a famous market featuring regional specialties. Try their quenelles (boiled dumplings) or other local delicacies.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a beautiful basilica perched on top of a hill overlooking the city.

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation to get around Lyon, including buses and trams. Consider purchasing a Lyon City Card for free entry to many attractions and unlimited public transportation.
  • Rent a bike or take a guided tour to explore the city’s many hidden gems.

Day 4: Explore Monts d’Or

  • Morning: Start your day at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), which features an impressive collection of art from around the world.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at La Rotonde, a charming restaurant serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.

Things to Know:

  • Lyon is known for its gastronomy and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
  • Don’t miss the famous Fête des Lumières (Light Festival), which takes place every December in the city’s streets and buildings.

Day 5: Visit Parc de la Tête d’Or

  • Morning: Start your day at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), which features an impressive collection of art from around the world.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at La Rotonde, a charming restaurant serving traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.

Tips:

  • Don’t forget to purchase a Lyon City Card for free entry to many attractions and public transportation.
  • Try some traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, such as salade lyonnaise or quenelles.