Lyon, France - Travel Guide
By MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.
Updated: 2026-08-05
Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, blends rich history with a vibrant culinary culture. Visit to experience its ancient alleyways, impressive Roman sites, and famous food markets.
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Top things to do in Lyon
The must-see places in Lyon include Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Presqu'île, Parc de la Tête d'Or, Miniature and Cinema Museum and more. Here is the full list, with a short note on each:
- Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) · Vieux Lyon
A charming medieval and Renaissance district with narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and unique 'traboules'.
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière · Fourvière
A magnificent basilica offering stunning panoramic views of the city and impressive architecture.
- Presqu'île · Presqu'île
The vibrant peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers, with luxury shops, restaurants, and elegant squares.
- Parc de la Tête d'Or · 6th arrondissement
A huge urban park with a zoo, botanical garden, lake, and picnic areas - perfect for the whole family.
- Miniature and Cinema Museum · Vieux Lyon
A unique museum showcasing an amazing collection of detailed miniatures and props from Hollywood films.
- Musée Cinéma & Miniature
- Roman Theatres of Fourvière · Fourvière
Impressive archaeological remains of ancient Roman theater and odeon.
- Les Halles Paul Bocuse · Part-Dieu
A luxurious indoor food market offering local delicacies, cheeses, wines, and boutique restaurants.
- Place Bellecour · Presqu'île
One of the largest and most central squares in Europe, a popular meeting point with a statue of Louis XIV.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon · Presqu'île
One of the largest art museums in France, with rich collections from antiquity to the present day.
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste · Vieux Lyon
An impressive Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and an ancient astronomical clock.
- Musée des Confluences · La Confluence
A modern museum of anthropology, natural sciences, and societies, with futuristic architecture.
- Place des Terreaux · Presqu'île
A historic square featuring the famous Bartholdi Fountain and the magnificent City Hall.
- Traboules of Croix-Rousse · La Croix-Rousse
Secret passages and covered alleyways characteristic of the historic silk weavers' district.
- Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière · Fourvière
A fascinating museum showcasing Roman artifacts, located next to the ancient theaters.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see places in Lyon?
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Presqu'île, Parc de la Tête d'Or, Miniature and Cinema Museum, Musée Cinéma & Miniature
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
Any season works - MupDay plans around opening hours and the weather, and rebuilds your days as you add or remove places.
How do I plan an itinerary for Lyon?
Pick places in MupDay and it auto-builds a day-by-day route with no zig-zag, weather-aware.
