The Many Faces of Lyon: From Old Town to Street Art

Lyon, France is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, known for its charming blend of historic and modern fountains, brightly colored buildings, trendy restaurants, and a riverfront perfect for memorable strolls. Its old town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your trip to Lyon: what to see and visit.

Must-see sights in Lyon: What to visit

Lyon, the lively city in southern France, will surprise you with its diverse attractions, from the story of its silk industry to stunning Renaissance palaces and evocative traboules, as well as its renowned cuisine. If you’re short on time, follow this quick itinerary.

Exploring Lyon is a delight thanks to the beauty the city offers. Here are the main points of interest in Lyon.

1 Vieux Lyon Old Town

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, features one of Europe’s largest Renaissance old quarters and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also the heart of Lyon’s nightlife.

2 La Croix–Rousse

La Croix–Rousse is a district famous for its silk-weaving heritage. It’s a distinctive area with a lively open-air food market near the Lyon river.

3 Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour belongs on every “Lyon highlights” list. It’s one of Europe’s largest squares and forms the true center of Lyon.

4 Hôtel de Ville

Hôtel de Ville, Lyon’s city hall, is an impressive building worth admiring.

5 Saint Jean Cathedral

The Saint Jean Cathedral features gothic-romanesque architecture and is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Be sure to include it in your “Lyon must-see” list.

Lyon’s tourism scene is lively, in part thanks to its many city museums which suit every taste.

6 Lyon Museums

• Musée des Beaux-Arts: fine arts museum;
• Centre for Resistance and Deportation: history museum;
• Lumière Museum: cinema history museum;
• Gadagne Museum: museum of Lyon’s history;
• Musée des Tissus: textile museum;
• Contemporary Art Museum.

The people of Lyon, or Lyonnais, are welcoming and happy to assist visitors with tips on what to see and do in the city.

7 Lyon: A Short Itinerary

Start with a minibus tour to discover Lyon’s origins and its monuments, following a well-planned route from Fourvière to Place Bellecour via Croix-Rousse. The tour lasts a little over an hour and provides a fascinating historical overview. Lyon is also an artistic hotspot, with a variety of exhibitions, festivals, concerts, and retrospectives for all tastes.

8 Lyon’s Festival of Lights

Each December, the elegant city of Lyon comes alive during the traditional Festival of Lights. Over four nights, emerging and internationally acclaimed artists illuminate the city’s landmarks, parks, and the Rhône riverfront with dazzling installations. Visiting Lyon during the festival is a multisensory experience, sure to delight the eyes, ears, and heart—an unmissable highlight of any trip to Lyon. The festival, held around the Immaculate Conception holiday, is deeply important to locals and creates an explosion of lights and colors. Highly recommended.

9 Lyon and Street Art

Street Art began in the US during the 1960s and has since evolved through countless styles: from graffiti and tags to large-scale murals. Once dismissed as mere scribbles, street art has transformed cities with vibrant bursts of color. The ambiguity around street art—long seen as vandalism or protest—has faded, allowing the powerful messages of artists like Erase & Arsek, Jace, Ant Pandakroo, Monsta, Nelio, Nikodem and others to gain recognition in major museums and galleries. In Lyon, it underscores the deep connection between artist and city.

Quick info: Getting to Lyon, what to eat and local tips

10 How to Get to Lyon

Once you land at Lyon Airport Saint-Exupéry, about 25 km from the city center, the quickest way in is by the frequent train shuttles, or via bus or taxi. The train is your fastest and most convenient option.

If you plan to visit another city after Lyon, we recommend two easy trips:

• Lyon – Turin: just 300 km apart, with direct train connections;
• Lyon – Paris: around 450 km, but high-speed trains get you there in under 2 hours.

11 Getting Around in Lyon

The subway is the most practical way to get around Lyon, but don’t underestimate walking—the riverside paths invite you to discover the French city’s true charm on foot.

12 What to Eat in Lyon

Lyon is famed for its gastronomy, so you’ll find plenty of great places to eat. Try as many local specialties as you can, including: Salade Lyonnaise (poached egg salad with onions and chicken liver), Rosette de Lyon (local cured sausage), and Tablier de sapeur (breaded beef tripe). To end your trip on a high note, visit a traditional bouchon for an authentic Lyonnaise meal paired with a glass of Beaujolais.

13 Where to Stay in Lyon

For your hotel in Lyon, we recommend choosing the old town. That way, you can soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere to the fullest.