Things to do in Lyon for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
This self-guided audio walking tour introduces Lyon through its grand squares, sacred landmarks, Roman remains, and hidden passageways. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a clear route and a vivid sense of the city’s layered history, from ancient Lugdunum to the elegant heart of modern Lyon. Your walk begins at Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest open pedestrian squares, where the wide paving, the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, and the view toward Fourvière set the scene. From there, the route climbs to the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, with its pale stone, four corner towers, and sweeping panorama over red roofs and rivers. You then continue to the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, where curved rows of Roman stone still trace the shape of public life nearly 2,000 years ago. The tour descends into Vieux Lyon for the Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the secret corridors of La Longue Traboule, and the cobbled streets of one of France’s largest Renaissance districts. It ends at Place des Terreaux and the Bartholdi Fountain, where bronze horses, splashing water, City Hall, and the grand façade of the Museum of Fine Arts create a dramatic finale. Along the way, the most memorable moments include standing above the city from Fourvière, stepping through hidden traboules, and watching Lyon’s past unfold in stone, stained glass, and water.
Located south of Lyon, the spectacular structure of the Musée des Confluences is not only the merging point of the Rhône and Saône, but also of art and science. Inside, you can immerse your curiosity in the mysteries of human culture and natural science, with exhibitions that encourage dialogue between the disciplines of palaeontology, mineralogy, zoology, ethnography, archaeology, and science and technology. Egyptian mummies, a 155 million year old dinosaur skeleton, fossils, and a replica of Sputnik 2 are just some of the wonders you can expect to see inside. While the interior holds an incredible collection, the building is also a feat of art unto itself. Designed by the firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, the Musée des Confluences’ architecture suggests a place of discovery, wonder, and knowledge sharing dedicated to all audiences. Visitors can wander through a unique museum that facilitates dialogue between scientific disciplines to provide a more complete view of the world.
Le Hameau Duboeuf is Europe's first wine park, boasting over 3,000 objects related to everyone's favorite fermented grape drink! Explore a spectacular collection spanning more than 2,000 years of winemaking history. Fly over the lush countryside of Beaujolais and the Mâconnais in the 4D cinema, get putting on the mini-golf course, play a game of giant chess, and put the kids on the little train in the garden, all while you indulge in some wine tastings. It's a di-_wine_ time for everyone!
The Aquarium of Lyon is home to tropical species, four kinds of sharks, and fish from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Keep an eye out for the colorful yellow-masked angelfish, the polka-dotted panther grouper, and prickly porcupinefish. The shark pit is the highlight of any visit. You'll have the chance to see Australian baby sharks along with several other shark species. Plus, all the usual aquarium suspects are there too like clownfish, seahorses, and jellyfish.
Unveil the magic of Old Lyon with this self-guided audio tour designed for explorers eager to uncover the mysterious allure of one of Europe's largest Renaissance neighborhoods. Designed for enthusiasts of history and architecture, this tour is a ticket to a vivid journey through time in the enchanting streets of Lyon's illustrious past. Beginning at the metro stop of Vieux Lyon, travelers will embark on a captivating route through an intricate maze of Renaissance architecture, stunning courtyards, and hidden passageways. The tour meanders through the heart of the old quarter, with a grand finale at the serene Church of Saint George by the Saône River. Landmarks such as Saint John's Cathedral with its breathtaking glass windows, and the Miniature and Cinema Museum housed in the Maison des Avocats, tell tales of the legacy and culture of this historic city. Memories are shaped by special moments, and this tour promises many: marveling at the Maison des Avocats' intricate facade, feeling the ambiance of ancient streets, and peeking into the secret traboules. Concluding by the tranquil waters near the Church of Saint George, travelers take with them a piece of Lyon's grandeur to cherish forever.
Set off on a solo adventure with this immersive self-guided audio tour designed for history aficionados and culture enthusiasts. The journey takes you on a fascinating exploration of Lyon's storied past and architectural grandeur. From the sweeping views at Brotteaux Bridge to the royal grandeur of the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV, this tour encapsulates the city's essence through its most iconic landmarks. The walking tour begins at the Brotteaux Bridge, a testament to Lyon's engineering prowess, and concludes amid the commanding presence of Louis XIV at Place Bellecour. As you navigate through the city, you will encounter imposing structures like the Cité Internationale Convention Center and the Historical Court of Justice, witness the artistic fluidity of the Charity Fountain, and marvel at the enigmatic design of the Contemporary Art Museum. Along Rue de la République, the Haussmann-style buildings transport one back to the era of 19th-century urban development. Lyon's mercantile and religious history comes to life at sites like the Temple du Change and the Loge du Change. This tour promises a captivating experience with enduring memories of Lyon's artistic legacy and cultural vitality. Embark on this auditory journey and let each location unveil its unique narrative, leaving you with a profound appreciation of Lyon's majestic cityscape.
Embark on a solo journey through Lyon, immersing yourself in a city shaped by history and tradition. This tour is designed for curious explorers eager to uncover the mysteries of Lyon's UNESCO districts, from hidden traboules to the commanding presence of Fourvière hill. The audio guide will lead you through time, offering insights and tales at every corner. Starting at the grand Lyon Cathedral, you'll be guided through the narrow, historic streets of Vieux Lyon. Along the way, the tales of ancient tradesmen and gladiators will come to life. Your path will take you past the architectural marvel Maison des Avocats and through the secret passageways of the Montée des Chazeaux traboule. The route concludes at the Palais de Justice Historique, where tales of law and order span centuries. Highlights of your expedition will include the chance to stand where Roman audiences once cheered in the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, and the serene Gardens of Saint-Jean, juxtaposing the city's bustling modernity with its storied past. Envision the historical journey of puppets at the Guignol Puppet Museum and the echoes of the past in the Gallic Roman Amphitheatre. With each step, the audio guide connects you deeper to Lyon's soul, creating a memorable and intimate encounter with the city's rich heritage.
Delve into the heart of Lyon with a Self-Guided Audio Tour crafted for curious explorers eager to navigate the maze-like Traboules and uncover the city's storied past. This immersive journey is ideal for history buffs and architectural enthusiasts keen to experience Lyon’s rich tapestry of culture and heritage at their own pace. Your starting point is the breathtaking Lyon Cathedral, and from there, the path winds through historic neighborhoods, revealing tales of the city from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. As this independent adventure progresses, you'll explore iconic locations including Maison des Avocats, Montée du Gourguillon, and the bustling Croix-Rousse district, celebrated as the cradle of the silk industry. The tour seamlessly threads from the Presqu'île at the heart of Lyon, through the terracotta rooftops of Vieux Lyon, culminating in the vibrant Croix-Rousse. Along the way, the Mur des Canuts and treasured landmarks like the Palais de Justice Historique and Maison Gadagne enhance the narrative of this historic city. The most memorable pieces of this journey are the Traboules themselves, secret passages where the whispers of past inhabitants linger, inviting you to trace their steps. Engaging the senses, the tour paints vivid images of bustling silk workers and the grandeur of Lyon's Renaissance, ensuring memories of this captivating stroll through time linger long after the last step is taken.
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About Lyon
The must-see attractions in Lyon for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Lyon with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Lyon for rainy days are:
Insider tips for visiting Lyon
Travel Communications is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Lyon on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Lyon.
When I’m in Lyon with my partner, I always recommend an evening wander through Vieux Lyon and up to Fourvière just before sunset. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Lyon because you get quiet cobbled lanes, hidden traboules, and then that wide view over Lyon as the city lights come on. Afterward, I like slipping back down to the Saône for a riverside drink around Saint-Paul, where locals linger later than visitors expect. If you’re comparing tours in Lyon or planning attractions in Lyon, this gives you a more intimate answer to what to see in Lyon than the usual rushed stops.
When I visit Lyon, I mostly use the TCL network; it’s the easiest way to move between Presqu’île, Vieux Lyon, and Croix-Rousse without wasting time. In any travel guide Lyon section, I always tell people to combine the metro with walking, because Lyon is compact and many of the best things to do in Lyon are tucked into streets cars can’t reach. The funicular from Vieux Lyon up to Fourvière saves your legs and gives a classic local touch. If you plan to visit Lyon for more than a day, I recommend a 24- or 48-hour pass and avoiding driving in central Lyon, where parking is a headache.
When I want a break from central Lyon, I head just beyond Lyon to the Monts d’Or for easy vineyard-and-village walks with views back over the city. For me, the best attractions in Lyon also include what’s nearby: Pérouges for medieval lanes in the early morning, or the northern Beaujolais villages where I can linger over a long lunch without the city pace. If you’re browsing tours in Lyon, I’d still suggest mixing in a half-day by train to Vienne for Roman ruins and a quieter Rhône riverside. It’s a more local answer to what to see in Lyon than staying only in Presqu’île.
When I visit Lyon for food, I usually split my time between Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the Presqu’île side streets around rue Mercière, and the slopes of Croix-Rousse. If you visit Lyon expecting only classic bouchons, Croix-Rousse is where I’d send you for more interesting small kitchens, natural wine bars, and a livelier local crowd after 8 pm. In any travel guide Lyon tip, I’d also add the Saint-Jean area early in the day, before it gets busy, for traditional specialties. For me, eating well is one of the essential things to do in Lyon, but the smartest move is to balance old-school Lyon with newer spots uphill.
On my first day in Lyon, I’d keep it simple: start in Vieux Lyon early, when the traboules and Renaissance courtyards still feel local, then take the funicular to Fourvière for the full city view. After that, I like crossing down into Presqu’île for lunch and ending in Croix-Rousse, where Lyon feels less polished and more lived-in. For first-timers, these are the core things to do in Lyon because they show the city’s layers in one day. If you’re weighing tours in Lyon or sorting out what to see in Lyon, focus on attractions in Lyon that connect by foot rather than trying to cover everything.
When I’m showing friends Lyon, I usually start with Vieux Lyon for its traboules and morning calm, then move to Presqu’île for cafés, passageways, and that classic Lyon rhythm between the Rhône and Saône. For me, the most rewarding attractions in Lyon are in Croix-Rousse, where silk-workers’ history, stairways, and small food spots make the neighborhood feel less staged. I also like Confluence at the end of the peninsula for a very different side of Lyon, especially around sunset by the water. If you’re sorting out tours in Lyon or deciding what to see in Lyon, these areas give you the clearest sense of the city’s contrasts.
If I could time a trip to Lyon around one event, I’d choose the Fête des Lumières in December, but I’d stay near central Lyon and walk early in the evening before the biggest crowds build. When I visit Lyon in May or June, I also love Nuits Sonores, which brings a more local, creative energy into unusual venues. In any travel guide Lyon advice, I mention the Biennale de la Danse or Biennale d’Art Contemporain too, because they show a different side of Lyon beyond food. If you visit Lyon during these festivals, they easily become some of the most memorable things to do in Lyon.