Travel guide · France
Lyon: what to see and when to go
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital, set where the Rhône meets the Saône, with a Renaissance old town, Roman ruins on the hill and traditional bouchons on every corner. It feels like a great city without the crowds of Paris, and every December the Festival of Lights fills it with colour.
What to see and do in Lyon
Vieux Lyon and the traboules
Renaissance streets and the covered passages that silk workers once used to cross between buildings.
Fourvière
The basilica on the hill, the Roman theatres and a sweeping view of the city and, on clear days, the Alps.
Les Halles Paul Bocuse
The covered food market: oysters, charcuterie, cheeses and pastries.
Croix-Rousse and the street murals
The old silk-weavers' hill, with painted façades and the Sunday market on the boulevard.
A bouchon lunch
Quenelles, sausages and the local pork dishes in a traditional Lyonnais restaurant.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 1 hr, 30 min | ≈ €100 · See flights |
| New York | 8 hr, 30 min | ≈ €490 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 12 hr, 45 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Dubai | 7 hr | ≈ €420 · See flights |
| Singapore | 14 hr, 15 min | ≈ €630 · See flights |
| Sydney | 22 hr, 15 min | ≈ €820 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- France
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- food · city · culture
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- The Presqu'île between the two rivers for convenience; Vieux Lyon for atmosphere; Croix-Rousse for a more local feel.Find a place to stay in Lyon
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Lyon, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €100 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Lyon (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Apr 2 – Sun, Apr 4, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Lyon and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Apr. Average highs range from 7° in January to 29° in August.
How many days do you need in Lyon?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Lyon cost?
Accommodation runs at around €100 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €380 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 1 hr, 30 min.
Where should you stay in Lyon?
The Presqu'île between the two rivers for convenience; Vieux Lyon for atmosphere; Croix-Rousse for a more local feel.
