Things to do in Lyon

Lyon · 604m from downtown

236 reviews

Vieux Lyon is located in the city center of Lyon, France, situated on the west bank of the Saône River and at the foot of Fourvière. It is one of the best-preserved Renaissance historical districts in Europe and an important cultural heritage area of Lyon. It retains a large number of medieval and Renaissance buildings, and the street layout, building facades, and historical alleyways together showcase the city's long history of development. The streets within the district are mostly narrow and winding, lined with soft-colored stone buildings, arches, traditional shops, and small squares. Many buildings feature exquisite windows, inner courtyards, and decorative facades, and some interiors still retain distinctive spiral staircases and corridors.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Lyon

Fourvière

5.5

Lyon · 1.3 km from downtown

149 reviews

Fourvière is located on the west side of downtown Lyon, France, near the Saône River, and is an important area for Lyon's history, culture, and urban landscape. With its high elevation, it offers a bird's-eye view of Vieux Lyon, the Saône River, the Rhône River, and the city's dense building clusters, making it an important place to learn about the history of Lyon. It has been closely linked to the development of Lyon since ancient times. During the Roman period, this area was an important site for the city of Lugdunum, and it still retains ancient Roman ruins today. The hilltop features multiple viewing spots, and in clear weather, the view is expansive, making it especially suitable for enjoying a panoramic view of Lyon.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Lyon

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

5.3

Lyon · 386m from downtown

74 reviews

The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is located in the heart of Lyon, France, serving as a cultural treasure trove that gathers a rich collection of artworks and enjoys the reputation of being a "Little Louvre." As an art attraction, it not only displays diverse artworks from ancient to modern times but also offers visitors an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art. The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon boasts a rich and diverse collection spanning various fields including paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts, and decorative arts. The museum houses masterpieces from ancient Egypt and Greece to the Renaissance period, as well as modern artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can admire classic works by masters such as Delacroix, Monet, and Picasso, each piece reflecting the artist's unique perspective and creative passion. Beyond exhibitions, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, inviting visitors to explore diverse themes and art movements, sparking new artistic inspiration. The museum's architecture itself is a work of art, blending classical and modern styles that captivate all who visit. The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is not just a paradise for art lovers, but also a place that sparks creativity and thought. Whether you're a visitor interested in art history or someone seeking visual enjoyment, it offers rich experiences and profound inspiration, making it a must-visit destination for exploring the art world.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Lyon

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

5.2

Lyon · 1 km from downtown

122 reviews

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière is one of the iconic religious buildings and city landmarks in Lyon. It was built in the late 19th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is situated overlooking the city of Lyon and, together with the surrounding ancient Roman ruins, forms an important historical and cultural landscape on Fourvière. The building's exterior is magnificent, blending Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, featuring four soaring towers, exquisitely decorated stone facades, and a solemn yet striking overall silhouette. Inside, you can see rich mosaic decorations, stained glass windows, sculptures, and exquisite religious art details, with gold and vibrant colors creating a lavish and solemn atmosphere. Its interior decoration features the Virgin Mary as a key theme, showcasing a profound Catholic cultural tradition.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Lyon

Place Bellecour

5.1

4.4/5

134 reviews

Place Bellecour in the center of Lyon, once known as Place Royale. Unlike the general central square, its ground is entirely paved with laterite, which does not make it very beautiful, but it leaves a deep impression. The red tone of the square is very harmonious with the red roofs of the old Lyon buildings. Interestingly, the square was also an important stage for the Lyon textile workers' riots in the mid-19th century. There is a tall equestrian statue of Louis XIV on the square, which is the work of Lumont, a sculptor born in Lyon. The square is surrounded by buildings built in the early 19th century, as well as flower shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a very good place for citizens to rest.

Lyon · 751m from downtown

No. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in France

Parc de la Tête d'Or

4.8

Lyon · 1.7 km from downtown

104 reviews

The Golden Head Park covers an area of 262 acres. It is the largest green space in Lyon and the largest and most beautiful urban park in France. The park features a large botanical garden, a greenhouse with exotic plants, a small zoo, and a stunning rose garden. The park has a total of seven entrances, of which the most impressive one is the entrance called "Enfants du Rhone" (Enfants du Rhone), the gate is very specially designed and is open on the lake. There are many recreational facilities in the park, including boating, mini-courts, open-top car parks and small train tours. If you don't want to play, it's also nice to take a leisurely stroll or rest on the lawn.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Lyon

Museum des Confluences

4.7

Lyon · 3.7 km from downtown

21 reviews

Lyon is a very new and large museum, which took 7 years to build and opened on December 20, 2014. The building is modern and designed by Blue Sky Group. Architecture does not define itself as an exclusive sanctuary for middle-class intellectuals, but as a public space that provides access to the knowledge of our time. It mainly exhibits collections related to nature, history, culture and anthropology, combining the local characteristics of Lyon and also including the world heritage. Its exhibition contains four themes, the origin of human beings, human society, taxidermy, and the rummy.

Lyon · 571m from downtown

Musée de l'illusion LYON

4.3

5.0/5

1 reviews

The Museum of Illusions, established in 2021, showcases over 70 areas, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of their own perceptions and cognitive processes.

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Lyon

Place des Terreaux

4.3

Lyon · 417m from downtown

117 reviews

Place des Terreaux is a square in the center of Lyon, France, on the peninsula between the Rhone and Saône rivers. The entire area where this square is located is listed as a World Heritage Site. There is the famous Butler Fountain (LaFontaineBartholdi) on the square. The fountain is named after its designer, the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. His more famous work is the Statue of Liberty. . This fountain depicts the scene of Persephone returning to the world after Hades in a chariot drawn by four horses, which symbolize the four major rivers of France: the Seine, the Royal, the Rhone and the Garonne. River. Persephone is the goddess of abundance, and when she returns to the world, she also heralds the arrival of spring.

Saint-Priest · 9.1 km from Lyon

iFLY Lyon

4.2

iFLY Lyon is an indoor skydiving center in France, located near Lyon-Bron Airport with convenient transportation. It offers a unique simulated skydiving experience suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether you're trying it for the first time or you're an experienced flyer, you can enjoy the thrill of flying here. The center features a modern flight chamber equipped with advanced wind tunnel technology to simulate a real free-fall environment. Under the guidance of professional instructors, visitors can put on flight gear and experience the sensation of flying. It's ideal not only for individual experiences but also for group events. Whether it's a family outing, a get-together with friends, or a corporate team-building event, everyone can enjoy flying here. Here, visitors can fulfill their flying dreams and create unforgettable memories.

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Free things to do in Lyon

Vieux Lyon

5.8

Lyon · 604m from downtown

236 reviews

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5.5

Lyon · 1.3 km from downtown

149 reviews

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

5.2

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4.3

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