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Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Lyon may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
And in this Lyon blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Lyon.
An itinerary of 5 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Lyon. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here is a combined list of best tourist places in Lyon as well as some of the best things to do in Lyon.
1. Vieux Lyon
A beautiful old town, Vieux Lyon seems like a souvenir from the Lyon’s past.
The Old town of Lyon is a maze of medieval narrow alleyways with flowing stairways going up and down. You’ll be able to see medieval architecture, charming fountains, and little shops as you explore.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 30 ha, it was designated as World Heritage Site in 1998.
2. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Located in the heart of Lyon, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
This basilica dating back to 19th century has 4 octagonal towers and a museum of religious art. The church overlooks Lyon and is situated on a site which was once a Roman forum.
As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders. In the church grounds there is a cemetry as well.
Quick Facts:
- Done in Gothic Revival architecture style, it was Pierre Bossan, Louis Sainte-Marie-Perrin who designed it.
- Take the funicular up the hill while you can go down walking.
An incredible sight, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière scores high in the list of the best things to do in Lyon.
Address: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
3. Place Bellecour
Place Bellecour is the central square of the city of Lyon.
It is a part of the old town and a popular meeting point.
It is one of the largest square in whole of Europe and has a King Louis XIV statue at its center.
Address: Place, 69002 Lyon, France
4. Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Lyon.
It will not be wrong to say that Parc de la Tête d’Or is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
Spread over 117 hectares, this expansive park dates back to 19th-century. The park has a small zoo as well.
The Parc de la Tête d’Or is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure. Amble along on the crunchy gravel path and enjoy the foliage that spreads through the park.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 117 ha, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
Without a doubt this wonderful park is one amongst the top things to do in Lyon.
Address: 69006 Lyon, France
5. Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an old Cathedral located in the Lyon city.
This magnificient Roman Catholic church is located on Place Saint-Jean. Dedicated to the popular Saint John the Baptist, this cathedral is where t he Archbishop of Lyon is seated..
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. In the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste’s chapel you will find beautiful embellishments and exquisite stuccowork by some of the most renowned artists of the time.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Jacques de Beaujeu.
Address: Place Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France
6. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is a fine arts museum in Lyon focusing on the local art scene.
The musuem is housed in a building which used to be a 17th-century Benedictine convent..
The museum also houses collection by some of the genre’s well-known international artists.
Quick Facts:
- Don’t miss out on the lovely courtyard, a place of silence and reflection.
- With a great effort gone into it, it was 1801 when it was founded.
A natural crowd puller, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is right up there in the list of best things to do in Lyon.
Address: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
7. La Croix-Rousse
One of the oldest neighborhood in Lyon, La Croix-Rousse still retains its nostalgic charm.
Highlight includes Mur des Canuts mural depicting silk weavers..
8. Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon
Taking you on a trip to the roman times is the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon.
Interestingly, the museum is located on a Roman archeological site on Fourvière hill.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes mosaic floors.
- It is actually Bernard Zehrfuss who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The site goes with lyon city card, in case you have one.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
With so much to offer, no wonder Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon is one of the top things to do in Lyon.
Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France
9. Confluence Museum
Confluence Museum is an interesting museum focusing on anthropology.
Housed in building with a stunning modern architecture, Confluence Museum is located in the 2nd arrondissement.
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Quick Facts:
- Coop Himmelb(l)au is the architecture firm which looked after the construction.
Address: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
10. Place des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is a magnificent town square located in a popular district of Lyon.
It can be found at the base of La Croix-Rousse hill in the 1st arrondissement.
Worth admiring from up close is an elegant monument gracing the center of the square. You can relax in one of the various cafés located inside the porticoes of the buildings here.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes historic buildings such as city hall and museum of fine arts.
An incredible sight, Place des Terreaux scores high in the list of the best things to do in Lyon.
11. Hôtel de Ville
Overlooking the city of Lyon is the iconic Hôtel de Ville.
Located opposite the Opera Nouvel the town hall includes 2 courtyards.
From the top, the 360 degree bird view of the Lyon are simply wow. The tracks are well paved and quite comfortable for hiking.
Quick Facts:
- It is Simon Maupin who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
Address: 1 Place de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon, France
12. Fontaine Bartholdi
A historic fountain located in the city of Lyon.
The marble and limestone used in making this fountain makes it look even more classy. Rambling through the streets of Lyon, it is impossible to miss this.
Quick Facts:
- Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is the famed artist behind it.
- The historic fountain was created on September 1892.
A natural crowd puller, Fontaine Bartholdi is right up there in the list of best things to do in Lyon.
Address: Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
13. Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls are the Roman amphitheater ruins still look as good as they once did.
The facility, during its use, could seat up to thousands of spectators.
The amphitheater dates back to 19 AD and was declared as monument historique by the France in 1961.
Undoubtedly, the site throws some of the fascinating insights into the lives of people. Goes without saying, Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls makes for a picture-perfect backdrop for your holiday snaps.
Address: 69001 Lyon, France
14. Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- It is actually Renzo Piano who is credited with designing this whole place.
Add it to your Lyon trip if you have time.
Address: Cité Internationale, 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France
15. Institut Lumière
An interesting site, Institut Lumière assembles years of film making history in one small space.
Take a look at the archaic equipments, and learn about the old film making techniques.
Institut Lumière promotes the tradition of French film making and screens landmark films. The film museum honours the legendary filmmaker Auguste and Louis Lumière. Also, checkout the old film making equipments.
Address: Rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon, France
16. Lyon Botanical Garden
Lyon Botanical Garden is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Lyon.
The Lyon Botanical Garden is divided into several section, with each having its own importance.
Established in 1857 the park is spread over 8 hectares.
The arboretum is something to be seen, with thousands of species arranged scientifically. Including both indoor and outdoor displays there are thousand of species in this botanical garden.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Lyon trip.
Address: Parc de la Tête d’or, 69006 Lyon, France
17. Lyon Zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
A variety of large cats are present such as tiger, lion and leopard. A very well laid out map helps you easily see the animals that interests you the most.
Address: Parc de la Tête d’Or, Allée de l’Orangerie, 69006 Lyon, France
18. Musée Gadagne
Musée Gadagne with its wide variety of exhibits gives you a peek at the region’s history.
Check out Musée des marionnettes du monde which is housed in the same building. It is a museum showcasing a varied collection of puppets.
Add it to your Lyon trip if you have time.
Address: 1 Place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, France
19. Place des Jacobins
The Place des Jacobins is another wonderful open area in Lyon’s old town center.
Built in 1556, this small square looks particularly enchanting under the night lights.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes lovely fountain.
Address: 69002 Lyon, France
20. Musée de l’Imprimerie
Musée de l’Imprimerie is a museum with unique collection situated in Lyon.
Opened in in 1964 the museum details the history of graphic arts and printing books in Lyon. The museum is housed in a 15th-century building.
Add it to your Lyon trip if you have time.
Address: 13 Rue de la Poulaillerie, 69002 Lyon, France
22. Saint-Nizier Church
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Saint-Nizier Church, which is regarded to be one of Lyon’s most beautiful churches.
The name comes from Nicetius of Lyon, a bishop from the 6th century.
Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church. The adjoining cemetry has got quite a few famous people buried.
Quick Facts:
- Done in Gothic architecture style, it was Louis-Cécile Flacheron, Jean Vallet, Benoit-C-A who designed it.
Add it to your Lyon trip if you have time.
Address: 1 Rue Saint-Nizier, 69002 Lyon, France
23. Rue de la République
Rue de la République is a popular shopping street in the downtown area of Lyon.
And when you get tired, the cafés along the strip offer outside sitting as well as there are public benches.
24. Tour du Crédit Lyonnais
Tour du Crédit Lyonnais is a highrise building in Lyon with some of the best views.
Located in Part-Dieu district, this 165 meters tall building consists of 42 floors.
The soaring landmark of Tour du Crédit Lyonnais graces the city’s ever growing skyline. Get on the telescope to zoom in on city’s other structures, spot as many you can.
Quick Facts:
- This 165 m CTBUH tall structure was designed by Araldo Cossutta, Christian de Portzamparc.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Lyon trip.
25. Parc des Hauteurs
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 1,300m², it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
Address: Esplanade de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
26. Metallic tower of Fourvière
Standing tall in the city of Lyon, Metallic tower of Fourvière is modern structure.
Completed in 1894 it took three years of work to build it. Interestingly, this tall steel framework looks quite similiar to Eiffel tower..
Quick Facts:
- This 86 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Lyon trip.
Address: 8 Montée Nicolas de Lange, 69005 Lyon, France
27. Parc Sergent Blandan
A small but pretty park located in the neighborhoods of Lyon city.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 17 ha, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
Address: 37 Rue du Repos, 69007 Lyon, France
28. Aquarium of Lyon
Located in the central part of Lyon, Aquarium of Lyon makes for a good fun visit.
It is a Sizable museum with as many as 50 pools and more than 300 species.
The rescued sea turtles and the small sharks are one of the most interesting highlights. You will find the visit to Aquarium of Lyon as much as educational as it is fun.
Add it to your Lyon trip if you have time.
Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière, France
But beyond the famous attractions in Lyon, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Lyon travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Lyon but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Lyon can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Lyon, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.
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