The people of Lyon are fortunate to live in a city full of possibilities and activities. Sometimes too much, in fact, and it’s hard to know where to turn. One thing’s for sure, nothing makes us want to get out of bed and put on our shoes like the word: free! For those on a budget, here’s our ultimate list of Lyon’s best free activities! Don’t thank us, just go and have fun!
The amphitheatre of the Opéra de Lyon
Every lunchtime, the Amphi de l’Opéra national de Lyon offers free concerts. Located beneath the Opéra, opposite the town hall and not far from the Place des Terreaux, the diverse program invites you to discover music from all over the world. Each season has its own events, so find out more and choose your favorite lunch break.
📍 1 Place de la Comédie, Lyon 1
Lugdunum Museum and Roman theaters
Back when Lyon was still called Lugdunum, the foundation stone for the magnificent amphitheatre was laid not far from Fourvière. Here we are 2042 years later, and it’s still well worth a visit. Right next door, the Musée Lugdunum is a real gem, and opens its doors free of charge on the 1st Sunday of every month to take you back into our city’s past. One of Lyon’s best free activities!
📍 17 Rue Cleberg, Lyon 5
Fourvière Basilica
The Basilique de Fourvière is the city’s most important religious monument, standing proudly on the heights of Lyon, protecting the city for decades. It’s free to visit, and believe me, the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. You can take advantage of being at the top of the city to admire the panoramic view, and it’s a great opportunity to hop aboard the funicular!
📍 8 Place de Fourvière, Lyon 5
Painted walls
One of the distinctive features of our city, and one that contributes to its richness, are its murals. There are dozens of them on the walls of buildings, the best known being the Mur des Lyonnais, a fresco of Lyon’s celebrities, and the Fresque des Canuts, Europe’s largest painted wall. So take to the streets in search of these treasures. We recommend that you finish your walk at Croix-Rousse, where you’ll find many works of street art along the slopes!
The Montluc Memorial
This place isn’t the most fun activity on this list, but it’s still very interesting. During the Second World War, it was used by the Lyon Gestapo as a prison to hold Jews and other prisoners before they were transported to concentration camps. Since 2010, the building has been open to the public as a place of national remembrance. The memorial is free to visit, and takes us back to this dark part of French history.
The Memorial National de la prison de Montluc is engaged in a vast project of restoration and rehabilitation of part of its buildings from 2022 to 2025 (more info here).
📍 4 Rue Jeanne Hachette, Lyon 3
Hiking around Lyon
If you’re a sporty type who loves nature, then these hiking trails are for you. Each loop introduces you to a new landscape, between lakes and mountains, and there are circuits to suit all levels. If you want to escape the city for a day, now’s your chance! Choose your favorite route and strap on your hiking boots! It’s hard to beat the region for free outdoor activities…
Rosa Mir Garden
This enchanting garden is the work of Jules Senis Mir, a Spanish mason. He came to France to escape Franco’s regime and settled in Lyon. Stricken with cancer, he vowed to create the garden if he recovered. Once he had recovered, he began a long process of construction, stone by stone, shell by shell, to create this little bubble of paradise, classified as a historic monument. Today, it’s one of Lyon’s most beautiful gardens!
📍 87 Grand Rue de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon 4
Les Traboules
Normally, we don’t tell you anything about the Traboules in Lyon. But let’s take a look at where the term comes from: Traboules, from the Latin trans ambulare (to pass through), refer to passages that link 2 streets by passing through buildings. But what you may not know is that if there’s no exit, it’s called a Miraboule! Isn’t that nice? Finding them, both traboules and miraboules, couldn’t be easier. Just look for the signs above the gates to Croix-Rousse and Vieux-Lyon, and all you have to do is push the door! And if you don’t feel like looking, we’ve got a map you can use.
📍 Croix-Rousse Lyon 1 and Lyon 4, Vieux-Lyon Lyon 5
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Even if we’re not telling you anything and it’s a well-known site, it’s always good to remember how lucky the people of Lyon are to be able to stroll around the sumptuous Parc de la Tête d’Or free of charge. Take the opportunity to stroll through the park and fill up on greenery, away from the city. Unquestionably one of Lyon’s best free activities in any season!
📍 Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon 6
Museums on the first Sunday of the month
Did you know? In addition to Lugdunum, many of Lyon’s museums are completely free to all on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a great opportunity to get your fill of culture without spending a penny!
Les Boites à lire
If you like to read, if you’re curious, we’ve got a treasure hunt for you. Sort through your bookshelf and take some of the books you’d like to give away with you. Now set off on an adventure, and rummage through the reading boxes in search of a book you might like. Don’t forget to leave some behind, so as not to break the loop! Not only will you have the opportunity to wander around the city, but you just might stumble across a nugget!