We recently shared a list of things to do in Lyon in 24 hours and 48 hours flat. Good things come in threes, so here’s your to-do list if you ’re spending three days in the capital of Gaul. Even with an extra day, the itinerary remains intense, but luckily Lyon is full of places to recharge your batteries. Once again, these ideas aren’t listed in any particular order or timeline—they’re just here to give you a feel for a city that beats to the rhythm of a lion’s heart!
Head to Place Bellecour
It’s as obvious as the nose on your face. And that’s normal, because it’s the largest pedestrian square in Europe. So even if you’re not going to spend the whole day there, a quick photo next to the central statue of Louis XIV (without stirrups) will make for a great Lyon souvenir.
Get lost in Old Lyon
Let’s enter the lion’s den via the Bonaparte Bridge from Place Bellecour. Here, the very soul of the city bursts forth, allowing you to fully experience Lyon’s charm and authenticity. This neighborhood is a veritable open-air museum. Listen closely to hear the bells of Saint-Jean Cathedral, breathe in the aromas from the many restaurants, and admire this exceptional architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site…In short, you already have plenty to fill your morning (or afternoon) as it should be!
Lyon is the birthplace of cinema and, as such, is home to the most important museum in the field. In a magnificent Renaissance building listed by UNESCO, no less than 2,000 m² of museum space await you, featuring 1,000 absolutely remarkable exhibits. Costumes, props, and other gadgets from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Narnia, Indiana Jones, Alien, Terminator 2, and more. The latest addition? The legendary Batmobile, in the flesh, from Tim Burton’s 1989 film.
Dine at a Lyon bouchon
Here’s the main course of our itinerary. Eating well in Lyon is a privilege many envy, and as the capital of gastronomy, there’s plenty to make your mouth water. And if you’ve never done so, step inside a typical Lyonnais bouchon that smells like our grandmothers’ cooking. Some spots are must-visits ( we’ll leave that tough choice up to you). Let’s get this out of the way right now: your stomachs won’t have a moment to rest. In Lyon, the visit is also—and above all—about the food.
Head up to Fourvière
If you’re in good shape and the pike quenelle wasn’t too heavy for lunch, you can try hiking up from Old Lyon or taking the funicular (super cool!).The basilica is a major landmark of Lyon’s heritage: whether you’re into old stones or not, go take a look inside—it’s truly sublime. And from up there, the view of Lyon is breathtaking. From the Jardin des Curiosités, you’ll enjoy a view of the slopes of Croix-Rousse, the Presqu’île, the Rhône, and the Saône—with the peaks of the Alps as a bonus if the weather permits! Don’t miss the Gallo-Roman theater either; it’s free to visit and well worth a look.
Go catch a good movie at the theater (and pay 30% less for your ticket)
We’ll admit it: you can go see a movie at the cinema anywhere in the world. But catching a show in the city where cinema was born—and , on top of that, paying 30% less for your ticket—isn’t half bad! So, if you’re feeling a bit sluggish one afternoon or the weather turns gloomy, head to the movies!
Enjoy a mâchon
If you’re staying in Lyon for three days, you simply must try the famous mâchon! This centuries-old tradition lets you sit down to eat at the crack of dawn. As they say, in the city’s bouchons, stomachs never rest!
Head to Croix-Rousse
Here, too, we’re diving into the heart of Lyon. Weaving through the colorful alleyways of Croix-Rousse is like getting a stamp in your passport: a must. Here, just like in Vieux-Lyon, simply strolling around is already a win. We recommend stopping by the Cour des Voraces, one of the most famous traboules, admiring the huge fresco of the silk workers, or visiting the Rosa Mir Garden.
Head to Île Barbe
Another stop on your tour of Lyon’s grand dukes. And speaking of monarchs and princesses, here’s a must-see spot in Lyon’s history. Easily accessible if you’re passing through Croix-Rousse, the tiny Île Barbe alone encapsulates the origins of Lyon—the remnants of a fascinating history that brings together figures like Charlemagne, Francis I, and Catherine de’ Medici…in short, the cream of the crop!
Visit the Shell Staircase in Old Lyon
No, it’s not just a staircase. You’re about to stand before a 16th-century masterpiece. This magnificent structure, known as the “shell staircase,” defies the laws of physics: it stands without a central core and is therefore built according to engineering principles that are still considered daring today. You really have to see it to believe it!
End your day with a concert at a magical venue in Lyon
What better way to end a busy day in Lyon than with a concert like no other? Candlelight refers to those famous candlelit concerts held in absolutely exceptional venues. In Lyon, the Chapelle de la Trinité, the Basilica of Fourvière, and the Basilica of Saint-Bonaventure await you for tributes to the biggest stars of pop, classical, rock, and even rap… in short, there’s something for everyone!
Admire the city’s murals
We all know Lyon, the thousand-year-old city and capital of gastronomy, but fewer people realize that its downtown is full of iconic murals, including the Mur des Canuts (the largest mural in Europe) and the legendary Fresque des Lyonnais, featuring the city’s most famous figures. In short, don’t forget to look up a bit as you stroll through the city—you’re in for more surprises than you might expect!
Take a stroll through Tête d’Or Park
Make sure to schedule a stop in one of France’s most beautiful parks. The Tête d’Or Park, the green lung of the capital of Gaul and the pride of all Lyonnais, needs no introduction. Spanning over 100 hectares ( twice the size of Riverie, the region’s smallest town), the park lets you enjoy breathtaking natural beauty. There are no fewer than seven entrances, but if you have to choose, go through the Porte des Enfants du Rhône and don’t forget to check out France’s tallest greenhouses in the botanical garden.
And what to do if it rains in Lyon?
If the sky falls on your head, don’t panic! As the capital of Gaul, there’s plenty to soothe the fears of Asterix and Obelix by keeping busy indoors. The city boasts an incredible cultural offering, and whether you’re into traditional museums or immersive experiences, there’s everything you need. If there were only two places to visit right now, they would be the Monet exhibition at Studio 24 to rediscover the work of the genius of Impressionism, and the Musée des Confluences for its ever-impressive, rich permanent collection and its temporary exhibitions for the whole family.
