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Things to do in Lyon

12 places · 14 h 10 min of sightseeing · 3 days

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, Lyon

How many days do you need in Lyon?

12 places add up to 14 h 10 min of pure sightseeing. At 6 hours a day, not counting walking and meals, that's 3 days.

The best-known places in order, as long as they fit into 6 hours of sightseeing a day. Sightseeing only, without walking and meals — build the day-by-day plan with opening hours and the route in a RouteMarket notebook.

1 day — 6 h

2 days — 11 h 25 min

3 days — 14 h 10 min

Top sights

Ordered by how well known each place is. Data: OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia.

  1. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon — 3 h visit. It presents rich art collections from antiquity to the present, including numismatics, unlike the Musée d'Art Contemporain. Hours: Wed,Thu,Sat–Mon 10:00–18:00 · Fri 10:30–18:00.
  2. Saint Jean Cathedral — 45 min visit. It stands out with its astronomical clock and a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles, which cannot be found in Église Saint-Nizier. Hours: Mon–Thu 08:15–19:45 · Fri 08:15–20:45 · Sat 08:15–19:00 · Sun 08:00–19:00.
  3. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière — 1 h visit. From its terraces, a panorama extends to the Alps, and the interior dazzles with unique mosaics and gilding, which nearby ruins do not offer. Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–20:00 · Sun 07:00–21:00.
  4. Place Gérard Collomb — 45 min visit. It offers an intimate green space for relaxation and walks, unlike the monumental Parc de la Tête d'Or or the historic Temple de Cybèle.
  5. Place Bellecour — 30 min visit. It is one of the largest squares in Europe, serving as the central point of Lyon and a meeting place, unlike smaller squares.
  6. Parc de la Tête d'Or — 3 h visit. The extensive grounds house gardens, a zoo, a lake, and rose gardens, making it a much larger green oasis than a typical square. Hours: Apr 15–Oct 14 06:30–22:30 · Oct 15–Apr 14 06:30–20:30.
  7. Théâtre Gallo-Romain de Fourvière — 40 min visit. It offers the opportunity to sit on ancient stone steps of the auditorium with a view of the city, unlike urban squares.
  8. Tour métallique de Fourvière — 45 min visit. This metal tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, offers extensive views of Lyon, but unlike the Basilica, it is a viewpoint.
  9. Opéra de Lyon — 30 min visit. It features a modern glass roof set on a historic facade, offering opera and ballet, unlike the nearby theater.
  10. Place des Terreaux — 30 min visit. Surrounded by the city hall and the Museum of Fine Arts, it is famous for the Bartholdi fountain, which distinguishes it from other open squares.
  11. Lugdunum Musée et Théâtres Romains — 2 h visit. It combines a museum of Roman history with adjacent, perfectly preserved theaters, offering a comprehensive archaeological experience. Hours: Tue–Fri 11:00–18:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00.
  12. Église Saint-Nizier — 45 min visit. Before the entrance, intricately carved portals invite you into the Gothic interior, unlike the simple facades of some basilicas.
  13. Odéon — 45 min visit. Its ancient stones, touched by the setting sun, combine history with the city panorama, offering a unique spectacle.
  14. Jardin Botanique — 1 h 30 min visit. It is part of Parc de la Tête d'Or, offering diverse collections of plants from around the world, making it a place for flora enthusiasts. Hours: Oct–Mar 09:00–17:00 · Apr–Sep 09:00–18:00.
  15. Musée d'Art Contemporain — 1 h 30 min visit. It presents dynamic, often changing exhibitions of contemporary art, focusing on experimental forms, unlike the Museum of Fine Arts. Hours: Wed–Sun 11:00–18:00.
  16. Basilique Saint-Martin d'Ainay — 30 min visit. It is the only Romanesque basilica in Lyon, surrounded by a green courtyard, providing tranquility in the city center.
  17. Église Saint-Bruno-les-Chartreux — 45 min visit. It stands out with its Baroque architecture and impressive baldachin, offering a peaceful place for contemplating details.
  18. Musée des Confluences — 3 h visit. Futuristic architecture and interactive exhibitions on natural sciences and anthropology set it apart from traditional art or history museums. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:30–18:30.
  19. Saint George's Church — 45 min visit. Unlike the more monumental Cathedral, the interior is enveloped in peaceful silence, and soft, rainbow light streams through the stained-glass windows, painting colorful streaks.
  20. Musées Gadagne — 1 h 30 min visit. Housed in a Renaissance residence, it combines the history of Lyon with puppet art, which you won't find in the Printing Museum. Hours: Wed–Sun 10:30–18:30.
  21. Basilique Saint-Bonaventure — 25 min visit. It offers direct contact with Lyon's religiosity, without the need for a long walk to the historic district.
  22. Église Saint-Irénée — 45 min visit. It is one of the oldest churches in Lyon, with preserved remains of crypts and early Christian architectural elements.
  23. Institut Lumière — 1 h 30 min visit. Housed in the former family home of the Lumière brothers, it is dedicated to the beginnings of cinematography, unlike art or craft museums. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:30.
  24. Théâtre des Célestins — 15 min visit. As one of the oldest theaters in France, its interior combines velvet seats and golden decorations with history.

Where to eat

What to see in Lyon in one day?

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, Saint Jean Cathedral, Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Place Gérard Collomb, Place Bellecour.

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