Perfect One Day in Lyon: Top Picks & Hidden Gems

Planning a day trip to Lyon?  You’ll need to be efficient to see the city’s highlights if you have only one day in Lyon.

But never fear!  I’ve visited Lyon multiple times and will be spending several weeks there this spring and fall. 

So, I’ve got all the information you need to make the most of your day.

I’ve designed this Lyon one day itinerary so that you can see as many top sights as possible – from the Notre Dame Basilica to Lyon’s fabulous murals — without wasting time (or energy) backtracking.

Bring along your comfy walking shoes, as the best way to explore this beautiful city is on foot.

Ready?  Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

Disclaimer:  This page may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links (at no additional cost to you).

15 Best Things to See in Lyon in One Day

1. Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour is one of the most impressive squares in Lyon and is the best place to start your 1 day Lyon itinerary.

In addition to admiring this immense pedestrian square and the statue of Louis XIV astride a horse, this is where you’ll find the Lyon Tourism Office.

Pop in here to grab a city map (it’s also where you can book city tours).  If you are planning to take a tour, enjoy a river cruise, or visit a few museums, I recommend buying a Lyon City Card. 

That will save you some money during your time in Lyon, as it includes free admission to over 20 museums as well as city tours. 

Plus, it includes the use of Lyon’s public transportation, including the funicular. (Want more info? Read my full review of the Lyon City Card here.)

Save time and money and buy your Lyon City Card today! 

2. Marché Saint Antoine

I love visiting local markets when I’m in Europe.  Every city has at least one market with fresh produce and regional products.

While Les Halles de Lyon gourmet market gets a lot of press (and is certainly worth a visit), I’m a big fan of the Marché Saint Antoine.

This farmers market sits on the banks of the Saône and is the largest outdoor food market in Lyon. 

I walked through the Saint Antoine market every day on my last trip to Lyon, as it was only a couple of blocks from my hotel.  And I plan to do a lot of my produce shopping here during my upcoming 2-week trip to Lyon!

The produce here is amazing, and you’ll also find fresh flowers and local cheeses.  One day they even had a stall with a rotisserie, and the aromas of roasting chicken made my mouth water.

Come early for the best selection of products, as the market closes around 1 PM.  (It’s also closed on Mondays)

3. Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Next, cross the Saône and visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture.

The plaza in front of the cathedral (and its fountain) is a popular meeting spot for tours. For the best picture of the cathedral, go all the way to the far end of Place Saint-Jean. 

You’ll be dazzled by the cathedral’s soaring architecture and gorgeous stained-glass windows.

Don’t miss the 14th-century astronomical clock – it’s an engineering marvel.  You’ll have to head deep into the cathedral to find it (it’s on the left side).

Also located in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral is a treasury, but most people miss it.  It’s near the front entrance, on the right-hand side. Take a quick look at some of the precious religious items and tapestries.

4. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Next, we’re going to head up Fourvière Hill, known as ‘the hill that prays’. 

You can certainly climb it, but I recommend taking the funicular up to save time and energy.  (And then you can head downhill on foot.)

The funicular station is located very close to the Saint-Jean Cathedral, with one route taking you to the basilica and the other taking you close to the Roman Theater (more on that later).

When you exit the funicular station, you pop out right in front of the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.  This beautiful France landmark is quite impressive, and it’s a must-see even if you only have a day in Lyon.

Step inside to admire the intricate mosaics and stained-glass windows. The gilded mosaics are truly breathtaking.  I took a guided rooftop tour of the basilica on my last trip, and the guide said that there were 8000 shades of color in the mosaic!

(At least, that’s what I think she said, as the tour was completely in French. My French is good enough to order a meal or buy train tickets, but not exactly full fluency.)

Since the basilica is perched atop Fourvière Hill, that means the views from the basilica’s terraces are phenomenal! This is definitely one of the best things to do in Lyon.

From here, you can look down upon Vieux Lyon and see the Saint-Jean Cathedral.  The Saône and Rhône rivers, Presqu’île, and the metropolis of Lyon stretch out to the horizon.

This is the perfect place to take some fabulous photos of Lyon.  I’ve even seen people sit on the wall at the edge of the terrace, but I’m way too afraid of heights to do that!

5. Gallo-Roman Theater

A short walk from the basilica leads you to Lyon’s most well-preserved Roman ruins, the ancient Gallo-Roman Theater and Odeon.

(I’m always amazed at how many Roman structures have survived 2,000 years!) 

Built around 15 BC, this theater is among the oldest in France and could hold 10,000 people. And, it’s still used today for performances and festivals. 

When I was in Lyon last May, they were gearing up for Les Nuits de Fourvière.  Fourvière Nights is one of Lyon’s biggest festivals, with music, dance, and other performances – held in this ancient theater!

It’s also a popular place for locals to sit and have lunch.  You get great Lyon views from the theater’s hillside seats!

Make the most of your day and see Lyon like a local with this customized private tour!

6. Lugdunum Museum

If you’re really into Roman history, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Lugdunum Museum. 

It’s located right next to the Gallo-Roman theater and is dedicated to the history of Romans in Lyon (or Lugdunum, as the Romans called it).

The museum is filled with artifacts such as mosaics and features a wide array of interactive displays.  (It’s very kid-friendly and is a popular field trip location for Lyon schoolchildren.)

The museum’s layout is rather interesting.  You enter at the top, and the floors descend in a spiral pattern.  Windows look out on the adjacent Roman theater, and at the end of your visit, you exit out near the base of the theater.

(Open daily except Mondays.)

7. Wander Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Lyon and one of the city’s most historic districts.  The historic site of Lyon is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If I only had time to visit one area in Lyon, I would choose Vieux Lyon.

You could easily spend an entire day wandering through the traboules, visiting unique museums, and enjoying delicious Lyonnais dishes from the many cafés and restaurants in Old Lyon.

Give yourself plenty of time to stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the incredible Renaissance architecture.  (And if you’re traveling with that special someone, walking hand-in-hand through Vieux Lyon is one of the most romantic things to do in Lyon!

Old Town Lyon is divided into three areas, Saint Paul, Saint Jean, and Saint Georges, each offering its own unique ambiance and gorgeous architecture.

Keep your camera ready for the picturesque facades and colorful courtyards.  The buildings in shades of red, ocher, and yellow are gorgeous!

8. Eat at a Traditional Bouchon

By now, you’ve probably worked up a hunger and are ready for lunch!  Since you’re already in Vieux Lyon, take a break from exploring and enjoy a delicious meal.

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of Lyon’s favorite dishes during your stay. 

There are many fantastic restaurants in Vieux Lyon to tempt your taste buds! Whether you choose a hearty meal at a bouchon or fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’re sure to have a memorable meal!

(My style is pretty casual, so I always choose a bouchon.  If you’re on a day trip to Lyon, this may be the best option for you as well.  If you have your heart set on a Michelin experience, make a reservation in advance.)

A “bouchon” is a type of restaurant found in Lyon that serves local specialties in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

They typically serve hearty fare, washed down with a regional wine.  You’ll see ‘pot Lyonnais’ – a specific glass bottle containing 46cl of wine — in bouchons across the city.

One of my favorite Lyonnais dishes is the Quenelle de Brochet (pike dumpling) with Nantua sauce.  The creamy seafood-flavored sauce is the best part!

And to satisfy your sweet tooth, the tarte aux pralines is one of the most popular Lyonnais desserts (and one of the prettiest). Made with Lyon’s pralines roses, the topping is deep red in color and studded with caramelized almonds.  Yum!

9. Take a Food Tour

Want to give your taste buds a treat?  Skip lunch and take a food tour in Lyon instead! 

You’ll visit a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants and meet local artisans who are passionate about their culinary craft.  Sample a wide range of sweet and savory dishes (and maybe some local wines).

From the bold flavors of Saucisson de Lyon (cured sausage) to sweet treats like the coussin de Lyon and the praline rose, a food tour is sure to satisfy. 

Take this top walking food tour in Vieux Lyon, allowing you to combine gastronomy with sightseeing in this historic area.

You can also choose a wine and cheese tour or a private tour of Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, Lyon’s gourmet food market. (Yes, it’s named after renowned local chef Paul Bocuse.)

No matter which food tour you choose, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!

Book this Vieux Lyon walking food tour today — your taste buds will thank you for it!

10. Explore the Traboules

Navigate the traboules, secret passageways peculiar to Lyon that date back hundreds of years.

These covered walkways were used by silk manufacturers to avoid bad weather, and were also used by the French resistance during WWII.  They connect Lyon’s cobbled streets and can lead you to hidden courtyards – some are quite beautiful!

The majority of Lyon’s traboules are located in the Saint Jean quarter of Vieux Lyon, although there are some in other parts of the city.

There are over 40 traboules that are accessible to the public.  They’re marked with signs, so keep your eyes peeled.   One of the most famous traboules is La Longue Traboule (the longest traboule).

You can also join a guided tour and learn about their history (one tour is offered for free with the Lyon City Card). I love taking advantage of free activities, don’t you?

See all the most famous secret passageways on this Lyon traboules tour!

11. Cinema and Miniatures Museum

If you love visiting museums when you travel, there are plenty of great museums in Lyon to choose from. 

I’m including some of my favorite museums in this post, but depending on your interests you can choose whether you want to pop into a museum or just spend the day strolling around Lyon.  It’s your vacation, after all!

My favorite museum in Vieux Lyon is a fun one – the Cinema and Miniatures Museum.  You’ll probably pass by it when you’re looking for traboules.

This museum is a quirky blend of two different museums.  Several floors cover the cinema portion – think special effects and props from blockbuster movies from Alien to Pirates of the Caribbean.

The top floor is the miniatures museum, containing over 100 miniature models ranging from grocery stores to restaurants.  They’re amazingly detailed and realistic.

(Open Daily.)

12. Saône River Cruise

Next, we’ll cross the Saône River again and head back to do some more sightseeing in the Presqu’île.  The Presqu’île is the area between the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and translates to ‘almost island’.

Fancy resting your feet a bit?  Book this Lyon river cruise to see the city sights from a different vantage point.  Plus, you’ll learn some interesting bits of history and some fun facts about Lyon as you glide along the river.

The river cruises depart from the Quai des Célestins.  If you cross the river on the Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice, you’ll end up right at the ticket booth.

If you have the Lyon City Card, you can take a sightseeing cruise for free!  They have three different sightseeing cruise itineraries to choose from, each lasting about an hour. 

My favorite is the one that travels up the Saône before it heads to the Confluence – that way you get to see more of Vieux Lyon during your cruise, as well as the more modern Confluence area.

Book your sightseeing river cruise of Lyon today! It’s a great way to see the city!

13. Place des Terreaux

There is so much to see in the Place des Terreaux, and I prefer it over Place Bellecour.  (Maybe that’s because Place Bellecour has had construction underway during each of my visits – not very picturesque..)

The bustling Place des Terreaux is a must-visit, even if you have just 24 hours in Lyon.

I love the Bartholdi Fountain, created by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.  He’s most famous for the Statue of Liberty.

There are loads of restaurants lining the western and northern sides of the square.  They’re the perfect location if you want to have a coffee and do some people-watching.

The spectacular Hôtel de Ville de Lyon (Lyon’s City Hall) sits at the square’s eastern edge.  And completing the square to the south is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, Lyon’s stunning fine arts museum.

14. Lyon Fine Arts Museum

If you love classical art, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.  This wonderful fine arts museum is housed in a former Benedictine convent. 

I loved the classical statuary, and the collection also includes some amazing Impressionist pieces.  Lyon’s Fine Arts Museum has an extensive collection of medals and coins.

One of Lyon’s hidden gems is the museum’s courtyard.  This space was previously the abbey’s cloister and is now a quiet garden space dotted with statues.   The garden space is open to the public and is free to visit. 

So even if you don’t feel like going through the entire museum, you should pop into the garden for a zen moment in the middle of your busy day of Lyon sightseeing!

(Closed Tuesdays.)

Read more about the Musée des Beaux-Arts!

15. Trompe-l’oeil Murals

You can’t visit Lyon without seeing at least one of its magnificent trompe-l’oeil murals.  This translates to ‘fool the eye’, and you will certainly be looking twice at these incredible paintings.

Mural artists have taken blank walls throughout the city and turned them into colorful artistic masterpieces.

There are many frescoes scattered throughout Lyon, primarily in the Croix-Rousse region but some in the Presqu’île area.

Here are my top three Lyon murals, in order of proximity to the Place des Terreaux.  You can choose how much further you’d like to walk today to determine which one(s) to seek out!

–La bibliothèque de la cite (“The Library of the City”):  This mural is located along the banks of the Saône.  This fun mural looks like a library with stacks of books by well-known Lyon writers.  Depending on what route you took, you may have passed by it as you headed to the Place des Terreaux.  If not, it’s only a 4-minute walk.  (6 Rue de la Platière)

-Fresque des Lyonnais:  This fresco is one of Lyon’s most famous murals.  Two sides of a multi-story building are painted to look like windows and balconies peopled by 30 famous Lyon figures.  You’ll find everyone from chef Paul Bocuse to the Lumière brothers, to Antoine de St-Exupéry, aviator and author of The Little Prince (they even named the Lyon airport after him!).

The Fresque des Lyonnais is also located along the river’s banks, but about a 7-minute walk north from the Place des Terreaux (but worth it!)  (2 Rue de la Martinière)

–Le Mur des Canuts (“The Wall of the Silk Workers”):  This trompe-l’oeil mural is one of the largest in the world and is my personal favorite.  The 1200 m² mural is painted to look like it is part of the neighborhood and includes apartment buildings, a giant central staircase, people, and shops. 

Located in Lyon’s Croix-Rousse neighborhood, the Mur des Canuts is a 25-minute walk from the Place des Terreaux (so if you’ve run out of energy, you may want to save it for your next trip to Lyon).  (36 Bd des Canuts)

Map of One Day Lyon Itinerary

If you’re a visual person, here’s a map of the top Lyon attractions on this itinerary. You can see that most of them are located close to each other.

The only exception is the Mur des Canuts mural — it’s a bit further out, so it’s an option if you still have energy at the end of this tour!

Essential Tips for Visiting Lyon

Get the Lyon City Card: To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a Lyon City Card. This money-saving card gives you free access to various museums, guided tours, boat tours, and public transportation. It’s available for different durations, so choose one that fits your stay.

Pack Comfortably: Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll likely do a lot of walking on the cobbled streets. Pack appropriately for the weather; Lyon can be warm in summer and quite chilly in winter.

Visit the Tourism Office: Make your first stop at the tourism office in Place Bellecour. They offer maps, brochures, and personalized advice to help plan your day effectively.  (You can also pick up a Lyon City Card here.)

Dining: Lyon is known for its gastronomy. For a traditional experience, dine at a ‘bouchon,’ a type of restaurant that serves local Lyonnais cuisine. Or splurge on a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Transportation: Utilize the comprehensive public transport network — it’s an efficient way to get around the city. If you prefer, bike-sharing services are a great alternative to explore Lyon.

Language: While most locals speak English, it’s always a good idea to know a few French phrases.  Plus, people will be much friendlier if you start your conversation with ‘Bonjour!’

Getting to Lyon: Visiting Lyon is popular as a day trip from beautiful Paris. The best way to get to Lyon from Paris is by taking the train. Be sure to pick the high-speed train (TGV), not the slower regional train.

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Final Thoughts

Certainly, you can see a lot of the city’s top attractions into just a day in Lyon. But I’ll bet that you’ll want to come back to see more of what this fabulous city has to offer!

That’s what happened to me, after all! I loved my short visits so much that I’ve got several weeks in Lyon planned for this year!

Need more inspiration for your day in Lyon? Check out these posts to learn about Lyon’s top museums and the best food tours in Lyon. And, find out how to save money with the Lyon City Card.

Bon voyage!

• Best Things to Do in Lyon, France
• 7 Best Lyon Food Tours: A Food-Lover’s Delight!
• Is Lyon Worth Visiting? France’s Underrated Gem
• 21 Most Romantic Things to Do in Lyon for Couples
• Le Mur des Canuts: You’ll Love this Fabulous Lyon Mural
• 15 Amazing Lyon Museums You’ll Want to Visit

Planning a day trip to Lyon France? Save this Lyon one day itinerary so you can fit in as many of Lyon’s top attractions as you possibly can!

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