Planning a trip to Lyon, France? This 5-day Lyon itinerary covers everything you need to know for the perfect city break, including the best things to do in Lyon, where to eat, where to stay, unique experiences, and some of the city’s hidden gems that many visitors miss.

This post was written after a press trip with Visit Lyon; however, of course, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, then I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support, as this is how I keep my content free <3

I’ve visited France countless times over the years; it was our family holiday destination of choice growing up, and since then I’ve continued discovering more of what makes this country so special, from its mountains and lakes to its charming villages and beautiful cities.

After seeing Lyon appear more and more on Instagram, I couldn’t stop thinking about visiting. And let me say, it completely exceeded my expectations. Lyon is one of those cities that somehow feels both exciting and relaxed at the same time. It’s packed with incredible architecture, world-class food, fascinating history, and beautiful neighbourhoods, yet it never feels overwhelming.

I spent 5 days exploring Lyon, and even then, I only managed to scratch the surface. From wandering through the colourful streets of Vieux Lyon, discovering the city’s silk-making heritage in Croix-Rousse, enjoying incredible vegetarian food, exploring hidden viewpoints, and trying some truly unique experiences, there is so much to discover here.

So, I’m sharing my exact 5-day Lyon itinerary, including where I stayed, my favourite restaurants, the best areas to visit, and all the experiences I’d recommend adding to your own Lyon travel itinerary.

In a hurry? Here is our quick guide to visiting Lyon, France

How to get here: From England, either take the Eurostar and then train onwards to Lyon or fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry.
What language is spoken? French (although English is widely spoken)
What currency is used? The Euro
Where to stay: Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent
When to visit: Really, anytime! But it’s best explored in the spring before the summer heat
The eSIM I use: SimLocal, use code MEMORIES to save 5% (cheapest rates & they use the top carriers in every country so that you’ll always get the fastest data)
The best travel insurance for Digital Nomads: SafetyWing!

Is Lyon worth visiting?

If you’re wondering whether Lyon is worth visiting, the answer is absolutely yes. While many people head straight to Paris, Lyon offers a completely different side of France, with a more relaxed atmosphere, incredible food (it is the French culinary capital after all!), beautiful architecture, and neighbourhoods that are perfect for meandering through.

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is the perfect destination for food lovers, but there’s so much more to discover beyond its restaurants. The city is home to a UNESCO-listed old town, hidden Renaissance passageways, panoramic viewpoints, colourful neighbourhoods, and a fascinating silk-making history that shaped the city.

It’s also the perfect size for a European city break. You can spend your mornings exploring historic streets, your afternoons discovering local cafés and viewpoints, and your evenings enjoying some of the best food France has to offer, all without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds of larger cities.

How to Spend 5 Perfect Days in Lyon: The Ultimate Lyon, France Travel Guide

Before we dive into the full itinerary, here’s a quick overview of exactly how I spent 5 days in Lyon.

This Lyon travel guide includes a mix of the city’s famous landmarks, local neighbourhoods, unique experiences, incredible food spots, and a few hidden gems that I think are well worth adding to your trip.

Day 1:
– Arrive in Lyon via Eurostar and check in to Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent
– Explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere on your first evening
– Enjoy dinner at Le Grand Réfectoire in the historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu

Day 2:
– Discover Lyon’s highlights on a guided e-bike tour
– Enjoy a vegan lunch at Zeitgeist Café
– Explore Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill with a local guide
– Take part in a mixology workshop at the award-winning Le Dôme Bar
– Finish the day with dinner at Like An Elephant

Day 3:
– Start the day with a relaxing float therapy session at Graviti
– Enjoy a creative vegetarian lunch at Cueillette
– Paddle along the Saône River on a self-guided kayak adventure
– Experience Lyon’s food and culture scene at La Commune

Day 4:
– Learn the art of silk painting with Maison Brochier Soieries
– Enjoy a gourmet plant-based lunch at Trèfle
– Visit the rooftops of the iconic Basilica of Fourvière for panoramic city views
– Spend the evening dining at the Mediterranean-inspired La Grenade

Day 5:
– Explore the charming Croix-Rousse district, famous for its silk-weaving heritage
– Discover local viewpoints, markets and cultural landmarks
– Enjoy a final morning soaking up Lyon’s atmosphere
– Depart Lyon with unforgettable memories of the city’s food, culture and history

Here is a handy map to help you find each spot:

Before we dive into the itinerary, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a trip to this stunning French city, including how to get to Lyon, when to visit, and where to stay.

Lyon Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Where is Lyon?

Lyon is a city in east-central France, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It lies at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, about 470 kilometres southeast of Paris. As France’s third-largest city, Lyon is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and incredible food scene. Lyon is also a well-connected city, easily reached by road, rail, and air, making it an important gateway between northern and southern Europe.

How to get to Lyon

If you’re travelling from the UK, then you have a couple of options to reach Lyon. Either take the Eurostar (which is what I did) or fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). EasyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, and Jet2 offer direct flights from London with an average flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The Eurostar, on the other hand, offers a direct route into Lyon centre and is a far more eco-friendly option (not to mention relaxing). Another huge benefit of taking the Eurostar over flying is that you can bring up to two large suitcases, so you don’t have to worry about what you can and can’t pack.

To catch the Eurostar from London to Lyon, here is the route you’ll take:

London St Pancras International to Lille-Europe – 1 hour 20 minutes
Lille-Europe – Lyon Part-Dieu – 2 hours 58 minutes

London St Pancras International – Paris Gare de Lyon – 2 hours 16 minutes
Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu – 1 hour and 56 minutes

When is the best time to visit Lyon?

The best time to visit Lyon is during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). The weather is usually mild and pleasant, making it perfect for meandering around the city, exploring the old streets, and relaxing at outdoor cafés. Spring brings blooming flowers and longer days, while autumn offers beautiful colours and a lively atmosphere. Summer can be a great time to visit too, but it tends to be hotter and busier with tourists. I visited in July, and while it was hot, it was lovely to explore and spend my time outside (in between escaping inside for bursts of aircon!) December is also worth considering, as Lyon’s famous Festival of Lights fills the city with incredible light displays and celebrations. 

Where to stay in Lyon

Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay in Lyon, Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent – Handwritten Collection should be high on your list. Set within a beautifully restored 16th-century fort on the slopes of the historic Croix-Rousse district, this boutique hotel combines Lyon’s rich heritage with stylish modern comforts, creating one of the most memorable stays in the city.

The building’s history has been carefully preserved, with original stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and impressive high ceilings that blend perfectly with contemporary design and all the modern comforts you expect from a four-star hotel.

One of the things I loved most about Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent was its location. Situated in Croix-Rousse, one of Lyon’s most atmospheric and artistic neighbourhoods, the hotel offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions while providing a quieter retreat away from the busiest tourist areas. It also has a stunning sun terrace that offers some of the best views over the city. You can even enjoy your breakfast here (freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh pastries, and an awesome hot selection), looking out at the view in the sunshine.

How to travel around Lyon

You really don’t need a car to explore the city of Lyon; it’s best explored on foot and by using public transport. The public transport throughout the city was extremely easy to navigate and well connected. I recommend purchasing a Lyon City Card; with one, you’ll get free transport for the duration of your trip, plus free access to museums, attractions, guided tours, cruises, and more.

Perfect 5-Day Lyon itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

Day 1 in Lyon: 

Morning: Catch the Eurostar and regional trains from London to Lyon

I recommend catching an early train to Lille or Paris. My train was at 7 am, which meant that I arrived in France nice and early (despite losing an hour with the time difference).

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in either spend the afternoon in Paris (if you do, you can read my 3-day itinerary here) or Lille before catching the regional train to Lyon.

There’s so much to see in both Paris and Lille that you’ll be spoilt for choice! I opted for Lille as I’d never been before, and it didn’t disappoint. Just across the border from Belgium, this gorgeous northern French city is packed with charm, from its colourful Flemish-style architecture and cobbled streets to its lively cafés and boutiques. Spend your afternoon wandering around the beautiful Grand Place, explore the atmospheric Old Town (Vieux-Lille), and visit the impressive Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest fine art museums. The perfect city for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing and soaking up French culture before heading to Lyon.

If you have luggage with you, there’s a handy manned luggage storage located in Concourse 1, Rotterdam forecourt exit. I left my suitcase here for the afternoon, which cost me €7 for 5+ hours.

Evening: Indulge in dinner at Le Grand Réfectoire

By the time you arrive in Lyon, it will be time for a little exploration and dinner!

Lyon is the food capital of France, so there’s certainly not a shortage of incredible restaurants. In fact, Lyon is home to over 4000 restaurants! So, deciding which one to go to can be hard.

Dinner recommendation: I opted for Le Grand Réfectoire and would happily recommend it.

Set within the stunning Grand Hôtel-Dieu, this beautiful restaurant occupies what was once the nuns’ refectory, giving it a truly unique setting. The menu, created by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin, celebrates Lyon’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating flavours and influences from around the world. Expect colourful, generous dishes that feel both creative and comforting, all served in one of the city’s most impressive dining spaces.

I opted for the tomato and burrata to start and truffle risotto for my main (of course). Both were delicious!

Day 2 in Lyon:

Morning: Discover the highlights of Lyon on a guided e-bike tour

I’ve never done a guided bike tour around a city before, but it was SO much fun and such a great way to see lots of the city and really get a feel for the space and the different areas.

The bikes were e-bikes (so it was super easy), and Lyon is incredibly bike-friendly, with cycle lanes pretty much across the whole city. The guide was really friendly and knowledgeable, and made the tour super fun.

The e-bike tour lasts for two hours and takes you along the stunning rivers, through the parks and to the iconic squares. It was a really great introduction to Lyon.

You can book the e-bike tour that I did here.

Afternoon: Explore Vieux-Lyon and Fourvière Hill via a walking tour

A walking tour is my favorite way to start my trip in a new European city. You’ll get to learn about Lyon from a local while also familiarising yourself with the city’s layout!

Today is all about getting to know Lyon, its history, and understanding the various areas.

Lunch recommendation: Zeitgeist Café

Lyon is packed full of epic restaurants. But if you fancy heading to a gorgeous little vegan café that offers extremely tasty food, coffee, and cakes, then I couldn’t recommend Zeitgeist Café anymore (I had a 10/10 salad here and a coconut milk latte).

After lunch, meet up with your group and head off to explore Fourvière Basilica, the old Lyon, discover delicious bouchon restaurants, and uncover secret Renaissance passages (traboules).

The tour lasts for two hours and leaves from Place Bellecour or Place Saint-Jean.

If you don’t have time or want to skip the walking tour, no worries! Spend your first (proper) day in Lyon exploring these areas on your own.

You can book the guided walking tour that I did here.

Evening: Mixology Workshop at Le Dôme Bar

Did you know that Lyon is home to the Best Hotel Bar in the World? Seriously, it won an award for it back in 2021, and you can see why. Hidden inside the InterContinental is Le Dôme Bar, a stunning building that was once a nunnery. Either grab a pre-dinner drink here and relax, or take part in their Mixology Workshop to uncover the secrets of mixology under the expert guidance of their bartenders.

It was a really fun way to learn a bit more about the bar’s history and how to make one of their signature cocktails: Le Panthéon- a floral fusion that combines St-Germain liqueur, homemade Blanc de Blancs champagne syrup, vodka, and white tea – it was super delicious and refreshing!

Dinner recommendation: Like An Elephant

For a vibrant, innovative dinner, head back to Croix-Rousse, the area where your hotel is located, and walk to Like An Elephant. Here, you can enjoy a set menu packed full of vibrant colours, surprising textures, and delicate aromas. The food (especially the vegan cheese board) was delicious, and the whole meal felt like an event.

Of course, if you don’t fancy here, there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from. If you’re more of a meat eater, then opt for a traditional bouchon. A bouchon is a type of restaurant that serves traditional hearty Lyonnaise cuisine, such as sausages, coq-au-vin, “salade lyonnaise”, or duck pâté.

Day 3 in Lyon:

Morning: Unwind with a unique floating experience at Graviti

Now, this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of visiting Lyon, but it was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had.

I was a little sceptical at first, as I can get quite claustrophobic and I’m not a fan of getting water in my ears (who is?). But believe me when I say, I LOVED this. I felt so relaxed and, by the end, genuinely didn’t want it to be over.

A floating session involves letting yourself be effortlessly held by skin-temperature water filled with Epsom salt for one hour in a sensory-deprivation capsule.

You can either leave the capsule open or close it completely. I thought I’d want to keep it slightly open, but after about five minutes I felt comfortable enough to close it for the rest of the session.

Afternoon: Kayak along the Saône River

Lyon has two beautiful rivers running through it: the Rhône and the Saône. If you’re looking to explore Lyon from a totally different perspective, then you’re going to love kayaking through it!

Both rivers, and spots alongside them, are absolutely stunning. When I visited, it was also a beautiful, boiling day, so it was the perfect excuse to get out on the water and cool off a bit.

You can either opt for a guided tour or hire a kayak and go out by yourself; I opted for the two-hour option of the latter so I could explore at my own pace.

Pre-warning: kayaking by yourself is hard (or I’m just very unfit!). I went kayaking with Lyon Canoe, who have plenty of options!

If you don’t fancy kayaking, then you can also take a boat trip along the river. It’s also a gorgeous way to see the city. Here’s one I recommend: Lyon Discovery Cruise.

Lunch recommendation: Cueillette

Cueillette is exactly my type of place. I’m all about flavours that I’ve never tried before and creative vegetarian dishes, so this was perfect for me!

They offer a menu of the week, and when I visited, I opted for a cold Thai soup to start and a peach salad for my main. I don’t think I’ll ever stop dreaming about Thai soup.

Evening: Experience Lyon’s food and culture scene at La Commune

Dinner recommendation: La Commune

Tucked away in Lyon’s creative Gerland district, La Commune is far more than a food hall. Set inside a former workshop, it’s a place where local chefs, artists and curious travellers come together over good food, music and conversation. The atmosphere feels effortlessly communal, with long tables, shared plates and a constant buzz of creativity. I opted for a cold Malaysian noodle and chocolate mousse, which was *chef’s kiss*.

Day 4 in Lyon:

Morning: Get creative with a traditional silk-painting workshop

This was possibly my favourite activity in Lyon and a perfect way to start my fourth day.

Silk has been an important part of Lyon’s history for centuries. During the Renaissance, the city became one of Europe’s leading centres for silk production and trade, helping it grow into a wealthy and influential city. Skilled silk workers, known as canuts, created beautiful fabrics that were sought after by royalty and the fashion industry across Europe. Today, Lyon’s silk-making heritage can still be seen in the historic Croix-Rousse district, where many of the old workshops once operated.

I took part in the silk painting class at Maison Brochier Soierie, around a 10-minute walk from Hôtel Fort Saint Laurent. A session lasts for 2 hours and costs €160 / person. This includes a large sheet of silk to paint on, an introduction to the techniques, various paints, brushes, and tools, and your silk scarf, finished by professionals, posted to you around one month later. 

Afternoon: Visit Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière and the rooftops of Fourvière

The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is genuinely one of the most beautiful buildings that I’ve visited in France. Perched high above the city, it offers some of the best views in Lyon, making it a must-visit whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply finding a great viewpoint.

If you’re taking a tour of the rooftops of Fourvière, I highly recommend exploring the basilica itself first. You might get a brief introduction during your walking tour, but if you didn’t, then I highly recommend coming inside. From the intricate mosaics and stained-glass windows to the impressive architecture, there’s so much to take in.

Then comes the rooftop experience. If you love a viewpoint (who doesn’t?), this is easily one of the best in Lyon. Looking out across the city’s rooftops, rivers, and historic neighbourhoods is incredible, and on a clear day you can even spot the Alps in the distance. The rooftop tour also gives you a unique perspective on the basilica itself and a fascinating insight into its history and construction.

Lunch recommendation: Trèfle

If I could describe this meal in one word, it’s wow. A 4-course (that’s actually a 6-course with bread and homemade walnut butter, and sweet treats to end). The plates are entirely plant-based, with each evolving over the months, guided by the seasons. Trèfle offers an ever-changing set menu in 4 courses for lunch, and in 7 courses for dinner.

After lunch, I recommend spending some time exploring whichever areas you haven’t yet visited in Lyon. Here are my recommendations:

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

One of the most beautiful areas of Lyon and a must-visit during your trip. This UNESCO-listed neighbourhood is filled with colourful Renaissance buildings, charming cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and traditional traboules (secret passageways that were once used by silk workers). It’s the perfect place to wander without a plan and soak up the city’s history.

Presqu’île

Located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Presqu’île is the lively heart of Lyon. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most beautiful squares, including Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux, alongside elegant buildings, shopping streets, restaurants, and plenty of places to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.

Confluence

A more modern side of Lyon, Confluence is where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. This former industrial area has been completely transformed with striking contemporary architecture, riverside walks, and innovative museums. It’s a great contrast to Lyon’s historic neighbourhoods and a great place to explore if you want to see another side of the city.

Brotteaux

A stylish and slightly quieter neighbourhood, Brotteaux is known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, lively restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also home to the impressive Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of Lyon’s largest green spaces and the perfect place for a peaceful escape from the city streets.

Guillotière

One of Lyon’s most multicultural neighbourhoods, Guillotière is full of energy, diversity, and incredible food. From international restaurants and lively bars to street art and local markets, it’s a great area to explore if you want to experience a more authentic, everyday side of Lyon.

Evening: Enjoy a final dinner

Dinner recommendation: La Grenade

This restaurant isn’t a vegetarian one, but it still strongly deserves a spot on this list. For just €39, they offer a 3-course dinner, which I think is an absolute bargain. The menu changes regularly, and while they only offer 3 options for the main course (one being vegetarian), the quality made it worthwhile. I strongly recommend the Gazpacho; it was delicious!

Day 5 in Lyon: 

Morning: Wander through the charming Croix-Rousse district

Stunning views over the city, the Rhône and the Saône, a local market selling colourful fresh fruit and vegetables, boutique shops and French Cafes. The Croix-Rousse district is the perfect spot to end your trip to Lyon.

Known as the historic home of Lyon’s silk workers, Croix-Rousse has a completely different feel from the rest of the city. Once the centre of the silk industry, this neighbourhood is now loved for its creative atmosphere, colourful murals, independent shops, and local cafés. Don’t miss exploring the hidden traboules and learning about the famous canuts (silk workers).

I recommend visiting Esplanade du Gros Caillou, place de la Croix-Rousse, Maison des Canuts (free entry with the Lyon City Card), Mur des Canuts, Esplanade de la Grande-Côte, Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules if you have time!

Afternoon: Soak up your final moments in Lyon before catching the train home

Sadly, your time in Lyon has come to an end. Head back to Lyon-Part-Dieu to catch your train back to either Lille or Paris before catching the Eurostar back home.

Don’t forget to pack a few traditional Lyon gifts before heading home. After all, with two free suitcase allowances, it would be a shame not to make the most of the extra space!

Final Thoughts on a 5-day itinerary for Lyon

The city of Lyon truly blew me away; it’s small enough that you don’t feel crazy overwhelmed by the size of it, but large enough that there’s so much to see and do. From its beautiful historic neighbourhoods and incredible viewpoints to its world-famous food scene and hidden gems around every corner, Lyon is a city that deserves a spot on your France travel list.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend city break or adding it to a longer French itinerary, I honestly couldn’t recommend Lyon enough. It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, incredible architecture, and authentic French charm.