Lyon is one of France’s richest cities. Its historic neighbourhoods, gastronomy, museums and natural spaces make it an ideal weekend destination from Paris, Marseille or Bordeaux. But how do you organise 2 days in Lyon without missing anything? Here is our complete itinerary written by locals, optimised to see the essentials without rushing.
Day 1 — Vieux-Lyon, Fourvière, Presqu’île
Morning: Vieux-Lyon and the traboules
Start in Vieux-Lyon (5th arrondissement), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive early (before 10am) to enjoy the Renaissance alleyways before the crowds arrive.
Unmissable:
- The traboules: these passageways cut through Renaissance buildings to connect two streets. Push the heavy wooden doors — some open onto spectacular inner courtyards.
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean: a Gothic masterpiece with its 14th-century astronomical clock.
- Rue Saint-Jean: the main street of Vieux-Lyon, lined with mullioned facades.
Midday: Fourvière
From Vieux-Lyon, take the funicular (same ticket as the metro) up to the heights of Fourvière.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: its interior mosaics are among the finest in France.
- The Gallo-Roman theatre: one of the best-preserved in Western Europe.
- The panoramic view over Lyon and, on a clear day, the Alps.
Have lunch at the top in one of the cafés, or walk back down via the hillside paths to reach the Presqu’île.
Afternoon: Presqu’île and Halles Bocuse
The Presqu’île is the commercial and cultural heart of Lyon. Stroll between Place Bellecour (one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe) and Place des Terreaux with its Bartholdi fountain.
In the late afternoon, pay a quick visit to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (Lyon 3rd) to sample a few specialities on site.
Evening: dinner in a bouchon lyonnais
The first evening is sacred — it belongs to the bouchon. Book ahead at an authentic address: Le Garet, Chez Hugon or Daniel et Denise are all references. Order a quenelle de brochet in Nantua sauce, a tablier de sapeur, or a gratin dauphinois.
Day 2 — Croix-Rousse, Guillotière, Confluences
Morning: Croix-Rousse market
Rise early for the boulevard de la Croix-Rousse market (until 1pm, every day except Monday). Cheeses, charcuterie, vegetables from local producers, regional specialities — this is Lyon’s most authentic market.
After the market, explore the Canuts quarter: the Croix-Rousse traboules are less touristy and more authentic than those of Vieux-Lyon.
Afternoon: visit and tasting at Le Petit Musée du Vin
The unusual experience your friends will envy you. Le Petit Musée du Vin (3 rue Passet, Lyon 7th) offers an immersive one-hour journey through its 18th-century vaulted cellars: 5 thematic spaces exploring the history of wine, terroirs, grape varieties and vinification, followed by a free tasting of 8 wines.
- Opening times: Thursday to Sunday (Sat 10:30am–9pm, Sun 2pm–6pm)
- Price: £25 / person, all inclusive
- Booking recommended — weekend slots fill up quickly
Late afternoon: Berges du Rhône and Confluences
From Guillotière, head to the Berges du Rhône (east bank) for a riverside walk. The 5km greenway leads to the Musée des Confluences (Lyon 2nd) — its glass-and-steel architecture at the tip of the peninsula is worth seeing even if you don’t go inside.
Free evening
To end in style: aperitif on a terrace in Vieux-Lyon or Guillotière, then dinner at one of Lyon’s world cuisine restaurants (Guillotière is the most cosmopolitan neighbourhood in Lyon).
Practical information for organising your weekend
- Where to stay: the Bellecour-Presqu’île quarter is ideal for being within walking distance of everything. Budget: £80–150 / night.
- Getting around: the TCL network (metro, tram, bus, Vélo’v bike-share) covers the whole city. A 24h or 48h pass is available at the airport and at Part-Dieu station.
- Booking: bouchons and Le Petit Musée du Vin fill up quickly at weekends. Plan ahead.
- Average budget: £150–200 / person for 2 days (transport, accommodation, meals, activities).
If you only have one day, our guide to things to do in Lyon on a Sunday presents the ideal Sunday programme, including which museums are open that day. For visitors who want to go straight to the highlights, the article things to do in Lyon for a weekend lists the 10 local must-dos. Find the practical information for Le Petit Musée du Vin (Thursday to Sunday, transport access) and everything the museum offers to plan your afternoon.
Lyon is waiting for you — and so are its cellars.