Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lyon?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Lyon?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Lyon, France? Most people spend two to five days in Lyon during their visit. After all, the beautiful city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Lyon? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Lyon?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Lyon. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Lyon as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend a week in Lyon
Lyon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyon Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
The culinary scene in Lyon is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option ($109)
- Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour from Lyon ($164)
- Walking Cultural Food Tour in Vieux Lyon ($87)
Lyon is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Embark on an aperitif journey through the old town ($70)
- Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour ($148)
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch ($93)
Lyon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour ($148)
- Lyon Old District : Private Walking Tour ($208)
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon Traboules ($137)
The public transit in Lyon is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.
Lyon offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets of this impressive old town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour ($148)
- Lyon Old District : Private Walking Tour ($208)
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon Traboules ($137)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.
Don't miss the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière during your trip to Lyon, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because Lyon is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. It's the second largest city in France, and it's famous for its beautiful old town, stunning riverside setting, and world class cuisine.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Segway - Ride along the rivers 1h30 ($54)
- Cruise and Brunch on the Saône ($39)
- Excellecar Private Driver - Stations & Airports Transfers ($82)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lyon.
Shopping in Lyon is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Lyon, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lyon.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Lyon?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Lyon at your own pace to tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
How to spend 2 weeks in Lyon
Having 2 weeks in Lyon will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lyon. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because Lyon offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lyon.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Lyon is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lyon.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lyon. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Because Lyon offers so many famous sights, landmarks, and museums, you should dedicate at least another day to see the places you haven't seen yet. You can spend multiple days browsing through the city's amazing museums, and some of them are worth a second visit, too.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lyon.
Even more time is needed here to explore the old town with its many shops, restaurants, landmarks, and charming atmosphere. Find those local spots that are perfect for the local charm and cuisine.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
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