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Things to do in Lyon, France, offer a remarkable blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Founded as a Roman settlement, this city displays architectural marvels, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, and an energetic culinary scene. Visitors who are confused about what to do in Lyon can explore ancient traboules, enjoy river views, and sample local cheeses and wines. Architectural wonders, historical monuments, and creative art spaces invite curious travellers to uncover hidden things to see in Lyon and experience delightful surprises throughout the city.
Best Things To Do In Lyon, France
This curated list of things to do in Lyon excites explorers, inviting newcomers to immerse themselves in historic streets, culinary delights, and cultural adventures.
1. Embark On The Saône River Heritage Cruise
Photo: Maurício Mascaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Embark on a Saône River Heritage Cruise, one of the best things to do in Lyon, and witness centuries of urban history from the water. This hour-long voyage reveals Renaissance facades and Roman ruins along Vieux Lyon. Enjoy views of terracotta rooftops, the Hôtel-Dieu’s golden dome, and the basilica on Fourvière Hill while learning about the city’s evolution from Lugdunum’s founding through its prosperous silk trade. Immerse yourself in Lyon’s heritage during this journey.
Location: Saône River embankments
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: April – October
Average Cost: €15 / ₹1,350)
Nearby Attractions: Musée des Confluences, Hôtel-Dieu
2. Traboules Secret Passage Exploration
Photo: Chabe01 / Wikimedia Commons
Explore the Traboules Secret Passage, one of the intriguing things to do in Lyon, as you navigate the hidden corridors of Vieux Lyon. Once used by 15th-century silk merchants, these UNESCO-listed passageways, with spiral staircases, vaulted ceilings, and Renaissance courtyards, also functioned as Resistance hubs in WWII. Guided tours uncover fascinating political intrigue and secret historical narratives while granting rare access to private courtyards typically closed to general visitors, offering a unique urban adventure.
Location: Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement)
Timings: Guided tours at 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM
Best Time To Visit: September – November
Average Cost: €20 / ₹1,800
Nearby Attractions: Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
3. Enjoy A Gastronomic Dinner Cruise On Hermès
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Experience a gastronomic dinner cruise on Hermès, one of the remarkable things to do in Lyon. Dine aboard a glass-enclosed restaurant boat as you savour quenelles de brochet and local Côtes du Rhône wines during this two-and-a-half-hour evening journey. Marvel at illuminated city landmarks while expert chefs craft dishes such as Bresse chicken with morel sauce. Enjoy live commentary that explains Lyon’s culinary heritage and transforms dining into a memorable voyage across the city.
Location: Quai des Célestins
Timings: 7:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: May – September
Average Cost: €85 / ₹7,650
Nearby Attractions: Place Bellecour
4. Go On An Adventure To The Museum Of Illusions
Photo: Arquigraph / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the Museum of Illusions, one of the most inventive things to do in Lyon, and challenge your senses with interactive exhibits. Discover illusions including holograms, Ames rooms, and infinity mirrors that manipulate perception. Enjoy the Vortex Tunnel and anti-gravity room, where optical physics meets remarkably engaging photo opportunities. This museum captivates families and curious visitors with sensory tricks, offering a playful experience that redefines the limits of visual art and scientific curiosity.
Location: 1 Rue Bellecordière, 69002 Lyon, France
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Average Cost: €18 / ₹1,620
Nearby Attractions: Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
5. Take A Cycling Tour To The Silk Weavers’ District
Photo: Narasimhan AVPL / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Join the Silk Weavers’ District Cycling Tour, one of the essential things to do in Lyon. Cycle through Croix-Rousse’s steep lanes on electric bikes as you uncover historic silk workshops and hidden traboules once used by 19th-century canuts. The guided tour reveals socialist uprising locations, showcases the Mur des Canuts fresco, and includes tastings of local praline brioche. Enjoy an informative and energetic journey that highlights both industrial heritage and culinary delights in the district.
Location: Croix-Rousse district
Timings: 9:30 AM & 3 PM tours
Best Time To Visit: March – June
Average Cost: €35 / ₹3,150
Nearby Attractions: Fresque des Canuts
6. Trek The Fourvière Hill
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Embark on the Fourvière Hill Trek, one of the outstanding things to do in Lyon. Climb the Montée des Chazeaux footpath to access the Byzantine-style basilica atop Lyon’s “Praying Hill”. This 45-minute hike rewards active travellers with extensive city vistas that extend towards Mont Blanc on clear days, while passing ancient Roman theaters and mosaic-lined trails of the Rosary Gardens. Experience urban history and natural beauty in a single invigorating adventure today.
Location: Fourvière Hill
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October – February
Nearby Attractions: Gallo-Roman Museum
7. Enjoy The Les Halles Bocuse Gourmet Safari
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Embark on the Les Halles Bocuse Gourmet Safari, one of the exciting things to do in Lyon. Wander through Paul Bocuse’s famous food hall while sampling traditional Lyonnais specialties, including saucisson brioché and Cervelle de Canut cheese spread. Enjoy free samples of pink pralines and Côte-Rôtie wines offered by vendors beneath the market’s Art Nouveau glass roof. This culinary journey lets visitors explore authentic tastes and gastronomic traditions embedded in Lyon’s celebrated food culture.
Location: 102 Cours Lafayette
Timings: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Average Cost: €30 / ₹2,700
Nearby Attractions: Part-Dieu shopping center
8. Experience The Guignol Puppet Theater
Photo: Blueberry-026 / Wikimedia Commons
Attend the Guignol Puppet Theater, one of the unique things to do in Lyon. Watch a traditional Guignol show in a historic 19th-century theatre where wooden puppets satirise local politics using the authentic Lyonnais dialect. Participate in morning workshops that demonstrate puppeteering techniques with handmade marionettes. This immersive cultural encounter offers insight into the art of puppetry, blending entertainment with local tradition for a memorable and engaging experience and an unforgettable performance.
Location: Parc de la Tête d’Or
Timings: 3 PM on Wednesday & Saturday
Best Time To Visit: July – August
Average Cost: €10 / ₹900
Nearby Attractions: Zoo du Parc
9. Experience The Lumière Cinema Origins Tour
Photo: Kleon3 / Wikimedia Commons
Embark on the Lumière Cinema Origins Tour, one of the fascinating things to do in Lyon. Explore the Institut Lumière, where Auguste and Louis Lumière created the first motion pictures. The museum showcases original cinematographs and offers outdoor summer screenings held in the inventors’ garden. This tour provides a captivating glimpse into the birth of cinema, celebrating early innovations that paved the way for modern filmmaking and honouring Lyon’s contribution to film history.
Location: 25 Rue du Premier Film
Timings: 10 AM – 6:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: July film festival
Average Cost: €6.50 / ₹585
Nearby Attractions: Monplaisir district
10. Enjoy The Silk Painting Workshop At Soierie Vivante
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Participate in the Silk Painting Workshop at Soierie Vivante, one of the creative things to do in Lyon. Learn to design silk scarves using authentic 19th-century techniques in a well-preserved canut workshop. Expert artisans demonstrate screen printing methods with natural dyes and operate traditional Lyon looms. This hands-on session offers participants a unique insight into age-old silk painting practices, combining artistic expression with historical craftsmanship for an engaging cultural experience that inspires genuine creativity.
Location: 21 Richan Street
Timings: 10 AM & 2 PM
Average Cost: €45 / ₹4,050
Nearby Attractions: Maison des Canuts
These captivating things to do in Lyon, France, offer unforgettable experiences filled with history, culture, and cuisine. From exploring ancient streets to enjoying local delicacies, every moment showcases the charm of French life. Discover hidden gems and authentic adventures that make your visit truly special. Book your trip with TripXL and enjoy a journey rich in culture, taste, and unforgettable memories. Your perfect Lyon escape starts today—plan your getaway now!
Cover Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels
