Lyon in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Lyon is a bourgeois city, the third largest city in France, but it is often overshadowed by its sisters, Paris and Marseille, yet Lyon has a charm all its own. From getting lost in its bouchons following in the footsteps of the father of French food, the famous chef Paul Bocuse; wandering the winding streets of La Croix Rousse, to seeing the site of the first film in history at the Lumière Museum, there are many things to see and do in Lyon.

In this article you will find a guide with maps and highlights to flank the Rhône and Saône rivers with a practical itinerary to make the most of your 48 hours in Lyon.

On the first day we will begin our tour in the old town, also known as Vieux Lyon. Here you will find winding cobblestone alleys, lined with centuries-old buildings, restaurants and stores. It's easy to get lost in its labyrinthine streets, but that's part of the fun.

The architecture is a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, with Gothic cathedrals and elegant courtyards. But don't just look up, there are treasures at ground level, too. The old town is home to the imposing basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, dating from the late 19th century. It is perched on a hill overlooking the city, and the views from the terrace are breathtaking.

You'll also visit the Gallo-Roman Theater, which once held up to 20,000 spectators. Of course, no visit to Lyon would be complete without sampling the food and drink. The day's route highlights 10 stops that you can follow with this map. You can do the route by bike with a guided tour or on foot, it's a 3.5 kilometer radius in total.

Morning in Vieux Lyon

The tour starts at the current Place du Change, known in the Middle Ages as the Place de la Draperie, this was the heart of the exchange operations. Already in 1803 it was ceded to the Protestant society 1803 and, by decree, became the "Temple du Change", or Temple of Change. I invite you to see the ideal clock located in its right corner, one of the works of the renowned architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot.

Continue your walk enjoying a croissant, quenelles or saucisson briochéen in one of the local pastry shops before arriving at the Museum of Puppetry Art, located in the Hôtel des Pierrevive, although locals know it as the Hotel de Gadagne. This location houses a second museum dedicated to the history of Lyon. Keep moving through this lively shopping district of Quartier Saint-Jean and stop at Place de la Baleine where you'll find a plethora of unique local stores.

And on the next block you'll see the Palais de Justice de Lyon building, another of the city's historic monuments. In the same courthouse square you'll see La Maison des Avocats, a Renaissance-style building with a beautiful Tuscan-style courtyard. And two blocks away, the highlight of your morning walk: the Cathedral of Lyon.

Did you know that

Since the 13th century, the Cathedral of Lyon has housed a nine-meter-high astronomical clock with an astrolabe where you can see the position of the earth relative to the sun.

Marvel at the grandeur of the stained glass windows and the intricate details of the Gothic architecture, which dates back to the 12th century.

This is the most beautiful site in the city, especially if you travel to Lyon at Christmas when the Festival of Lights is celebrated, an event where special effects, music and color dress the city to celebrate the Day of the Immaculate Conception. Organize your visit among the things to do in Lyon in December to enjoy the event.

Afternoon in the Fourvière district

One of the five reasons to visit France's third most famous city is its gastronomy, so after leaving engrossed by the architecture of the cathedral, it's time to take a break to stimulate the palate, another of the best activities in Lyon.

Go through some traboules - passageways of streets and courtyards as shortcuts and arrive at Fourvière where you can sit in a bouchon, the name given to its terraces and restaurants like the Bulle Restaurant de Fourvière that offers a tasting menu consisting of a starter, a main course and dessert from 42 €. I invite you to try a hearty dish like coq au vin and andouillette. Accompany it all with local wine or a traditional aperitif, such as Chartreuse bitter herbal liqueur.

After lunch, start your evening tour of the Fourvière hill, another of the charms of this city of light that offers a panoramic view of magazine.

Did you know that

Fourvière hill is also known as the "mystical mountain" thanks to the nickname given by the historian Jules Michelet who recalls in his writings where he also recalls that Lugdunum was part of the 3 legions of Britannia of ancient Rome.

After lunch, head to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an impressive church with more than 100 years of existence is a must-see. Explore the surrounding area and fall in love with its Roman Theater, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the hill.

Later, walk to the Gallo-Roman Museum of Fourvière where you can see a detailed description of Lugdunum, the capital of the Three Gauls. Take your time to appreciate hundreds of objects such as the Claudian Tablet dating from approximately 41-54 A.D. Finally, stop by the Odeon de Lyon before arriving at the Church of St. George, another of Lyon's landmarks.

Night around the Place de Bellecour

In the evening, cross the Saône River and take a stroll around the Place de Bellecour, where the statue of Louis XIV reigns supreme. This is the largest square in Lyon as well as the largest pedestrian square in Europe. In addition, you can observe a couple of eye-catching statues: the first one of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, and the second is a bust of Louis XIV.

The place is excellent for people-watching or just sitting and reflecting. The rhythmic sound of street performers along the pedestrian paths makes for a perfect afternoon in the heart of this charming city. And, if your visit to Lyon is during the December vacations, make a note among your things to do in Lyon at Christmas to visit its 60-meter high Ferris wheel that they install during that season.

This neighborhood offers more than just historical attractions: it is a paradise for foodies and a feast for the senses so it will be perfect for you to dine out by taking one of Lyon' s best gastronomic tours or even doing a wine and cheese tasting.

As you continue your journey through the picturesque city of Lyon, you will find yourself in the heart of the vibrant Presqu'île district. It's a cultural and social hub stretching between the Rhône and Saône rivers, offering a plethora of quaint stores, charming cafés and historic buildings.

And when you feel like a break from so much sensory stimulation, after lunch, you can relax in one of Lyon's most beautiful parks, Parc de la Tête d'Or, just before reaching the highlight of this route: the Lumiere Institute.

To complete your getaway in Lyon I suggest you visit the rest of the city's must-see sights, for this day the route will be longer, specifically you will advance for 12 km to make your way through 10 stops.

Because of the distance, you can move by metro, by bus or, my recommendation, you can take a bike tour. The reason? The most popular sites are highlighted on the map, but the road is full of charming places like the Lyon Opera building where you can stop at your leisure if you go by bike. The intention is for you to get the most out of your visit, so the schedule is flexible.

Morning at Place de la République, Rue Mercière, Palais de la Bourse de Lyon and the Church of Saint-Nictet

Start your tour at the Place de la République, a historic site and a hub of activity in the city where you will see its quirky central fountain, its year-round carousel, as well as the headquarters of the former Franco-Chinese Institute of Lyon and the Lyon Municipal Library, surrounding architecture among buildings with prime locations that benefit a variety of stores and boutiques.

From Place de la République, you advance to Rue Mercière, one of Lyon's oldest and busiest streets. Here you will find a variety of bars and bouchons lyonnais where you can sip a steaming coffee and enjoy a typical croissant or perhaps a Coussin de Lyon to sweeten the morning - an almond cake filled with chocolate ganache. Just a few minutes away from Rue Merciere, you will find the Palais de la Bourse de Lyon.

This building was built in the 19th century and is a great example of neoclassical architecture. Here you can see the impressive glass dome and admire the majestic entrance. Next, you can't miss an iconic church, so you continue the tour to your next stop at the Church of San Niceto. Formerly the Romans worshipped their gods in this temple and later, on its ruins, the church was built in the seventeenth century and is one of the most beautiful in Lyon. Admire the frescoes and baroque architecture.

Did you know that

3 blocks from the Church of Saint-Nictet, specifically at 6 Rue de la Platière, is the fresco "La bibliothèque de la cité", one of the emblems of Lyon on the route of its murals. I invite you to take a 5 minute detour to appreciate this work.

The Lyonnais are usually very devoted to the Virgin Mary because they claim to have received her favors on many occasions such as during the plague that struck the French in the seventeenth century, as well as during the Prussian invasion that took place in 1870. In both cases it was said that the Virgin managed to save Lyon, so this sacred temple is not only an architectural but also a cultural landmark that you can not miss.

Afternoon at Place des Terreaux, La Croix Rousse and the Parc de la Tête d'Or

After a morning of exploring Rue de la République and Rue Mercière, you continue on through the heart of the vibrant Presqu'île district at Place des Terreaux. Here you can find the famous Bartholdi fountain, which depicts the French moon goddess Diana. This statue is one of the designs of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, author of the Statue of Liberty.

This square is also the site of the Hôtel de Ville, the seat of the Lyon City Hall, which has stood opposite the Lyon Opera House since the 17th century. This building has a baroque architecture structure that deserves to be visited. On the other hand, this building flanks the Place de la Comédie, where you will see the headquarters of the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts and the Place Louis Pradel.

Continue your tour along the banks of the Saône River to reach the Fresco des Lyonnais, one of the outstanding murals of the Lyon mural route, which includes about 100 works distributed throughout the city. Now it's time to recharge your batteries with lunch and you'll be in the right place: La Croix Rousse, a district of the city full of restaurants and bars serving typical regional food.

As you stroll through the Croix-Rousse district, you will be transported to another world: the "Village des Canuts", where the silk weaving industry once flourished. Here you can't miss a walk through the winding staircases of the Cour des Voraces, a network of "secret tunnels" that were key to the Resistance during World War II.

After lunch, it's time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in France. In its 150 hectares, it has a lake where you can rent boats, a botanical garden, a rose garden and many other attractions.

Say goodbye to the city at Monplaisir with the Lumiere brothers

Leave the Parc de la Tête d'Or behind, to move on to the Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon, one of the city's top cultural destinations. It's perfect to note among your things to do in Lyon with kids.

The museum features artworks by emerging national and international artists, synthetic gardens, and a fusion of classical and contemporary techniques such as stop-motion, one of the most appreciated techniques in France. As a result, it offers a unique and exciting cultural experience.

Finally, say goodbye to Lyon at the Lumiere Museum, the only museum that is a World Heritage Site. It is located in the Monplaisir district, where you can explore the history of cinema from its beginnings.

The museum was founded by the Lumiere brothers, who were pioneers in the film industry and in making films with 46 seconds of revolutionary videos. Here you can see some of their masterpieces and learn about their impact on the film industry, as well as learn about their personal history to cap off your 48-hour trip to Lyon.