Top 10 Unique Experiences to Discover in Lyon

Anna, the author of the Lyon chapter in our new France guidebook, reveals the must-try experiences in this vibrant city.

Lyon may be a hidden gem, but once you visit, you'll find it hard to resist returning. With expansive parks, two rivers, and a lively (often outdoor) dining culture, this compact city is perfect for exploring on foot.

From May to September, Lyon basks in sunshine as the péniches (barge bars) come alive and the riverbanks transform into expansive picnic areas. In winter, the city's proximity to the Alps is evident, with skiers bustling through the Metro at dawn and snow-capped peaks visible from elevated spots.

1. Hike up the city’s hills

Lyon features two prominent hills: the working hill (Croix-Rousse) and the praying hill (Fourvière). The former was once the hub of the silk-weaving industry, while the latter is topped by the stunning Fourvière Basilica.

The vistas from both hills are breathtaking. To get to Fourvière, you can either meander through the Jardin de la Rosaire from Vieux Lyon or take the funicular. On clear days, Mont Blanc can be spotted from the plaza adjacent to the basilica. There's also a metro line to Croix-Rousse, but if you choose to walk, you'll encounter vibrant painted staircases, street art, and a variety of boutiques, bars, and restaurants along the way. At the summit, unwind with a drink at Barabaar, where you'll enjoy views of the Rhône, the towers of Part Dieu, and Fourvière.

2. Unwind by the banks of the Rhône

One of the greatest pleasures of Lyon is exploring its two rivers—you’re always close to the water. The Saône offers a tranquil experience where you can rent kayaks or motorboats, though one side is marred by multi-story car parks that date back to the concrete revolution, threatening the city’s charm. The Rhône, on the other hand, is more vibrant, featuring a cycling path that runs the length of its banks and lively péniche (barge) bars that come alive with the sun. In summer, you can grab an inexpensive bottle of wine to enjoy on one of the small beaches opposite Avenue Marechal Foch. Although swimming isn’t allowed, and even if it were, the river isn’t particularly clean, you can instead take a dip at Centre nautique Tony Bertrand, which boasts an open-air pool with views of the river and Fourvière.

3. Discover Lyon's hidden mosaics

Looking down while wandering through a new city is usually dull, but not in Lyon, where an elusive street artist known as Ememem decorates potholes with stunning mosaics. These works, called 'flacking,' originated here and have spread throughout Europe. While the city is famous for its large trompe l’oeil wall murals, such as the impressive Fresque des Canuts (silk weavers’ fresco) in Croix-Rousse, the mosaics offer a unique charm.

4. Experience Lyon’s nouvelle cuisine

For too long, Lyon has been stereotyped as a city of red-checked tablecloth bouchons serving generous portions of offal. If you enjoy offal, indulge in dishes like andouillette and fried tripe, but steer clear of the touristy bouchons in Le Vieux Lyon and opt for a meal at Le Café du Peintre in the 6th arrondissement instead.

A new addition to the culinary scene is Ayla, a Franco-Lebanese fusion restaurant that opened in late 2022 in the 6th arrondissement. Fusion cuisine is thriving, and at Franco-Italian Boulangerie Frères Barioz, it’s hard to determine whether the croissant or focaccia takes the spotlight. Emerging chefs showcase their innovative dishes at the food court La Commune, offering an ever-changing array of options. While the quality and portion sizes can vary, the lively atmosphere remains a constant draw.

5. Explore Lyon's film heritage

The Institut Lumière, once the residence of the Lumière brothers—credited with inventing cinema—features film screenings and an excellent museum that chronicles the history of filmmaking and early movies. In Vieux Lyon, the Musée Cinéma and Miniature presents a modern twist, displaying props and costumes from iconic films like Harry Potter and Star Wars. Each October, the Festival Lumière at the Institut Lumière attracts major cinema figures and hosts all-night film marathons.

6. Take the wheel

Driving in Lyon can be a challenge, but the Musée de l’Automobile will engage even the most hesitant drivers. Located in a château in Rochetaillée-sur-Saône, this museum features an impressive collection, including the Popemobile, Hitler’s personal vehicle, and numerous vintage bicycles. Interestingly, the concept of the number plate originated in Lyon for carriages navigating the expansive Tête d’Or park.

7. Explore the city's eclectic galleries

The Musée des Confluences resembles a futuristic, asymmetrical igloo, yet its permanent collection focuses mainly on ancient civilizations. MAC, a contemporary art gallery tucked away in the outskirts of Parc de la Tête d’Or, frequently hosts fascinating temporary exhibitions. However, the standout is La Demeure du Chaos, which opens for private visits on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (advance booking required). This anarchistic art collection conveys a stark and impactful narrative of recent global history, featuring a grinning silver skull that contrasts sharply with the red brick and blue-shuttered homes of one of Lyon’s affluent neighborhoods.

8. Embrace industrial chic

Lyon narrowly avoided becoming a purely industrial city in the 20th century, but now the factories that once threatened its charm have been revitalized. Le Sucre, a former sugar factory, features rotating exhibitions and events, while La Sucrière, the club on-site, boasts a fantastic rooftop and vibrant late-night parties. Halle Tony Garnier, transformed from an abattoir, now serves as an event space for cinema concerts, live music, and regular food and wine festivals—especially the popular Independent Winemaker’s Showroom each October. Additionally, the former SNCF workshop in La Mulatière, Grandes Locos, hosts Lyon’s largest festival, the five-night electro celebration Nuits Sonores in May.

9. Enjoy a Sunday market stroll

Locals usually avoid the Halles de Paul Bocuse unless they're looking for a fancy gift to impress. Instead, on Sundays, check out the Marché alimentaire Saint Antoine/Céléstins, which draws a delightful crowd of both locals and tourists. When the weather is nice, the riverbank fills with market-goers savoring oysters and wine. Afterward, take a stroll through Vieux Lyon to help with digestion—you’ll be just across the river from the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which took over 300 years to complete from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Another popular Sunday market is Les Puces du Canal, where antique lovers might find hidden treasures; if not, it’s a great spot to grab lunch and people-watch at a typical guinguette (open-air café).

10. Unleash your inner wine enthusiast

Wine is abundant here, with Beaujolais to the northeast, the Rhône Valley to the south, and Lyon’s own Coteaux du Lyonnais available in most bars. Create your own blend during an 'assemblage' class at Chai St Olive, or get adventurous with tapas at Les Assembleurs, where guests are encouraged to mix and match wines. For a true local experience, Canard de Rue in the 3ème always attracts a lively crowd. The décor and menu celebrate duck, and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming.

Continue planning your trip to Lyon:

Explore the culinary landscape with a local's top 5 recommendations for visitors. Discover more with 5 of the best day trips from Lyon. Enjoy your stay with these 15 free activities.