Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lyon?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days 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 cultural 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 3, 4, or 5 days 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 3 days enough time in Lyon?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the cultural city of Lyon, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance 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. You'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around two to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
How to spend 3 days 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.
It's worth around 2 hours for The Musée des Arts de la Marionnette. Entry is €8 with free admission for children. It's known for its diverse collection of puppets from around the world.
You'll want to have around 4 hours for The Confluences Museum. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its contemporary architecture and diverse exhibits on science and anthropology. It's €12 with free admission for children and reduced prices for students.
Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for The Cinema and Miniature Museum, which is €17. It's great for families and is known for its collection of miniature sets and special effects props from films.
It's worth around 2 hours for The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Entry is . It's known for its extensive collection of European paintings and sculptures.
Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière is worth visiting for around 1 hour, which is great for backpackers. Known for its ancient Roman architecture and historical significance, entry is free.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its magnificent architecture and panoramic views of Lyon. It's free.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Lyon Cathedral. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass windows. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon ($131)
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:
- Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour (9:00 am to 5:15 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon ($179)
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley ($142)
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch ($106)
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.
The Halles Paul Bocuse Food Market is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its high-quality produce and gourmet specialties, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyon's History and Must-Sees with a Local! (English Walking Tour) ($6)
- Embark on an aperitif journey through the old town ($77)
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch ($106)
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's History and Must-Sees with a Local! (English Walking Tour) ($6)
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Lyon ($36)
- Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better ($125)
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's History and Must-Sees with a Local! (English Walking Tour) ($6)
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Lyon ($36)
- Lyon UNESCO: Private walking tour ($161)
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.
Is 4 days enough time in Lyon?
Many visitors choose to spend around four days in Lyon. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities and tour the famous sights and museums, learn about the history of the town, admire the quaint setting, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to five days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the cultural city.
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
How to spend 4 days in Lyon
Having 4 days in Lyon will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
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.
Is 5 days enough time in Lyon?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Lyon has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Lyon as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the quaint atmosphere at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Lyon
With 5 days in Lyon, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
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.
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is worth visiting for around 6 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and hidden traboules, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Segway - Ride along the rivers 1h30 ($60)
- Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary ($30)
- Lyon by Yourself with english speaking driver by car or van- 4 or 8 hrs disposal ($223)
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.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Lyon, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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