Lyon Hotels

Lyon promises you a wonderful holiday with its magnificent architecture bearing traces of the Romans, rich history, and culture. Lyon, the second largest city in France, captivates visitors with its vibrant streets, distinctive cuisine, and intriguing historical monuments. In this city, you can ride your bike along the river with a magnificent view, shop on its lively streets, taste its delicious food, or explore its magnificent architecture.

The traditional bouchon restaurants, which offer a feast for both your eyes and your palate, will attract food lovers. History and culture enthusiasts will fall in love with its magnificent ancient theaters from the Roman period and many other architectural works. Additionally, you will rediscover its natural beauty through nature walks.

Where is Lyon?

Lyon is a city situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Where To Stay In Lyon?

Lyon offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. However, there are some highlighted areas for first-time visitors:

• Presqu'ile: If you are a first-time visitor in Lyon, you should start your visit from Presqu'ile. This neighborhood is the city center and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning Romanesque architecture. 
• Vieux Lyon: It is the best area for history enthusiasts, with its narrow medieval streets, beautiful palaces, and historical squares, including the 5th-century cathedral in the Jardin Archeologique.
• Confluence: It is an old industrial port known for its sustainable design, modern architecture, and futuristic buildings. This neighborhood is one of the coolest areas in Lyon. It is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, shopping areas, and lively streets.
• Guillotiere: It is a great neighborhood for budget travelers, being a young and multicultural city with trendy floating bars and galleries.
• Fourviere: It is a historic district located on the hill rising immediately west of Vieux Lyon and the Saône River. It can be reached on foot and offers astonishing views of the city in a peaceful setting, as well as the Gallo-Roman Museum and small medieval streets.

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Places To Visit In Lyon

The architecture of this deep-rooted city will surely amaze you without a doubt. Here are the top Lyon attractions you must see during your trip:

• Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon): Explore the historic district with medieval and Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and traditional bouchon restaurants.
• Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière: Visit the stunning hilltop basilica for panoramic city views and late-19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture.
• Musée des Beaux Arts: Discover France's fine art collection with sculptures and paintings from antiquity onwards.
• Musée des Confluences: Explore exhibitions on natural history and anthropology at this contemporary museum located at the Rhône and Saône Rivers' confluence.
• Parc de la Tête d'Or: Enjoy a relaxing visit to Lyon's beautiful park, featuring a zoo, lakes, flower beds, and walking paths.
• Colline de la Croix-Rousse: Explore the district known for its silk industry history, Roman ruins, and charming atmosphere.
• Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation: Gain insights into Lyon's WWII resistance at this museum in the former Gestapo headquarters.
• Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste: Explore Lyon's partly Romanesque cathedral with impressive Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

Is Lyon Safe?

Lyon is generally considered a safe city due to its lower crime rates. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions to ensure personal safety and security. Especially in tourist areas, visitors should be cautious about pickpocketing and scams.

Is Lyon Expensive To Visit?

Lyon is a moderately priced destination compared to other European cities. Especially when compared to other cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon is considered 30-40% more affordable.

Lyon Currency

In Lyon, France, as in much of Europe, the Euro (€) serves as the official currency. This simplifies transactions for travelers coming from other Eurozone countries, which include 17 European Union states.

Lyon Language

The official language in Lyon is French, as it is in the rest of France. However, many people in Lyon also know and speak English as a second language, especially the younger generations.

Lyon Time Zone

Lyon observes Central European Time (CET, UTC +1) during standard time, shifting to Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC +2) during daylight saving time.

How Many Days To Visit Lyon?

If you have limited time to explore the city, it is recommended to spend at least 3 days in Lyon. However, for a more in-depth exploration or to visit additional museums and surrounding areas, a longer stay of around 5 days to a week may be preferable.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Lyon?

The best time to visit Lyon is during the spring season, especially from April to May. During this period, the weather is mild, with well-balanced temperatures, reduced humidity, and clear visibility. Spring offers long days with bright sunshine, making it an ideal time for traveling through Lyon. Additionally, autumn, from September to November, is also a great season to explore the city due to its pleasant temperatures and outdoor exploration opportunities. During summer, the peak tourist season, there are festivals, outdoor activities, and vibrant street life, but prices are at their highest.

What To Pack For Your Visit To Lyon?

Here’s the packing list for Lyon depending on which season you plan to visit the city:

• Spring (March to May): Bring your t-shirts, tank tops and shorts, a light jacket or sweater for mornings or evenings, an umbrella, raincoat, and rain boots.
• Summer (June to August): Lightweight clothing like tank tops and shorts, comfortable, lightweight shoes, and sunscreen.
• Fall (September to November): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, jacket for layering, and comfortable shoes.
• Winter (December to February): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, long-sleeve tops, vest or jacket, comfortable shoes or boots, and a scarf.

Lyon Food

Lyon offers a rich culinary experience with a variety of traditional dishes and foods to try. Some of the must-try foods in Lyon include:

• Grattons Lyonnais: Crispy pork rinds or cracklings, a traditional Lyonnais snack or appetizer.
• Cardon à la moelle: Cardoons cooked with bone marrow, a classic Lyonnais dish known for its rich flavors.
• Tablier de sapeur: Breaded and fried tripe, a unique Lyonnais specialty resembling a firefighter's apron.
• Petit Salé: Salted pork, often served with lentils or vegetables, a hearty Lyonnais comfort dish.
• Bugnes Lyonnaises: Light, deep-fried pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar, a popular treat during Carnival season.
• Le Poulet Célestine: Chicken dish named after a famous Lyonnaise actress, typically prepared with mushrooms and a creamy sauce.

Lyon Nightlife

Lyon offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of options to suit different tastes. Here are some of the best places to spend your night in Lyon:

• Bars and Pubs: Enjoy local wines, craft beers, or cocktails in various neighborhoods such as Presqu'île and Vieux Lyon.
• Rooftop Bars: Enjoy breathtaking city views while savoring drinks at rooftop venues like Le Sucre and Le Sofitel Lyon Bellecour.
• Clubs and Nightclubs: Dance the night away to electronic music or mainstream hits at venues like Le Sucre and Le Ninkasi.
• Live Music: Enjoy live performances at venues such as Le Transbordeur and Ninkasi Kafé, showcasing local and international acts.