Lyon, the Saône, the Palais de Justice and Fourvière hill - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Chaguo zilizobinafsishwa kulingana na mapendeleo yako na yaliyo karibu.
Lyon is France's third city and its unofficial capital of food, spread across the meeting of the Rhône and Saône rivers beneath two hills. On one side rises Fourvière, crowned by its white basilica and the Roman theatres of ancient Lugdunum; on the other, the old silk-weavers' quarter of Croix-Rousse threads down to…
Wakati mzuri wa kutembelea
Slip through the traboules of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, the hidden covered passages between streets, walking quietly as people still live above them.
Vivutio na uzoefu unaostahili muda wako — kwa bei za uaminifu.
One of Europe's largest Renaissance districts, a UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled lanes, courtyards and pastel facades below Fourvière hill. Free to wander; come for the traboules, the small food shops and the evening light on the Saône.
The white hilltop basilica that watches over Lyon, richly decorated inside and framed by a terrace with the city's best panorama. Entry to the basilica is free; ride the funicular up on a normal transport ticket to save the climb.
Hidden covered passageways that cut through the buildings of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, historically used by silk workers. Many are free to walk through during the day; enter quietly and respectfully, as residents still live above them.
A striking glass-and-steel science and anthropology museum at the point where the two rivers meet, ranging from dinosaurs to world cultures. Full admission is modest; those aged 18 to 25 pay less and under-18s go free.
The must-try local dishes, sweets and fruits — including the exotic ones you won't find back home.
DishQuenelle de brochet with sauce Nantua, a Lyon specialty - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)A light, oval dumpling of pike or other fish (or plain) poached until it puffs up, classically served in a rich crayfish-based sauce Nantua. It is one of the signature dishes of Lyon's bouchons, comforting and generous.
Order the pike (brochet) quenelle with sauce Nantua at a bouchon for the traditional version; it is filling, so share starters.
DishSalade lyonnaise from Lyon - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)A warm salad of frisée lettuce topped with crisp bacon lardons, croutons and a soft poached egg in a mustard vinaigrette. A simple, hearty bouchon starter that captures the city's no-nonsense cooking.
Break the poached egg over the leaves so the yolk mixes into the dressing, the way it is meant to be eaten.
SweetA slice of tarte aux pralines, a pink Lyon praline tart - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)A striking bright-pink tart filled with crushed pink pralines (sugar-coated almonds) melted with cream into a sweet, crunchy filling. It is Lyon's iconic dessert, sold by the slice in bakeries all over the city.
Buy a slice from a busy local bakery; the vivid pink is natural to the pralines, not artificial food dye alone.
DishSaucisson brioché, sausage baked in brioche - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)A slice of Lyon sausage, often pistachio-studded, baked inside a soft buttery brioche and served warm as a starter or snack. A rich, satisfying classic of the local charcuterie tradition.
Have it warm as a starter in a bouchon, or buy a slice from a charcuterie for a portable treat.
Despite its name ('silk-worker's brain'), this is a fresh cheese spread whipped with herbs, garlic, shallots, oil and vinegar, eaten with bread or potatoes. A light, tangy speciality named after Lyon's historic silk weavers.
Order it as a light starter or cheese course; spread it on bread and pair it with the local wine.
Ask travelers and locals — or help others and earn points.
Real restaurants, cafés, sights and things to do across the city — live from the map, with our fair-price and scam intelligence on top.
Kile wenyeji hulipa — angalia bei kabla ya kutoa fedha taslimu.
Umeweka nafasi moja kwa moja? Wauzaji wengi hutoa ughairi wa bure ndani ya saa 24.
Bei kama hii mara nyingi hushuka karibu na tarehe — inafaa kusubiri kama mipango yako ni rahisi kubadilika.
Bei kama hii mara nyingi hushuka karibu na tarehe — inafaa kusubiri kama mipango yako ni rahisi kubadilika.
Bei kama hii mara nyingi hushuka karibu na tarehe — inafaa kusubiri kama mipango yako ni rahisi kubadilika.
Weka nafasi moja kwa moja — mara nyingi ni nafuu kuliko kwenye majukwaa, na mara nyingi hutoa ughairi wa bure.
Bei kama hii mara nyingi hushuka karibu na tarehe — inafaa kusubiri kama mipango yako ni rahisi kubadilika.
Bei kama hii mara nyingi hushuka karibu na tarehe — inafaa kusubiri kama mipango yako ni rahisi kubadilika.
Nauli halisi, si bei za watalii.
The dedicated Rhônexpress tram connects Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport with the centre (Part-Dieu) in about 30 minutes. The fastest and most reliable airport link; buy online in advance for the best fare.
A taxi covers the long ride from the airport to the centre door-to-door but costs far more than the Rhônexpress. Best for groups or heavy bags; use the official rank and confirm the fare.
Lyon's clean TCL network of four metro lines, trams and buses reaches most of the city on a single ticket. The fastest way to cross town; buy a carnet to save and mind pickpockets at busy doors.
Two funiculars climb from Vieux Lyon up to Fourvière and Saint-Just on a normal TCL ticket. The easy way up the hill to the basilica and Roman theatres without the steep walk.
The Presqu'île, the riverbanks and Vieux Lyon are compact and best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes help on the cobbles and the climbs up the two hills.
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) bring warm, pleasant weather and lively terraces without the peak crush. Many bouchons close for part of August, so late summer is quieter for food; winters are cold but bright, and early December brings the famous Fête des Lumières, when the city fills for its festival of lights.
Two days is enough to see Vieux Lyon and the traboules, climb Fourvière, wander the Presqu'île and eat in a bouchon, with a third day for the Confluences museum, Croix-Rousse or Parc de la Tête d'Or.
The Rhônexpress tram is the fastest reliable option, reaching the centre in about 30 minutes; buy online in advance for the cheapest one-way fare. A taxi is much more expensive and only worth it for groups or heavy luggage.
A bouchon is a small, traditional Lyon restaurant serving hearty local dishes like quenelle, salade lyonnaise and charcuterie in a warm, informal setting. Look for the official 'Bouchons Lyonnais' certification to find an authentic one.
Yes. The Presqu'île, riverbanks and Vieux Lyon are compact and best on foot, with clean metro lines and two funiculars to cover longer distances and the climbs up the hills.
Lyon is generally safe and well-run. The main risk is pickpocketing on the busy metro and around Place Bellecour and the station, so keep valuables secure and decline petition and bracelet approaches.