Essential Lyon Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Lyon is a city where Roman ruins, Renaissance courtyards and modern French culture meet along the Rhône and Saône rivers. Founded as Lugdunum in 43 BC, it became a major center of Roman Gaul before developing into a European hub for banking, printing and silk production. This layered history remains visible across the city, making Lyon an appealing destination for travelers interested in architecture and the past.

Explore Vieux Lyon and Fourvière

The UNESCO-listed districts of Vieux Lyon and Fourvière showcase some of the city’s most distinctive sights and historic character. Highlights include:

• Lyon Cathedral, a Gothic landmark
• The Roman theatre
• The hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Panoramic views across the city from the heights

Together, these sites reflect different stages of Lyon’s development, from its Roman origins to its religious and architectural heritage.

Discover the Presqu’île

Located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, the Presqu’île combines elegant public spaces with the energy of everyday city life. Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux offer lively settings for cafés, shopping and exploring the city on foot.

The area is also home to several cultural landmarks, including:

• The Bartholdi Fountain
• Lyon Opera House
• Fresque des Lyonnais

Walk Through Lyon’s Traboules

One of the most distinctive things to do in Lyon is explore its traboules—covered passageways that connect courtyards and streets. Originally used by merchants and silk workers, these hidden routes later played a role in resistance activities during the Second World War.

The traboules offer a unique way to experience Lyon’s historic neighborhoods and its connection to the silk trade.

Experience Lyon’s Food Culture

Food is central to Lyon’s identity. Traditional bouchons serve hearty Lyonnaise cooking, while Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse brings together regional cheeses, charcuterie, pastries and other fine products.

Chocolate shops, bakeries and local markets add to the city’s culinary appeal, making Lyon a rewarding destination for anyone looking for delicious things to do in Lyon.

Why Visit Lyon?

With its riverside setting, historic neighborhoods and deeply rooted culinary traditions, Lyon offers far more than famous landmarks. From Roman heritage and Renaissance courtyards to traboules, bouchons and regional specialties, the city provides a vivid portrait of French urban culture.