Itineraries for Your Trip to Lyon
2 Days in Lyon for First Timers
I first flew into Lyon, France, on a trip to the Swiss Alps, and after just two days in Lyon, I planned my return visit. I spent the majority of my time walking the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon, enjoying stops at cafés and tiny shops along the way. When I headed back a few months later in the summer, I had more time to get out and explore the Presqu'île (the peninsula between the Saône and the Rhône) and Fourvière Hill with its basilica and stunning views. This 2-day Lyon itinerary for first timers takes you all over the city and up the funicular to explore the city's best-kept secrets.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a tour of Old Lyon.
Lyon has hot summers and cold winters with a moderate amount of precipitation.
The best way to learn about a new city is by walking around and taking in the sights. You can certainly do this on your own, but joining a guided walking tour this morning will help you tick off many of the top spots, such as the Lyon Cathedral and Tête d'Or Park.
Now that you've worked up an appetite, put a food tour on your schedule. Walk through the windy cobbled streets of Old Lyon as you stop to enjoy charcuterie, coffee, and other treats. Lyon has an abundance of small cafés and restaurants you can easily pop into, but sometimes it's easier to let a local lead the way.
Toast to a day well spent! Find a spot to watch the sunset, such as the rooftop of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, and then grab a drink at one of the cozy wine bars nearby. If you don't want to set out on your own, book a spot on an aperitif walking tour and make some new friends.
One thing you can't miss when visiting Lyon is checking out some of the many secret courtyards and traboules (shortcuts through buildings that connect streets). You can find a list of these online if you'd like to explore on your own, or book a morning walking tour that includes stops at some of the more out-of-the-way spots.
Lyon has UNESCO World Heritage designation and that means you'll find plenty of preserved archaeological sites to explore, such as the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière. If you want to see many sights in a short period of time, continue day two on a biking tour along the Rhône and Saône rivers and ride through the famed Croix Rousse tunnel.
After spending two days visiting Lyon, you'll know that the city is quite hilly, which means there are plenty of spots to enjoy the view. A popular way to do that is to take a funicular ride up Fourvière Hill, where you can see the rooftops of Old Town. Find a spot at a cozy restaurant for a meal with a view, or book a dinner hosted by a local for an even more memorable experience.
