Funbooker helps you find the best things to do to visit the city of Lyon in a fun and unusual way! Old Lyon, the Tête d'Or, the Presqu'ile... discover the things to do and see in the city with our guide.
The City of Lights is dotted with historic buildings, traboules and majestic squares that are not to be missed.
Having known a golden age during Antiquity, and another during the Renaissance, Lyon has many treasures to discover. To prepare your visit to the capital of the Gauls, discover the list of monuments we've selected for you.
The spectacular Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a must-see in Lyon. It towers majestically over the Old Lyon district. Built in the 19th century, it is truly a symbol of the Marian city. Its neo-Byzantine architecture is adorned with four corner towers.
A statue of Archangel Michael crowns the whole. You can climb the stairs to Fourvière, or take the funicular, which drops you right in front of the basilica.
Leaning against the Fourvière hill, Lugdunum's ancient theater is the oldest in France. Built by Augustus in 15 BC, it is an emblematic archaeological site of the capital of Gaul. What remains today are the theater's tiers and the remains of a columned gallery, as well as the paving of the orchestra.
Next door, you can visit the Gallo-Roman Museum, which boasts 4,000 square meters of collections and regularly organizes temporary exhibitions. An entire section of the museum is devoted to the crafts of the ancient world.
Open from Wednesday to Monday, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is located on the Place des Terreaux. Housed in a former 17th-century royal Benedictine abbey, it boasts 6,900 square meters of exhibition space. The collections occupy 70 rooms, spanning all periods:
Among the masterpieces on display are Renoir's La Joueuse de guitare and Nicolas Poussin's La Fuite en Egypte.
In Lyon's1st arrondissement, the imposing Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules in Lugdunum is a unique venue steeped in history. You'll enter the heart of a Roman amphitheater dating from 19 A.D., used for shows, circuses and executions.
The remains of this listed historic monument are strategically located on the Croix-Rousse slope. It is now an integral part of Lyon's Jardin des Plantes.
The Primatiale Saint-Jean is a cathedral dating back to the 15th century, which took several centuries to build. You'll find this monument near the Rhône river, in Lyon 5th district.
Inside, you can admire the architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows. On the outside, 3 facades adorned with statues, destroyed by past wars. The cathedral also boasts an astronomical clock!
Want to discover Lyon's most beautiful spots on foot? Then head for Vieux-Lyon, the city's most authentic and picturesque district. With its traboules, churches and bouchons lyonnais, this stroll through the heart of Lyon is sure to leave you with wonderful memories.
The Vieux-Lyon district lies between the Saône River and Fourvière hill, with its narrow cobbled streets bathed in authentic charm. Restaurants, bars and bouchons lyonnais with their period facades line these lively streets.
Vieux-Lyon boasts a number of historic monuments that are a must-see, including Saint-Jean Cathedral and Saint-Georges Church. Take a stroll through the traboules, to admire architectural curiosities that are unique in France!
The Croix-Rousse district is one of Lyon's most charming places to stroll. It represents Lyon's4th arrondissement, and has a village atmosphere.
Monuments, museums, parks, stores and restaurants await you in this district. You'll find, for example, the Mur des Canuts, the Musée des Canuts and Rosa Mir's secret garden.
Centered around Place Bellecour, Lyon's Presqu'île is a delight for lovers of heritage and history. The commercial center of the city, it boasts many architectural nuggets. On the agenda: Place des Célestins, Place des Jacobins and Place Bellecour.
You'll also want to visit the antique dealers' district, where you'll find a wide selection of second-hand books. Then discover Lyon's great synagogue and the Church of Saint-Nizier.
On the Presqu'île, Place Bellecour is one of the city's most popular spots. Europe's largest pedestrian square, it is adorned with a number of sculptures well known to the Lyonnais. The most famous is the bronze statue of Louis XIV, dating from 1825 and depicting the Sun King on horseback.
With its red ground, tree-lined avenues and flower kiosks, Place Bellecour is a must-see in Lyon!
If you're going to visit Lyon, you've got to visit Place des Terreaux! This large pedestrian area surrounded by historic buildings is one of the city's most emblematic landmarks. It's located in Lyon1er.
The square is a lively place, with numerous stores, restaurants and bars. It's the ideal place to go out with friends in the evening, and a must-do if you're visiting the city. There's always something to do on Place des Terreaux!
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