If you only have two days in Lyon, it can feel impossible to choose what to see, eat and do. The good news is that with a little planning, you can get a true taste of the city’s history, culture and energy in just 48 hours.
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Get to know Lyon
Lyon sits at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and that location has shaped the city for centuries. Once an important Roman hub, later a Renaissance powerhouse and today a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon is packed with stories waiting to be uncovered.
Known as the gastronomic capital of France, it’s also a city where meals can be just as memorable as museums. For a weekend trip, it helps to mix a bit of sightseeing with leisurely meals and walks through its historic districts.
Where to stay
Lyon has hotels that range from bare-bones hostels to luxurious properties. Vieux Lyon provides a fantastic opportunity to stay in a boutique hotel like Cour des Loges, and this offers great access to many of the attractions you want to explore, as well as Metro stations to get you elsewhere in Lyon.
If you prefer the city center, the Ibis hotels are right next to the main train station and make it easy to get around if you’re looking for a budget option. The Hotel Mercure has several locations around Lyon, so you can stay near your preferred attractions. On the other hand, the Marriott has a city center hotel that feels more like a traditional American hotel.
Day 1, morning: Vieux Lyon and its traboules
Start in Vieux Lyon, the city’s Renaissance quarter, filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades and the famous traboules. Silk workers once used these hidden passageways to move goods quickly, and now they provide a peek into courtyards and stairwells.
Wander on your own to find some of the publicly accessible traboules or take a guided tour to learn how these passages shaped the city. Each one is a little different, and you can see inside the blocks with unique balconies, tunnels and more.
Day 1, afternoon: Up to Fourvière
From Vieux Lyon, hop on the funicular to reach the top of Fourvière Hill. It runs from the Vieux Lyon metro station, and it’s the quickest way up the steep incline. At the top, you’ll find Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which dominates the skyline with its ornate mosaics and sweeping views of the city below.
Explore not just the basilica but the catacombs beneath it that have special rotating exhibits. Just outside the cathedral, there is a cafeteria and small food carts in nicer weather so you can get a quick snack or gelato.
Once you’ve freshened up, head down the street to the Lugdunum Museum and Roman theaters. The museum showcases artifacts from when Lyon was a major Roman settlement, and the outdoor theater is still used for concerts in summer.
Rather than take the funicular to its base, walk down the hill just behind the cathedral. It’s shady and has a shallow slope, which makes it an easy walk. You’ll find quiet gardens, hidden chapels and small museums, though many of them are open for limited hours, but well worth visiting if you catch them right.
Day 1, evening: Dinner in Vieux Lyon and a sunset stroll
After a full day of exploring, choose one of the traditional bouchons tucked along the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, where you can enjoy dishes like quenelles, andouillette or a praline tart. The warm atmosphere of these restaurants makes for a memorable meal that connects you to the city’s food culture and usually also includes great people watching.
Once dinner wraps up, take a walk along the banks of the Saône River. As the sun sets, the bridges and statues begin to glow in the evening light, and the reflections shimmer across the water. Lyon at twilight has a slower rhythm, and this simple walk is often just as memorable as the major landmarks.
Day 2, morning: Markets and the Saône River
Start your second day at one of Lyon’s food markets. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is the most famous, with vendors offering cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates and wines. Even if you don’t shop, walking through and sampling a pastry or two is part of the experience.
From there, head to the banks of the Saône for a Bateaux Lyonnais cruise. Just like the Bateaux Mouches in Paris, these boats give you a different view of the city, gliding past Renaissance architecture, modern riverfront projects and the Presqu’ile’s landmarks.
They offer both sightseeing cruises and dining cruises where you can enjoy lunch or dinner aboard their ships. The one-hour sightseeing cruises are very affordable and run multiple times per day to fit with your schedule, while the dining cruises offer just lunch and dinner options that are also very affordable with a delicious three-course meal.
Day 2, afternoon: Museums and culture
While you naturally think of the Louvre when you think about museums in France, Lyon has a varied set of museums to cover just about any interest you may have. A weekend gives you just enough time to dip into a few.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a former abbey, has a collection that ranges from Egyptian antiquities to modern art. For something lighter, the Musée Cinema et Miniature combines film memorabilia with astonishingly detailed miniature models. Families often enjoy the Musée de l’Illusion, which also has branches in many American cities that include perspective tricks and interactive exhibits.
If you prefer something tied closely to Lyon’s identity, there are great options in Vieux Lyon. Le Petit Musée de Guignol is dedicated to the city’s famous puppet tradition, and the Gadagne Museum tells Lyon’s story through history and puppetry.
Day 2, late afternoon: See the city on wheels
By now, your feet may be ready for a break. Cyclo City Tours offers guided rides in pedal-powered rickshaws, which are a fun way to see both the main squares and back streets without another uphill climb.
Guides often point out street art, local boutiques and architecture you might miss on your own. Because the rickshaw seats just a few people, you really get to know your guide and ask all the questions you may have. They offer both a one-hour and a two-hour experience, but one hour isn’t enough, so book the two-hour tour. This is also a chance to rest before a final evening out.
Day 2, evening: A final Lyonnais experience
Spend your last evening strolling the Presqu’ile, Lyon’s central district between the Rhône and Saône. This area is filled with squares like Place des Terreaux, where Hotel de Ville and the Bartholdi Fountain frame a lively scene. There is plenty of shopping on the wide boulevards, as well as gorgeous architecture and statues to admire.
For dinner, you can choose either a modern restaurant that pushes Lyon’s food traditions forward or return to another bouchon for a classic sendoff. If you still have energy, Lyon’s nightlife includes both cozy wine bars and late-night cafes where you can reflect on your whirlwind 48 hours.
Enjoy your 48 hours
Two days in Lyon go by quickly, but even in that short time, the city reveals its layers of history, food and culture. From Roman ruins to Renaissance passageways, world-class art to playful museums, every corner offers something to discover. With its mix of tradition and modern energy, Lyon leaves a lasting impression that will make you want to plan a longer return.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly Travels who almost has an empty nest. She loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you into on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.