Basilique Notre dame de Fourvière à Lyon

Visit Lyon in 2 days

Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is a city with a unique charm that blends history, culture, and art de vivre. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned for its historic districts, its world-renowned museums, its architectural heritage, and also its unmatched gastronomy. It’s no surprise that it attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year.

But what if you only have 2 days to visit Lyon? Don’t worry: by following a well-thought-out itinerary, you’ll have time to see the essentials, soak up the local atmosphere, and enjoy a few typically Lyonnais experiences.

In this guide, we offer a complete program to visit Lyon over a 2-day weekend, with a blend of strolls, culture, and gastronomy. Lace up your sneakers (Lyon is a city of hills!) and let yourself be guided.

Day 1: From Fourvière to Vieux Lyon, between heritage and gastronomy

Morning: The Fourvière hill and the basilica

Basilique Notre dame de Fourvière à Lyon
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon

Your stay begins up high, on the Fourvière hill, nicknamed “the hill that prays.”

  • The must-see is of course the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built in the 19th century in Neo-Byzantine style. Inside, its sparkling mosaics, stained-glass windows, and gilding are impressive.

  • From the esplanade, you’ll have one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lyon, with a clear view as far as the Alps on a fine day.

  • Right next door, don’t miss the Roman theaters, remnants of the former capital of Gaul, Lugdunum. Even today, every summer they host the Nuits de Fourvière festival, blending concerts, theater, and dance.

👉 Practical tip: take the funicular from Vieux Lyon station (Metro line D), a typical and convenient way to reach the basilica.

👉 Practical tip: Discover Fourvière differently with our treasure hunt—a playful way to explore this site through exploration, riddles, and tourist explanations. You’re autonomous for the visit and will be guided from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to the Gallo-Roman remains (theaters, baths, and aqueduct).

Afternoon: Vieux Lyon, historic heart and Renaissance

Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Lyon
Cathedral of Saint-Jean in Lyon

Head gently back down to Vieux Lyon, a district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Wander the cobbled lanes lined with colorful houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

  • Push open doors to discover the famous traboules, those secret passageways linking courtyards that allowed silk workers to carry their fabrics sheltered from the weather.

  • Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, known for its astronomical clock dating from the 14th century.

👉 Tip: if you enjoy unusual visits, join a treasure hunt in Vieux Lyon. A fun way to explore the traboules and learn historical anecdotes.

Late afternoon: The Miniature and Cinema Museum

Housed in the Maison des Avocats, a listed 16th-century building in the very heart of Vieux Lyon, the Miniature and Cinema Museum is a must-visit, especially if you love cinema and unusual worlds.

  • The world of cinema: the museum displays an impressive collection of original props and costumes from major films: Star Wars, The Fifth Element, Harry Potter, Alien, Batman, and many others. Genuine collector’s pieces that will delight movie lovers.

  • The miniatures: the other side of the museum is dedicated to the art of miniatures. You can admire miniaturized sets crafted with striking attention to detail: apartments, workshops, kitchens, shops… tiny worlds more real than life.

  • An interactive, family-friendly visit: the museum appeals to adults and children alike, letting you discover cinema’s behind-the-scenes while marveling at these miniature worlds.

👉 Practical tip: allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit. Book your tickets online, as the museum is very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Evening: Dinner in an authentic bouchon lyonnais

It’s impossible to visit Lyon without tasting its gastronomy. The city is considered the world capital of gastronomy, notably thanks to chef Paul Bocuse.

  • Settle into a bouchon lyonnais, those cozy, convivial restaurants where generous dishes are served.

  • Among the must-try specialties: pike quenelle, tablier de sapeur (breaded tripe), brioche sausage, Lyonnaise salad and, to finish, cervelle de canut (a herb-seasoned fromage blanc spread).

  • To accompany everything, try a glass of Côtes-du-Rhône or Beaujolais.

👉 Tip: the bouchons in Vieux Lyon and on the Presqu’île are the most renowned. Remember to book, especially on weekends.

Day 2: From Croix-Rousse to the Presqu’île, between history and modernity

Day 2 Morning: Croix-Rousse, the hill of the canuts

La fresque des canuts sur la Croix Rousse à Lyon
The Canuts fresco on Croix-Rousse in Lyon

Start the day on the hill of Croix-Rousse, nicknamed “the hill that works.”

  • This neighborhood was long the heart of Lyon’s silk industry.

  • Discover the Mur des Canuts, a huge mural that tells the story and daily life of the weavers.

  • Stroll through the traboules specific to Croix-Rousse, longer and steeper than those in Vieux Lyon.

  • Stop in a neighborhood café to soak up the bohemian, authentic atmosphere.

👉 Practical tip: if you’re a history lover, visit the Maison des Canuts, a museum retracing Lyon’s silk epic and offering loom demonstrations.

👉 Visiting tip: Croix-Rousse, with its lanes and secret traboules, can be tricky to explore alone. To discover the essentials, choose a guided tour or a treasure hunt with our app. An original, self-guided way to dive into the canuts’ history while having fun.

Day 2 Afternoon: The Presqu’île, Lyon’s beating heart

Place des Jacobins sur la Presqu'Ile de Lyon
Place des Jacobins on Lyon’s Presqu’île

Then head down to the Presqu’île, a lively central district between the Rhône and Saône.

  • Place des Terreaux: admire the City Hall and the Bartholdi fountain. Right next door, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is well worth a stop.

  • Rue de la République: the main shopping artery, perfect for a spree.

  • Place Bellecour: one of Europe’s largest squares, dominated by the equestrian statue of Louis XIV. It’s also the ideal starting point for a stroll along the quays.

  • For a gourmet break, stop by Bernachon, an iconic chocolatier. Maison Pralus to taste the famous praluline (brioche with pink pralines) is also an excellent choice.

👉 Tip: in the late afternoon, enjoy a walk along the Rhône or Saône quays. These spaces have been redeveloped for pedestrians and cyclists—a pleasant way to see the city from another angle.

👉 Practical tip: Don’t stop at Lyon’s must-sees—explore the city differently with our unusual tours. Dive into a playful experience with the Treasure Hunt in Lyon – Mysteries of the Presqu’île: a mix of riddles, historical discovery, and an original walk in the heart of Lyon.

Day 2 Late afternoon: Cultural break at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Located on Place des Terreaux, in the former Benedictine convent of Saint-Pierre, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is often nicknamed the “little Louvre” thanks to the richness of its collections. It’s one of the largest museums in France after the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

  • The collections: you’ll find an impressive journey from Antiquity to modern art. From Egyptian sculptures to canvases by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Géricault, via Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse—the museum spans nearly 5,000 years of artistic history.

  • The setting: don’t miss the peaceful cloister garden, a true green interlude in the heart of the city.

  • Temporary exhibitions: the museum regularly hosts high-quality shows that attract art lovers from around the world.

👉 Practical tip: allow at least 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the visit. If you’re short on time, focus on the 19th-century painting gallery and the modern section.

👉 Practical tip: Book your tickets online

Day 2 Evening: Lyon illuminated, between culture and relaxation

To wrap up your stay, several options are available:

  • Dinner cruise on the Saône: a magical experience to admire illuminated monuments from the water.

  • Performance at the Lyon Opera or at the Maison de la Danse: for a cultural touch.

  • Bars and Saône quays: if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, enjoy Lyon’s nightlife on the Presqu’île or the slopes of Croix-Rousse.

👉 Practical tip: if you visit Lyon in December, don’t miss the Festival of Lights, a world-famous event when the city is adorned with thousands of artistic illuminations.

Bonus 1 – for visiting Lyon in 2 days – Parc de la Tête d’Or

A true green lung of the city, the Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the largest urban parks in France at 117 hectares. Located in the 6th arrondissement, it’s a must for a nature break after your cultural visits.

  • A French and English-style garden: between tree-lined avenues, the international rose garden, and tropical greenhouses, the park offers a great diversity of landscapes.

  • A free zoo: you can see giraffes, zebras, lions, and flamingos—all with free access—making it a perfect family outing.

  • A large lake: you can rent rowboats or pedal boats for a romantic or family ride.

👉 Practical tip: the park is particularly pleasant in spring when the rose gardens are in bloom. If you’re traveling with children, it’s a must.

Bonus 2 – for visiting Lyon in 2 days – The Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse

Nicknamed the “belly of Lyon,” the Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse are a paradise for food lovers. Created in 1971 and renovated in 2006, they bear the name of the legendary Lyonnais chef Paul Bocuse.

  • A temple of gastronomy: more than 50 merchants and artisans offer exceptional products: charcuterie, cheeses, seafood, wines, pastries, and chocolates.

  • A unique tasting experience: enjoy fresh oysters on site, a platter of Lyonnais charcuterie, or a glass of wine paired with regional cheeses.

  • Lyonnais know-how: it’s the perfect place to pick up a gourmet souvenir or simply sample the very best of local cuisine.

👉 Practical tip: go in the morning to enjoy the buzz and tastings. It’s an excellent lunch alternative if you want a quick bite while savoring exceptional products.

Practical tips for visiting Lyon in 2 days

  • Transport:
    Lyon has an excellent network of metro, tram, bus, and funiculars (TCL pass). If you plan several trips, opt for the Lyon City Card Pass, which includes transport and entry to many museums. If you’re sporty, the self-service bikes are a good option to avoid crowded transport.

  • Accommodation:
    For a short stay, favor Vieux Lyon, the Presqu’île, or the Part-Dieu district to be at the center of the action.

  • Gastronomy:
    Book your restaurants in advance, especially the bouchons. For a quick but typical break, taste Lyon’s pralines. For those with a sweet tooth, try the coussins de Lyon, a confection made with chocolate and almond paste.

  • Walks:
    Lyon is a city of hills—bring good shoes. The climbs to Fourvière and Croix-Rousse offer superb viewpoints but require a bit of energy.

Conclusion: Lyon in 2 days, a distillation of culture and pleasure

Visiting Lyon in 2 days means diving into a city with a rich historical past, discovering its emblematic neighborhoods, wandering its mysterious traboules, and savoring unique gastronomy.

In just two days, you will have been able to:

  • admire the view from Fourvière,

  • explore the lanes of Vieux Lyon,

  • immerse yourself in the history of the canuts at Croix-Rousse,

  • and enjoy the buzz of the Presqu’île.

Of course, two days go by fast, and Lyon has much more to offer: Parc de la Tête d’Or, the Rhône riverbanks, the Halles Paul Bocuse, or even wine escapes in Beaujolais. But one thing is certain: your Lyon weekend will make you want to come back.

👉 Key takeaway: Lyon is not just a city to visit—it’s a city to live.

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