Lyon in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Lyon is a bourgeois city, the third largest city in France, but often overshadowed by its sisters, Paris and Marseille, yet Lyon has a charm all of its own. From getting lost in its bouchons following in the footsteps of the father of French food, the famous chef Paul Bocuse; wandering the winding streets of La Croix Rousse, to seeing the site of the first ever film at the Lumière Museum, there are many things to see and do in Lyon.

In this article you'll find a guide with maps and highlights to flank the Rhone and Saône rivers with a practical itinerary to make the most of your 48 hours in Lyon.

On the first day you will start your tour in the old town, also known as Vieux Lyon. Here you'll find winding cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings, restaurants and shops. It's easy to get lost in the labyrinthine streets, but that's part of the fun.

The architecture is a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles, with Gothic cathedrals and elegant courtyards. But don't just look up, there are treasures at ground level too. The old town is home to the imposing basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which dates from the late 19th century. It is perched on a hill overlooking the city, and the views from the terrace are breathtaking.

You'll also visit the Gallo-Roman Theatre, which once held up to 20,000 spectators. Of course, no visit to Lyon would be complete without sampling the food and drink. The day's route highlights 10 stops which you can follow using this map. You can do the route by bike with a guided tour or on foot, it's a 3.5 kilometre radius in total.

Morning in Vieux Lyon

The tour starts at the current Place du Change, known in the Middle Ages as the Place de la Draperie, this was the heart of the exchange operations. As early as 1803 it was ceded to the Protestant society 1803 and, by decree, became the "Temple du Change", or Temple of Change. I invite you to see the ideal clock located on its right corner, one of the works of the renowned architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot.

Continue your walk enjoying a croissant, quenelles or saucisson briochéen in one of the local patisseries before arriving at the Museum of Puppetry Art, located in the Hôtel des Pierrevive, although locals know it as the Hotel de Gadagne. It houses a second museum dedicated to the history of Lyon. Continue through the lively shopping district of Quartier Saint-Jean and stop at Place de la Baleine where you'll find a plethora of unique local shops.

And on the next block you'll see **Lyon'**s Palais de Justice building, another of the city's historic monuments. In the same courthouse square you'll see La Maison des Avocats, a Renaissance-style building with a beautiful Tuscan-style courtyard. And two blocks away, the highlight of your morning walk: Lyon Cathedral.

Did you know that

Since the 13th century, Lyon Cathedral has housed a nine-metre-high astronomical clock with an astrolabe where you can see the position of the earth in relation to the sun.

Marvel at the grandeur of the stained glass windows and the intricate details of the Gothic architecture, which dates back to the 12th century.

This is the most beautiful site in the city, especially if you're travelling to Lyon at Christmas when it hosts the Festival of Lights, an event where special effects, music and colour dress the city to celebrate Immaculate Conception Day. Organise your visit among the things to do in Lyon in December to enjoy the event.

Afternoon in the Fourvière district

One of the five reasons to visit France's third most famous city is its gastronomy, so after leaving engrossed by the architecture of the cathedral, it's time to take a break to stimulate the palate, another of the best things to do in Lyon.

Pass through some of the traboules - street passages and courtyards as shortcuts to Fourvière where you can sit in a bouchon, the name given to its terraces and restaurants such as the Bulle Restaurant de Fourvière which offers a tasting menu comprising a starter, main course and dessert from €42. I invite you to try a hearty dish such as coq au vin and andouillette. Accompany it all with local wine or a traditional aperitif, such as Chartreuse bitter herb liqueur.

After lunch, start your evening tour on the Fourvière hill, another of the charms of this city of light, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view.

Did you know that

Fourvière hill is also known as the "mystical mountain" thanks to the nickname given to it by the historian Jules Michelet who recalls in his writings that Lugdunum was part of the 3 legions of Britannia in ancient Rome.

After lunch, head to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an impressive church over 100 years old and a must-see. Explore the surrounding area and fall in love with its Roman Theatre, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the hill.

Later, walk to the Gallo-Roman Museum of Fourvière where you can see a detailed description of Lugdunum, the capital of the Three Gauls. Take your time to appreciate hundreds of objects such as the Claudian Tablet dating from approximately 41-54 A.D. Finally, pass by the Odeon de Lyon before arriving at the Church of St. George, another of Lyon's landmarks.

Night around the Place de Bellecour

In the evening, cross the Saône River and stroll around the Place de Bellecour, where the statue of Louis XIV reigns supreme. This is the largest square in Lyon as well as the largest pedestrian square in Europe. There are also a couple of eye-catching statues: the first is a statue of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince, and the second is a bust of Louis XIV.

The place is excellent for people-watching or just sitting and reflecting. The rhythmic sound of street performers along the pedestrian paths makes for a perfect afternoon in the heart of this charming city. And, if your visit to Lyon is during the December holidays, make a note of the 60-metre high Ferris wheel that is installed during this season.

This neighbourhood offers more than just historical attractions: it's a foodie's paradise and a feast for the senses so it's perfect for dining out on one of Lyon' s best gastronomic tours or even a wine and cheese tasting.

As you continue your journey through the picturesque city of Lyon, you will find yourself in the heart of the vibrant Presqu'île district. It's a cultural and social hub that stretches between the Rhône and Saône rivers, offering a plethora of quaint shops, charming cafés and historic buildings.

And when you feel like a break from all that sensory stimulation, after lunch, you can relax in one of Lyon's most beautiful parks, Parc de la Tête d'Or, just before reaching the highlight of this route: the Institut Lumiere.

To complete your break in Lyon I suggest you visit the rest of the city's must-see sights, so this day the route will be longer, 12km to make your way through 10 stops.

Because of the distance, you can get around by metro, by bus or, my recommendation, by taking a bike tour. The reason? The most popular sites are highlighted on the map, but the route is full of charming places like the Lyon Opera House where you can stop at your leisure if you're on a bike. The intention is that you get the most out of your visit, so the schedule is flexible.

Morning at the Place de la République, Rue Mercière, Palais de la Bourse de Lyon and the Church of Saint-Nictet

Start your tour at the Place de la République, a historic site and a hub of activity in the city where you'll see its quirky central fountain, its year-round carousel, as well as the headquarters of the former Franco-Chinese Institute of Lyon and the Lyon Municipal Library, surrounding architecture among buildings with prime locations that benefit a variety of shops and boutiques.

From the Place de la République, you advance to Rue Mercière, one of Lyon's oldest and busiest streets. Here you'll find a variety of bars and bouchons lyonnais where you can sip a steaming coffee and enjoy a typical croissant or perhaps a Coussin de Lyon to sweeten the morning - an almond cake filled with chocolate ganache. Just a few minutes away from Rue Merciere, you'll find the Palais de la Bourse de Lyon.

This building was built in the 19th century and is a great example of neoclassical architecture. Here you can see the impressive glass dome and admire the majestic entrance. Next, you can't miss an iconic church, so you continue the tour to your next stop at the Church of San Niceto. The Romans once worshipped their gods in this temple, and later, on its ruins, the church was built in the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful in Lyon. Admire the frescoes and Baroque architecture.

Did you know that

Three blocks from the Church of Saint-Nictet, at 6 Rue de la Platière, you will find the fresco "La bibliothèque de la cité", one of Lyon's emblems on the route of its murals. I invite you to take a 5-minute detour to appreciate this work.

The Lyon people are very devoted to the Virgin Mary because they claim to have received her favours on many occasions, such as during the plague that struck the French in the 17th century, as well as during the Prussian invasion in 1870. In both cases it was said that the Virgin managed to save Lyon, so this sacred temple is not only an architectural but also a cultural landmark not to be missed.

Afternoon at Place des Terreaux, La Croix Rousse and the Parc de la Tête d'Or

After a morning of exploring Rue de la République and Rue Mercière, you continue through the heart of the vibrant Presqu'île district at Place des Terreaux. Here you will find the famous Bartholdi fountain, which depicts the French moon goddess Diana. This statue is one of the designs of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, author of the Statue of Liberty.

The square is also the site of the Hôtel de Ville, the seat of Lyon City Hall, which has stood opposite the Lyon Opera House since the 17th century. This building has a baroque architectural structure that is well worth a visit. On the other hand, this building flanks the Place de la Comédie, where you will see the headquarters of the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts and the Place Louis Pradel.

Continue your tour along the banks of the river Saône to reach the Fresco des Lyonnais, one of the outstanding murals on the Lyon mural route, which comprises around 100 works spread throughout the city. Now it's time to recharge your batteries with lunch and you'll be in the right place: La Croix Rousse, a district of the city full of restaurants and bars serving typical regional food.

As you stroll through the Croix-Rousse district, you'll be transported to another world: the "Village des Canuts", where the silk weaving industry once flourished. Here you can't miss a stroll down the winding stairs of the Cour des Voraces, a network of "secret tunnels" that were key to the Resistance during the Second World War.

After lunch, it's time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in France. On its 150 hectares, it has a lake where you can rent boats, a botanical garden, a rose garden and many other attractions.

Say goodbye to the city at Monplaisir with the Lumiere brothers

Leave the Parc de la Tête d'Or behind, to move on to the Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon, one of the city's top cultural destinations. It's perfect to note among your things to do in Lyon with kids.

The museum features artworks by emerging national and international artists, synthetic gardens, and a fusion of classical and contemporary techniques such as stop-motion, one of the most appreciated techniques in France. As a result, it offers a unique and exciting cultural experience.

Finally, say goodbye to Lyon at the Lumiere Museum, the only museum that is a World Heritage Site. It is located in the Monplaisir district, where you can explore the history of cinema from its beginnings.

The museum was founded by the Lumiere brothers, who were pioneers in the film industry and in making films with 46 seconds of revolutionary video. Here you can see some of their masterpieces and learn about their impact on the film industry, as well as learn about their personal history to round off your 48-hour trip to Lyon.