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What to do on your first day in Lyon ?
First visit to Lyon: the must-see sights
Not to be missed in Lyon
Last updated date : 07/09/2026
Are you visiting Lyon for just one day or for a short weekend? Here’s our suggested itinerary to take in most of the must-see sights and discover the city’s highlights (and make you want to come back!)
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Fancy exploring Lyon in the blink of an eye without having to rush around? Why not opt for a leisurely tour or a more active one! A guided boat trip on the Saône, a guided tour by bike or on a double-decker bus – here are several original ways to take in the city at a fast pace!
The Store
Cruises and tours to see the whole city in no time at all!
Our itinerary to see as much as possible in a single day!
For your first day in Lyon, we’ll take you on a tour of the historic heart of Lyon and its neighbourhoods listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Roman theatres on Fourvière Hill, through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon and the Haussmann-style avenues of the Presqu’île, travel through the ages and soak up the atmosphere of these diverse neighbourhoods. You’ll see: Lyon is a veritable open-air museum, and it’s very easy to explore on foot!
The must-see sites along the route
Places to grab a bite to eat
A walk like this is bound to work up an appetite, and that’s just as well, because here, food is also part of the experience! That’s right – you simply can’t visit the World Capital of Gastronomy without sampling its specialities. Pike quenelles, Lyonnaise salad, rosette, brioche-wrapped sausage, andouillettes or even praline tart… Take a seat in a certified Lyonnais bouchon and discover the very best that Lyon’s cuisine has to offer.
Not keen on Lyon-style cuisine? Why not try some other restaurants? From traditional brasseries to bistronomic or fine-dining establishments… Find the perfect place here.
Our tips for saving time...
Make the most of your time there – use public transport! Funiculars, buses and the underground will make your life easier.
… And money!
To make the most of your day without breaking the bank, take advantage of the Lyon City Card. Guided boat trips on the Saône, museums, Guignol puppet shows… There are plenty of special offers and discounts waiting for you.
Extend your stay
Here’s one last piece of advice before we let you go: come back! There are still a thousand and one things to do and see! From the Croix-Rousse, the bustling hillside district, to the ultra-modern Confluence district, via the Tête d’Or park and the picturesque quays of the Saône and the Rhône, Lyon still has a thousand facets to offer.
