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Plan Your Trip to Lyon: Best of Lyon Tourism

Lyon, France

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighbourhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travellers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets. (When we say "interesting," we mean it.)
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Essential Lyon

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Lyon Is Great For

Wine Tastings

Bars

Culinary Tours

Games & rides

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

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Lyon travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Historical and Cultural Exploration

According to forum posts, exploring Vieux Lyon (the old town) is a must-do activity. Travelers have recommended climbing or taking the tram to the top of the hill to the Basilica of Notre-Dame for stunning views and visiting the Roman Theatre.

Culinary Experiences

Some travelers said visiting Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a renowned food market, provides great insight into the local cuisine. Additionally, enjoying a meal in local bouchons, traditional Lyon restaurants, is highly recommended for an authentic culinary experience.

Unique Attractions

For many users, experiencing the hidden traboules (passageways) in the old city is a highlight of visiting Lyon. Also, taking a rooftop tour at Fourvière Basilica offers a unique perspective with incredible views over Lyon.

Outdoor and Leisure Activities

Travelers have called out the Jardin des Curiosités for its panoramic view of Lyon and the Fourvière Basilica. Additionally, the Parc de la Tête d’Or is perfect for a relaxed day out with a zoo and boat rentals available.

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Public Transport

According to forum posts, the Rhônexpress is a direct option from Lyon airport to the city center. The service takes travelers to Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie station, from which the Metro Line A can be accessed to reach central Lyon spots like Opera, Cordeliers, or Bellecour.

Taxi Services

Some travelers have mentioned that taxis are available at Lyon airport with stands located outside Terminals 1 and 2. The fare to the city center at night is approximately between €65-70, but some users noted that actual prices might be higher, around €80.

Ride-Sharing

For many users, Uber presents a cheaper alternative to taxis, potentially costing about half the price of a taxi ride. However, arranging an Uber might be more complicated during late hours or for those unfamiliar with the service.

General Advice

Travelers have called out that it's wise to confirm the taxi fare before departure and check payment methods, ensuring a smoother transfer to the city.

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Car Rental Locations

According to forum posts, travelers recommend renting a car from locations near the main train stations in Lyon, such as Perrache and Part Dieu. These locations are convenient for accessing major highways quickly.

Car Rental Companies and Booking Tips

Some travelers have mentioned using international car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis/Budget, Europcar, and Sixt. Additionally, they suggest using brokers like Autoeurope for potentially better rates. It's advised to confirm the availability of the rental agency at your preferred pickup location and to understand the terms, especially for car returns.

Car Rental Return

Travelers have called out that while picking up rental cars in Lyon is straightforward, returning them can be challenging due to tricky navigation back to the rental lots. It is suggested to plan the car return route in advance to avoid confusion.

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Local Specialties

Some travelers recommended experiencing Lyon's traditional bouchons for authentic local cuisine. Daniel et Denise Créqui and Café Comptoir Abel were highlighted for offering delicious, traditional food in a cozy atmosphere.

Michelin-Starred Options

For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Têtedoie and Café Terroir were mentioned for their quality and service. Têtedoie offers a Michelin-starred experience, potentially fitting into a moderate budget if opting for the lunch menu.

Atmospheric Dining

Travelers have called out Flair for its trendy and lively ambiance, making it suitable for groups seeking both a vibrant atmosphere and quality meals. Café Comptoir Abel also offers outdoor seating, ideal for people-watching and enjoying the city vibe.

Casual and Varied Dining

For a more casual dining scene, users suggested the food hall at Food Traboule, where a variety of options are available in a self-service setting, providing flexibility and a laid-back dining experience.

Recommendation Tips

According to forum posts, making reservations, especially during weekends or public holidays, is advisable to secure a spot in popular eateries like Café Comptoir Abel and various bouchons.

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Local Tour Guides in Lyon

According to forum posts, travelers looking for local guides in Lyon have several options. Some have used Lyon City Greeters for personalized tours, noting that guides often have excellent English skills and offer insights into lesser-known spots. The website for this service is mentioned in the posts: https://en.lyon-france.com/Discover-Lyon/like-a-local-with-a-greeter.

Tour Options

For those interested in exploring Lyon with a guide, several travelers mentioned specific websites and tours. The Office of Tourism for Lyon offers guided tours, which can be found at https://en.visiterlyon.com/visites-guidees.html. Additionally, the website https://www.freetourlyon.com/ provides access to free walking tours, with options for private tours as well.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have called out that while some tours can be found through various websites, direct booking with local tour operators might provide more personal and tailored experiences. Users have shared links to local tour providers and recommended checking them for up-to-date offerings and the ability to choose a guide that fits personal preferences.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.