7 Things You Must Do in Lyon – The Gastronomic Capital of France

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, this UNESCO-listed city offers more than just world-class cuisine. Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, you’ll find Renaissance alleyways in Vieux Lyon (Old Town), panoramic views from Fourvière Hill, and stunning murals proudly commemorating Lyon’s culture. Whether you’re wandering traboules or indulging in a classic bouchon, Lyon promises a rich, layered experience that captures the heart of French culture. We spent a lovely weekend in Lyon and list the best things to do across two days.

Lyon’s identity is tightly woven with its silk-making past. In the 19th century, the city was the epicenter of Europe’s silk trade, home to thousands of canuts (silk workers). To move their delicate fabrics quickly and safely through the city they used secret covered passageways called traboules. These narrow, stone corridors cut through buildings and courtyards, connecting streets in an almost maze-like fashion. Today, you can still explore many of them, where restored traboules invite curious visitors to step into Lyon’s hidden past. Look for small plaques or push open discreet doors — and suddenly, you’re in another century.

We found exploring these traboules a fun afternoon activity and noticed many apartments had unusually high ceilings. These are a lasting physical reminder of Lyon’s industrial past, as the Jacquard looms used to weave the silk were normally up to 4 metres tall. This Joseph Jacquard’s invention led the way to the invention of the computer due to his punch card system.

Lyon transforms everyday buildings into open-air art galleries with its stunning murals and frescoes. These larger-than-life artworks bring Lyon’s history and creativity to life, turning even the most ordinary street corner into a moment of discovery. Located in the heart of the Presqu’île district, the Fresque des Lyonnais is one of Lyon’s most iconic murals — a massive 800-square-metre painting that spans an entire building facade on Rue de la Martinière.

This masterpiece features over 30 famous Lyonnais figures. The mural seamlessly blends the past and present, showcasing Lyon’s rich contributions to literature, film, science, and gastronomy. It’s more than street art — it’s a living tribute to the city’s soul. Sherry and I may not be artistic, but this truly impressed us — a brilliant tribute to Lyon’s icons.

Many consider Lyon the gastronomic capital of France — and with good reason. At the heart of its rich culinary scene are bouchons, traditional Lyonnaise restaurants that serve hearty dishes in rustic settings. Dine like a local with plates of quenelles (fluffy fish dumplings), sausage, and Lyonnaise potatoes, paired nicely with a glass of Côtes du Rhône.

Next, browse Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a legendary indoor food market. Wander and snack your way through its mouthwatering stalls. Finally, no visit to Lyon is complete without tasting the city’s most eye-catching pastry: the brioche aux pralines roses. Bakers craft this soft, buttery brioche by generously studding it with pink sugar-coated almonds, creating a sweet crunch and its signature vibrant colour.

We had many delicious meals and quickly saw why Lyon is so highly rated for its gastronomy. The highlights that stood out were the amazing fresh oysters at Les Halles and the meal we had at Aromatic restaurant. Tucked away in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, Aromatic Restaurant offers a refined yet approachable take on modern French cuisine. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative pairings, this intimate spot blends bistro charm with gastronomic flair. With a 5 course tasting menu at EUR56, it is unbeatable value for beautifully plated dishes that highlight local produce and subtle, aromatic touches—true to its name.

Another memorable meal was the one we had at Auberge des canuts. Having explored Fourviere Hill, we ventured down into the Old Town and came across this lively bouchon. With Cathedrale Saint Jean Baptiste at its doorstep, the views elevated the ambience. Sherry really wanted to try the quenelles and they did not disappoint. Finally, I wanted to try the brioche praline that was picked one up with our morning coffee. It’s a nice buttery pastry with sweet crunchy delights.

Perched above the city, Fourvière Hill offers one of the most unforgettable views in Lyon. Whether you hike up from Vieux Lyon or ride the funicular, Fourvière is a must-visit. The funicular in Lyon, affectionately known as the “ficelle” by locals, is one of the oldest forms of public transport in the city. It is also included with Lyon’s City Card ticket. There are two carriages, one ascends while the other counterbalances and descends, so prepare to wait.

Once atop, we visited the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a majestic white church that dominates the skyline and dazzles inside with intricate mosaics and stained glass. Also nearby are the Ancient Roman Theatres of Lyon. Built in 15 BC, the Grand Théâtre is the oldest Roman theatre in France, and the amphitheatres still host open-air events today. We were able to sit and admire the surroundings with sweeping views of the Saône and Rhône rivers.

Lyon is not only a culinary and historical gem — it’s also a city bursting with cultural treasures and diverse museums. From world-class institutions like the Musée des Beaux-Arts, often called the “little Louvre,” to interactive and family-friendly experiences like the Musée de l’Illusion, Lyon offers something for every curiosity.

As we’ve mentioned before, Sherry and I are not art buffs. We’ve been to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa but didn’t spend all afternoon admiring the magnificent pieces. We decided to explore the Musée de l’Illusion because it had started to rain in Lyon whilst we were there. The exhibits seen from the outside piqued our curiosity and we ended up having fun exploring the mind bending illusions. It turned into a fun activity fit for all ages and one we would definitely recommend fitting in.

A UNESCO Heritage site, Vieux Lyon’s allure lies in its seamless blend of medieval charm and Renaissance grandeur. Consequently, it is one of the largest preserved historic district in Europe. As you wander its cobbled alleys, you’ll pass gothic churches, arched passageways, and Renaissance-era townhouses with pastel facades, wrought-iron balconies, and sculpted window frames. Many buildings feature inner courtyards and elegant stone staircases that reflect the influence of Italian bankers and merchants who once lived here.

We took a walking tour around Vieux Lyon and loved wandering down the cobbled laneways. After passing by many bouchons, we came across the funky Charvet Clock and observed the performance of its inbuilt characters. A melody springs from the clock every 15 minutes with a grand ringing on the hour. Another clock worth visiting is the astronomical clock inside Cathedrale Saint Jean Baptiste, the oldest one of its kind in France. The nine metre clock has an astrolabe that indicates the date, the position of the moon, sun, and the earth, as well as the stars in the sky over Lyon.

Located in the heart of the Presqu’île district, Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most iconic and vibrant squares, brimming with history, art, and local life. Framed by grand architecture, at the center of the square stands the striking Bartholdi Fountain, a sculpture created by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi — the same artist behind the Statue of Liberty. Surrounded by Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, this historic plaza is a hub of cultural significance.

We didn’t visit the City Hall or Museum of Fine Arts but we headed to the Place des Terreaux to admire the fountain and meet up with our walking tour. The square is massive and we were able to people watch whilst getting a coffee.

We’d be Lyon if we said we didn’t have a fantastic time. What’s not to love? Great food, great culture and lots to explore. We hope this inspires your next Lyon itinerary, we’d love to hear your comments below!