Lyon Itinerary 1 Day

A Day in Lyon - Perfect 24 Hours Guide

The third largest city in France, Lyon still seems like a quaint small town. Holding its history close to its heart, it has a million stories to tell through churches and squares, streets and buildings. A hint of modernity was all that was required to make this city irresistible, and with its lush green parks, flowing two rivers and its many museums, this too has been achieved. 1 day in Lyon is not enough to explore it all. But if you start early and are a tireless traveler, you will be surprised at how much you’ll be able to cover! This Lyon Itinerary- 1 Day is packed with the most mesmerizing places in the city. Go through it, feel free to customize, and set out on this incredible journey of cobblestone streets, archaic churches, and Michelin restaurants.

How to spend 1 day in Lyon?

Step back into the 16th century by exploring the streets of Vieux Lyon in the morning

Start off your 1-day trip in Lyon by touring the Old Town. Once the hub of the city, this area was the main residential, as well as the market area in the 16th century. The area boasts of having the most spectacular monuments of the city, all in one place, and a tour of them all will be the perfect start to your day. To give you a brief idea of the Old Town, also known as Vieux Lyon, it is set along the river Saone. While the most famous tourist attractions here include the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Musées Gadagne, Église Saint-Paul and Musee Miniature Et Cinema, one thing that you must look out for are Traboules. Traboules Du Vieux Lyon is unique passageways that served the merchants by connecting them to various parts of the city. Lyon is famous for these labyrinth cobblestone passages, and they are mostly located in this area. It may be interesting to note that Vieux Lyon has gained the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes it a must-visit!

Breakfast: Boulangerie Du Palais and A La Marquise are some of the most favored breakfast places. Depending on where you are, you will find a number of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants serving a warm delicious breakfast. Brunch feasts are also available in some fine dining restaurants in this area.

The afternoon will be filled with art, history, and food

After the morning tour around Vieux Lyon, there are a few more spectacular sites that are worth visiting that are located near the Old Town. While the Old Town gives you a glimpse of the soul of the city, these places will add a sparkling touch to it. Théâtre Gallo Romain and La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière are the most significant sites that cannot be missed. For lunch, head to the other side of the river, and Presqu'île has the choicest restaurants that serve local, traditional delicacies. Presqu'île is one of the best places to observe archaic architecture amidst fun activities like shopping and feasting. Home to a number of shopping arcades and cafes and restaurants, it is an important modern site that must be visited. It is located in La Croix-Rousse, expanding from the foothill to the rivers.

While between the rivers, you can choose to pay Mur des Canuts, Place de la Croix-Rousse, and Place des Terreaux a visit.

Lunch: While dinner at La Bijouterie is a feast, to say the least, lunch is in no way less grand. Michelin star restaurants are many, and local eateries too! Indulge in pork and bouchons!

Snacks: Fun and delicious goodies can be found at Le Pain d’Hippolyte.

A relaxing evening at the Parc de la Tête d'Or

24 hours in Lyon must include Parc de la Tête d'Or. The famed urban garden of Lyon is nothing less than a paradise! Multi-hued trees, fragrant plants, freshly cut grass, and the small lake that flows through it is often the destination for families here. The lake offers many water activities, the small zoo that bonuses excitement, while the park buzzes with a docile energy. Spend the last couple of hours of your 1 day in Lyon here.

Dinner: Le Gourmet de Séze is a fine dining Michelin Star restaurant near the park that can be the perfect end to your day. Other dining options are also available.