Mur peint du Restaurant Paul Bocuse à Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or
Crédit photo : Pierre Boulat
Lyon is filled with iconic landmarks from the grandeur of Place Bellecour to the historic charm of Saint-Jean Cathedral and the breathtaking Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooking the city. These are must-see stops on any trip to Lyon.
But beyond these top attractions, a different side of the city reveals itself, one shaped by local habits, discreet addresses, and culinary treasures. If you want to truly explore Lyon in just one day, following the recommendations of locals is one of the most rewarding ways to discover its hidden gems.
At Brochier Soieries, our team shares their favorite places: a curated, food-focused walking tour through the hidden gems of Lyon.
Explore Lyon Like a Local: A Culinary Walking Tour
If you only have one day in Lyon, skip the rigid itinerary. Instead, follow the rhythm of the city, from terrace breakfasts to riverside aperitifs.
This alternative walking tour takes you from the Presqu’île to Croix-Rousse Hill, through the banks of the Rhône River and Saône River, and into the heart of neighborhoods where Lyonnais actually live, eat, and gather.
Along the way, you’ll pass near landmarks like the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Place des Terreaux, but the real experience happens just beyond them.
Morning Delights: Terrace Breakfasts and Market Rituals
Julie’s Favorite Things to Do in Lyon
Start your morning at Noze, 13 rue du Griffon, where the terrace offers a perfect vantage point over the Opéra. With a fresh croissant and coffee in hand, you can sightsee in the most relaxed way, watching Lyon wake up under soft morning light.
On weekends, head toward the Rhône for a stroll along Quai Augagneur. After browsing the local market, settle in at Café du Rhône, a historic café dating back to 1902. Its ceramic murals depicting Lyon’s landscapes are a quiet reminder of the city’s artistic heritage.
For a quick lunch near the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Brochier Soieries silk printing workshop, stop by Pâtes et Raviolis. Just behind Place des Terreaux, this hidden gem serves fresh, homemade pasta that rivals any Italian trattoria. Closer to Perrache, Mazzi offers a family-run experience: simple, authentic, and deeply comforting with fresh pastas cooked by big daddy!
Midday in Lyon: From Croix-Rousse to Riverside Terraces
Local Bistros and Relaxed Lunch Spots
At the foot of Croix-Rousse Hill, Albert stands out with its purple façade and intimate terrace. This is the kind of place Lyonnais love: seasonal cuisine, a warm atmosphere, and a true neighborhood spirit rooted in the historic silk workers’ district.
For something different, the terrace at Breizh Café Lyon is perfect for enjoying Breton galettes in the heart of the city.
Photo du mur peint Paul Bocuse à Lyon
Crédit : Michel Djaoui
Afternoon Hidden Gems: Vieux Lyon and Saint-Georges
Marguerite’s Picks for a Food Tour in Lyon
After a visit to Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traboules (covered passageways) and Renaissance architecture, explore the quieter Saint-Georges district.
For a relaxed lunch, Café 203 offers excellent value and a lively, local atmosphere, with terraces ideal for sunny days.
Nearby, Grive Épicier Bistrotier serves refined small plates designed for sharing. Their crispy sweetbreads are a must-try, especially on the terrace overlooking the Saône during long summer evenings.
For a more traditional experience, Court Bouillon Lyon captures the essence of a chic Lyonnais bistro.
And at 5inq Mains, seasonal French cuisine is reimagined with creativity and warmth, making it one of the most unusual things to discover in this historic area.
Evening in Lyon: Rooftops, Wine, and Hidden Restaurants
Cédric Brochier’s Must-Visit Hidden Gems
As the day winds down, Lyon reveals another side: elegant, intimate, and deeply atmospheric.
Start with a glass of champagne at “Le Rooftop,” a discreet rooftop terrace on 11 rue du Bât d’Argent. It’s one of those hidden gems of Lyon that even many locals overlook.
For sunset, Botani Café offers spectacular views over the Rhône, with the Fourvière Basilica and the Grand Hôtel-Dieu as a backdrop.
Dinner options abound. Restaurant Théodore, located in Grand-Hôtel Dieu next to Brochier Soieries Museum, delivers a refined take on classic Lyonnais cuisine, a nod to the legacy of Paul Bocuse and the nearby Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
For a more intimate setting, Arsëne is a hidden treasure — perfect for a romantic evening, with delicate cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
Wine lovers should not miss Café Terroir, where traditional dishes like œufs meurette and escargots meet an exceptional wine selection.
Finally, Chez Hugon, 12 rue Pizay, remains one of the most authentic bouchons in Lyon — a place where generations of Brochier have gathered to celebrate true Lyonnais hospitality.
Terrasse du bistrot Théodore
Late-Night Treats and Alternative Spots
Pauline’s Hidden Gems in Lyon’s 7th Arrondissement
For a more alternative side of Lyon, head to the 7th arrondissement, near Rue Pasteur. This student district is full of energy and creativity, with spots like Ilegal Social Club, Féroce, La Fourmilière Café, and Boleh Lah offering diverse, modern dining experiences.
To end your day on a sweet note, head back toward Vieux Lyon for artisanal ice cream at René Nardone. This family-run institution, with its iconic mural and lively terrace, is the perfect stop after a day of exploring.
Vue au coucher du soleil sur les toits de la ville et du Grand Hôtel-Dieu.
Crédits photo: Krom Galerie
Discover Lyon Differently
While a Lyon City Card or a guided tour can help you sightsee efficiently, the true magic of the city lies in its hidden corners.
From the silk trade history of Croix-Rousse to the vibrant confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, from Roman ruins to modern architecture like the Musée des Confluences, Lyon offers endless layers to explore.
But if you only have one day in Lyon, following local recommendations, lingering on a terrace, sharing a meal, discovering a tucked-away address, might just be the most memorable way to visit Lyon.
Because beyond the map of Lyon and its top attractions, the real city is waiting to be discovered.