When planning a trip to Lyon, France, many travelers ask themselves what to do in Lyon in 3 days. The city—often considered the crown jewel of gastronomy and history—offers a mix of Old Lyon’s cobbled streets, Roman ruins, panoramic views, and a vibrant modern district. With its public transport network, nearest metro access to all major sites, and walkable neighborhoods, Lyon is the perfect destination for a long weekend.
This 3-day Lyon itinerary will guide you through the highlights: from the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon and the majesty of Fourvière Hill to the artistic spirit of la Croix-Rousse and the futuristic Confluence district. Along the way, you’ll explore hidden gems, sample world-class cuisine, and connect with Lyon’s deep history.
Day 1: Discovering Old Lyon and Fourvière Hill
Old Lyon: A step back in time
Start your adventure in Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe. Wandering through its cobbled streets feels like traveling back to the Middle Ages.
Here, you’ll find hidden passageways known as traboules, once used by silk merchants to move textiles across the city. These hidden gems are now open to the public and are a fun way to explore the city’s history. Don’t miss Rue Saint-Jean, lined with traditional French restaurants and boutique shops showcasing local artists.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste
The centerpiece of Vieux Lyon is the Cathédrale Saint Jean Baptiste. Construction started in the 12th century, blending Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive astronomical clock, a true fun fact for visitors, which has fascinated locals since the 14th century.
The cathédrale Saint Jean is not only a spiritual landmark but also a window into Lyon’s past, connecting visitors to centuries of history and faith.
Fourvière Hill and Basilica
In the afternoon, take the nearest metro or climb on foot to Fourvière Hill. This area is home to the Fourvière Basilica, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture that dominates the skyline. Inside, mosaics and stained glass rival any cathedral in France.
Behind the basilica lies the Lugdunum Museum (Gallo-Roman Museum) and the Roman amphitheater, where you can explore Lyon’s ancient roots. These Gallo-Roman sites provide context to the city’s origins as Lugdunum, capital of Roman Gaul.
From the esplanade, panoramic views stretch across the Saône River, the city hall, and all of Lyon. It’s the perfect ending to your first day.
Day 2: La Croix-Rousse and the artistic side of Lyon
La Croix-Rousse
Day two is dedicated to la Croix-Rousse, often called the “hill that works.” Once the center of Lyon’s silk industry, this neighborhood still exudes artisan energy. Walking through the first arrondissement, you’ll find hidden passageways, independent boutiques, and local artists’ workshops.
The neighborhood’s charm comes from its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. Whether on foot or by public transport, exploring Croix Rousse is essential to any 3 days in Lyon itinerary.
Mur des Canuts
No visit to Croix Rousse is complete without admiring the Mur des Canuts, one of the largest murals in Europe. This amazing mural depicts the life of silk workers and captures the neighborhood’s history. It’s not just art—it’s a living story of Lyon’s working-class roots and cultural pride.
Just a few steps away, you can also visit Soierie Vivante or the Atelier Mattelon, where demonstrations and guided visits reveal the secrets of silk weaving and printing. These workshops bring Lyon’s silk heritage to life and allow visitors to connect directly with the craftsmanship that shaped the identity of the Croix Rousse district.
Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville
From Croix Rousse, descend to the Place des Terreaux, a grand square surrounded by important landmarks. On one side is the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), a symbol of Lyon’s political power. On the other, the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum) offers collections spanning ancient to modern art.
In the square’s center stands the Bartholdi fountain, a sculptural masterpiece. Spending time here connects you to Lyon’s civic and cultural heart.
Historically, the bas des pentes de la Croix Rousse (the lower slopes of Croix Rousse) was the district of the Maisons de Soierie, where silk merchants and manufacturers established their workshops. Today, one of the last of these houses still exists: the Maison Brochier Soieries, located at 33 rue Romarin. Its printing workshop can be visited, offering a rare opportunity to step inside a living piece of Lyon’s silk heritage just a few steps from Place des Terreaux.
Day 3: Confluence and Lyon’s New Perspectives
Grand Hôtel-Dieu & Brochier Silk Museum: a must-see stop before exploring Confluence
Before heading to the contemporary Confluence district, begin your third day with a visit to the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, one of Lyon’s most iconic landmarks. Originally founded as a hospital in the Middle Ages and beautifully restored in recent years, it now hosts an elegant collection of boutiques, restaurants, inner courtyards, and heritage spaces bathed in natural light.
Inside, you’ll also find the Brochier Silk Museum, a refined showcase dedicated to Lyon’s silk-making tradition. This boutique-museum highlights the craftsmanship of Maison Brochier, its printed collections, unique archives, and rich family heritage. It’s the perfect introduction to Lyon’s silk history before continuing on to the city’s more modern neighborhoods.
Confluence district
Your final day in Lyon takes you south to the Confluence district, where the Rhône and Saône River meet. Once an industrial zone, this area has been transformed into an ultra-modern neighborhood filled with striking architecture, eco-friendly buildings, and cultural spaces.
The highlight is the Musée des Confluences, an extraordinary structure resembling a crystal cloud. Inside, exhibitions cover everything from anthropology to natural history. Exploring Confluence shows Lyon’s ability to balance history with modern innovation.
Lugdunum Museum and Roman heritage
If you missed it on Day 1, return to the Lugdunum Museum. Often called the Gallo-Roman Museum, it houses mosaics, statues, and everyday objects from Lyon’s Roman past. Don’t forget the Roman amphitheater, still used today for performances.
This museum brings to life the era when Lyon was the capital of Gaul—a reminder of the city’s significance across centuries.
Wine bars and local cuisine
As your trip nears its end, indulge in Lyon’s reputation as the gastronomic capital of France. Explore wine bars that pair regional wines with local delicacies. Tastings often include expert wine pairings that elevate the experience.
Dining in restaurants around Old Lyon or Croix Rousse allows you to savor traditional French dishes like quenelles or coq au vin. This culinary journey perfectly complements the cultural exploration of your 3 days in Lyon.
Practical tips for your 3 days in Lyon
Train station access: Lyon is just two hours from Paris by TGV, making it an easy destination.
Public transport: The metro and tram system make it easy to move between districts. Each stop is near major attractions.
Extra cost sites: While most attractions are free to admire from the outside, museums like the Lugdunum Museum or Musée des Beaux Arts may require a ticket.
Walkable city: Much of Lyon can be explored on foot, especially Old Lyon, Croix Rousse, and the city center.
Conclusion: What to do in Lyon in 3 days
This 3 days in Lyon itinerary showcases the city’s best:
Day 1: Old Lyon, Cathédrale Saint Jean Baptiste, Fourvière Hill, and the Lugdunum Museum.
Day 2: La Croix-Rousse, the Mur des Canuts, Soierie Vivante, Atelier Mattelon, and Place des Terreaux with the Maison Brochier Soieries.
Day 3: The Confluence district, hidden gems, and Lyon’s wine bars and cuisine.
Whether wandering cobbled streets, admiring Roman ruins, or enjoying a glass of wine by the Saône River, Lyon proves to be a destination of history, architecture, and gastronomy.
So, if you are planning what to do in Lyon in 3 days, follow this itinerary—you’ll see why Lyon is not only worth visiting but unforgettable.
— Written by Maison Brochier Soieries
Passionate about Lyon’s history, textile heritage, and inspiring journeys that invite you to experience the city from a new perspective.