How to Spend 2 Days in Lyon

With two days in Lyon, not only can you see the sights, but you’ll also have time to sip fantastic wine, indulge in views from Fourvière hill and Croix-Rousse hill, and dive deeper into Lyon's culinary scene at world-renowned restaurants and markets. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Lyon.

Day 1: Sightseeing and Museums

Morning: Sightseeing early is a great way to avoid crowds, so visit Lyon's top attractions and city squares with a morning hop-on-hop-off-bus tour or Segway tour. Food walking tours are also a great way to sample local cuisine, while culinary e-bike tours offer the best of both worlds.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon soaking up culture. Fine-arts aficionados can visit the stately Fine Arts Museum or Lyon Printing Museum—both free with a Lyon City Card, which you can buy in advance for citywide deals. End your afternoon at central Place des Terreaux, before heading to the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.

Night: Take the last afternoon tram tour to Croix-Rousse for panoramic vistas, then take your pick of several neighborhood eateries for dinner, including restaurants with a coveted Michelin star. After a fantastic meal, stroll to the Big Pebble (Le Gros Caillou) for outstanding views and a digestif.

Day 2: History, Wine, and Cuisine

Morning: Because Lyon is surrounded by wine regions, start your day with a half-day or full-day tour to nearby wineries. Travelers that want a half-day tour can head to nearby Côte-Rôtie and Beaujolais. Enjoy direct travel from Lyon as you're whisked through charming villages to regional vineyards for tastings.

Afternoon: Continue your vineyard tour, and spend the afternoon in the tasting rooms of Beaune, Burgundy, or Pérouges. Some tours stick to vineyards, while others offer sightseeing in nearby medieval towns. End the culinary-themed afternoon in Lyon with a guided food excursion in the Old City.

Night: From the Old Town, head to Lyon's incredible hilltop church: the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Take the funicular up the hillside, or try a traboule —or medieval walkway—along the Montée des Chazeaux. Snake through Lyon's historic buildings toward the cathedral, and when you arrive, enjoy stunning views from the Fourvière esplanade.