Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Lyon
Best Free Things to Do in Lyon
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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88 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Walking Areas
Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Griffon - Royale
Flea & Street Markets
Cordeliers - Jacobins
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
Griffon - Royale
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Open now
Churches & Cathedrals
Cordeliers - Jacobins
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
What travellers are saying
- HappySingapore, Singapore410 contributionsTake the funicular to the Cathedral. Avoid weekends as the queue is long. The town around is nice and quiet. I would go again. The gift shop is also a place to visit.Written January 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vastagorgijLyon, France88 contributionsThis magical place with great atmosphere. Cozy restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy the great view of lyon. You should try bakeries (specifically pain au chocolates) and you must go to the bouchon, special restaurants of lyon.Written January 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Randy SStansbury Park, UT72 contributionsParc de la Tête d'Or is hands down one of my favorite places in Lyon, and it’s easy to see why. This vast and picturesque park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a scenic picnic spot, or a place to connect with nature, this park has it all.
The park’s centerpiece is its beautiful lake, where you can rent a boat and leisurely paddle around, taking in the lush surroundings. The large open spaces are perfect for a relaxing afternoon, with plenty of green lawns and shaded areas to enjoy the outdoors. There’s also a charming rose garden that’s particularly stunning when the flowers are in full bloom.
One of the park's standout features is its zoo, which is home to a variety of animals in a natural, well-kept environment. It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The botanical garden is another gem, showcasing a wide range of plant species in beautifully designed areas.
For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, there are walking and biking paths, making it a great place for an active day in nature. The park also has several cafés where you can stop for a refreshment while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Overall, Parc de la Tête d'Or is a must-visit for anyone in Lyon. It’s a perfect blend of nature, beauty, and relaxation, and it’s always a place I love to return to for a peaceful retreat. Whether you're spending a few hours or the whole day, this park offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.Written January 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mshapiro99Sterling, VA1,652 contributionsWe opted instead for the self-guided tour so we could explore and linger are our interest dictated. What a wonderful market -beautifully prepared and presented food of all types ... beautiful seafood, meats, charcuterie, cheeses, bread, pastries, chocolate ... more than something for everyone. A real treat to visit!Written November 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StanBrynmawrBrynmawr, UK722 contributionsUse the funicular railway or walk up from Vieux Ville for the more adventurous, the view at the top gives you an amazing panorama of Lyon. Can be a busy photo spot.Written June 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- geelongexpatMelbourne, Australia1,285 contributionsGrand old Amphitheatre that is now UNESCO listed. Entry was free. It's worth noting that when I went (August 2024) there was a fair amount of construction here. -1 star for that.Written August 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GhazalDüsseldorf, Germany678 contributionsIt is worth going there and seeing this beautiful painted wall and taking some cool pictures. I enjoyed walking to there and watching this placeWritten December 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MNRLVEUColumbus, OH412 contributionsThese are a hidden gem in the old town. They can be tricky to find the open ones do have a placard noting the entrance. As noted in the other review, most have been closed, according to our tour guide, unfortunately due to rude tourists yelling and a screaming and giving no respect to the fact people live here, it’s not Disney. Go enjoy but be respectfulWritten July 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MNRLVEUColumbus, OH412 contributionsThis is another great part of Lyon. Plenty of shopping both high end designers and other more affordable options. Great area for strolling, shopping and plenty of people watching. Great placeWritten July 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul FChesterfield, UK5,119 contributionsThe Basilica in Lyon is really worth a visit, best way is via the Fenicula railway.
The position of this historical Basilica is very imposing and dominates the area....stunning views right across Lyon to the Alps.
The architecture and freezes are both large, bold, colourful and full of history.Written December 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - StanBrynmawrBrynmawr, UK722 contributionsPlace Bellecour is a massive square in the heart of the Confluence "island". Large open space, often used for events. One massive statue in the middle. Handy as tourist centre at one end where you can also catch the metro. Beware of pickpockets especially on the metro.Written June 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hockeydad900La Canada Flintridge, CA378 contributionsInteresting old neighborhood high up on the hills in the north of Lyon. Lots of stairs! Many shops and restaurants and the old traboule passageways to explore. Great views over the city. Also be sure to see the old Roman forum that held 20,000 people from all over France.Written October 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lee APhiladelphia, PA700 contributionsOh my gosh, this tompe l'oeil mural, of famous residents of Lyon, is really impressive. From ye olde saints to contemporary writers, it is, literally, a who's who of Lyon.Written September 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- socagirl99London, UK29 contributionsExcellent for a free museum. Really interesting to walk around and see the inside of the prison that was used in WW2 and up to 2009. Notice boards in French but you did get an English summary of the prison and the boards can be translated on your phone. There are free tours but make sure you turn up to the correct language tour! Would recommend a visitWritten November 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kaori TDubai, United Arab Emirates269 contributionsNot very large but it is very nice. The city hall is striking. The fountain is Highlighted. Square Is a must visit in Lyon.Written January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
