Old Lyon Travel Guide
Lyon
Visit Old Lyon
Popular places to visit
Lyon Cathedral
See the remarkable 600-year-old astronomical clock that chimes in this long-standing religious monument.
Palais de Justice de Lyon
Take a guided tour of this fine example of neoclassical architecture to learn about the rich history of the French legal system.
Cinema and Miniature Museum
You can study the exhibits at Cinema and Miniature Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Lyon. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Part Dieu Mall
During your visit to Lyon, you can do some window-shopping at Part Dieu Mall. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Bellecour Square
Relax at a café in one of Europe’s largest open squares and enjoy the French ambiance generated by street performers and live music.
Place des Terreaux
Life unfolds in this beautiful and busy central square, home to a superb fountain sculpted by Statue of Liberty designer, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi.
Things to do
Lyon City Card Public Transportation & 40 attractions
Lyon: Private Walking Tour of "Traboules" in the Old Town
Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)
Highlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)
Lyon Sunset Food Tour: Full Meal of Lyon’s Best Bites
Top hotels in Old Lyon
Le Phenix Hotel
"Very nice location and wonderful breakfast. However, the room I booked which was not inexpensive was like an attic with tattered carpet and cramped layout with a quite small bed. The reception was very kind to give me another room, which at least had laminate floors and a more comfortable bed. The ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel
"Hotel itself is beautiful. Pool and amenities as advertised. Staff are well trained, professional, and very friendly. The room fit and fondue do not reflect the price - layouts are quite strange, ie. no sink on the same floor as the toilet and shower. And Bring your own mattress because the beds ..."
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Académie Hôtel Lyon
"Room was very clean and roomy. It’s a very old building and there are rooms that have no windows though. That’s fine if there is a significant price difference but not good for a multi-night stay. Best to call in advance to try to get one of the couple of rooms that have windows. It’s also perfectly ..."
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
Campanile PRIME - Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu
"Liked everything but unfortunately, I was not satisfied with the cleanliness of the room. There were hairs in the bathroom, stains on the duvet cover, and the duvet cover was torn."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
"View spectacular. Suite nice, however unable to get it cool. Used fan in room to help sleep."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
"Camere molto spaziose, ho soggiornato solo una notte per lavoro e qui mi trovo sempre molto bene"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Where to stay in Old Lyon
Lyon City Centre
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bellecour Square to Place Carnot – discover Lyon City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.
3rd Arrondissement
Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Part Dieu Mall and Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dauphine - Lacassagne Tram Stop or Archives Départementales Tram Stop to see more of the city.
La Presqu'île
Place Carnot and Bellecour Square are top sights in La Presqu'île, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station to see more sights in the area.
Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu
While you're in Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu, take in top sights like Bellecour Square and jump on the metro at Bellecour Station to see more of the city.
Les Cordeliers
Take time in Les Cordeliers to visit attractions like Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and Place des Terreaux. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Cordeliers Bourse Station to see more of the city.
