Visit Lyon in 2 days

Where to Stay in Lyon

Choosing where to stay in Lyon shapes your two-day trip more than almost anything else: it decides whether you spend your time wandering narrow cobbled streets and Renaissance courtyards or making short tram hops between modern museums. For a short stay, prioritize proximity to main sights so you waste less time on transport and more time enjoying coffee on a square or lingering in a bouchon. Think about whether you prefer being in the lively heart of the city or in a quieter, characterful quarter — both are excellent in Lyon.

Lyon is compact and readable: the long finger of the Presqu'île sits between the Saône and Rhône rivers, Vieux Lyon hugs the eastern bank with its Renaissance atmosphere, and the Croix-Rousse rises to the north with its silk-worker history. The city’s main squares — Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux — are central anchors, while the theatre at Place des Célestins marks the cultural core of the Presqu'île. These spots form a convenient triangle for seeing a lot on foot across two days.

If you want the easiest walking access to cafés, shops and the River Rhône, base yourself on the Presqu'île around Place Bellecour and Place des Célestins; it’s ideal for first-time visitors and lets you reach museums and restaurants without a metro ride. For atmosphere and photo-ready lanes, stay in Vieux Lyon near the Tour Rose (the “Pink Tower”), where evenings feel cinematic though streets can be steep and cobbled. For a quieter, local feel with silk-industry heritage — think the Condition des Soies and the Maison des Canuts — choose the Croix-Rousse, which rewards walkers with panoramic views and independent shops.

Transport around Lyon is straightforward: the TCL network of métro, tram and buses is frequent and easy to use, and many central neighborhoods are eminently walkable. If you plan to travel farther, Part-Dieu and Perrache stations connect regional trains. For short stays you’ll likely rely on foot, occasional métro rides and Vélo’v bikes for a breezy, efficient experience.

Ultimately, pick a location that matches your pace: Presqu'île for convenience, Vieux Lyon for charm, Croix-Rousse for local rhythm. For two days, aim for a compact base close to one of the squares named above so you can drop your bags, step outside, and start exploring immediately — Lyon rewards simple choices with rich discoveries.

Getting Around Lyon

Lyon is delightfully straightforward to explore: the city’s compact layout and frequent services mean you rarely need a car. The local network operated by TCL combines four clean, fast metro lines with an extensive tram and bus grid plus the charming hill-climbing funiculars, so whether you’re crossing the Presqu’île or heading up to Fourvière, there’s a quick public option. Signs are clear, announcements are in both French and often English, and even if you only speak a little French you’ll find the system intuitive — I always feel relaxed navigating it as a tourist. 🚇

Practicalities are simple: buy single tickets or a multi-ride pack at station machines, newsstands, or via the TCL app, and remember to validate before you board or as you enter the metro platform. A typical single fare is around €1.90, but you save with a carnet of ten or by grabbing a 24-hour day pass if you’ll hop on and off a lot. If you plan to stay longer, consider the rechargeable Técély card for weekly or monthly travel — it’s worth it when you’re here for more than a few days. 🎫

Google Maps works very well for Lyon: it shows routes, transfer times, and platform details so you can compare a direct metro versus a tram that might save walking. I always check live departures on Google Maps or the TCL app when I’m on the move; it’s saved me from waiting in the rain more than once. If you prefer paper, station maps and straightforward color-coded lines make it easy to follow your route through the heart of the city.

Money-saving tip: if you know you’ll visit museums and attractions, look into the Lyon City Card — some versions bundle unlimited public transport with free entry to many sites, which can be cheaper and removes the hassle of separate tickets. Also, walking between many central points is pleasant and quick; mixing strolls with short tram or metro hops usually gives you the best of both worlds and keeps costs down.

One small anecdote: when we wanted to go from Place des Célestins to The Pink Tower in Vieux Lyon, I walked to Cordeliers, hopped on Line A just one stop to Bellecour and then strolled across to the old quarter — the whole trip took barely 15 minutes door-to-door. That combination of a short metro ride and a scenic walk is exactly why Lyon’s transport feels so friendly and manageable — once you try it, you’ll get the rhythm quickly. 🗺️

What to Pack for Lyon

Two days in Lyon is deceptively active — narrow Vieux-Lyon alleys, industrial sites on the Rhône banks, and several churches to duck into. I’ve learned to pack light but smart: you’ll be out for long stretches (I once walked ~12 miles and was out for 10+ hours exploring) and need items that solve real moments — rain, cobbles, crowded squares, and dead batteries. Here are the essentials I never leave home without.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., Merrell Moab 2): I wore my Merrell Moab 2s on a two-day sprint through Presqu’île and an old factory tour and my feet barely complained. Lyon’s streets are a mix of cobblestones and industrial concrete — you want cushioning, good grip, and toe protection. Why: blisters ruin both your mood and plans; sturdy shoes keep you comfortable through 8–12 miles a day.

2. Cross-body bag (anti-theft, zipped): I use a small cross-body with a zip and hidden pocket; once I felt someone brush past me on Rue Mercière and my bag stayed secure. Lyon has busy tourist spots and public transit where pickpockets can work — a cross-body keeps your hands free and valuables close. Why: quick access + peace of mind when you’re gawking at architecture.

3. Weather-appropriate layers & lightweight rain jacket: Lyon’s weather can flip — sunny morning, sudden shower in the afternoon. I always pack a breathable mid-layer and a packable rain jacket. Bring a lightweight scarf that can cover shoulders in churches. Why: Layers let you adapt from chilly church interiors to warm cafés without lugging a suitcase.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E) for France: My camera and phone charger needed an adapter; once I had to borrow one between guides. France uses Type C/E plugs and 230V — a small universal adapter with surge protection saved me. Why: you’ll want to keep a camera and phone topped up for photos, maps, and tickets.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh recommended): During a long factory visit with no outlets my phone died halfway through photo-taking — a 10,000 mAh power bank gave me ~2 full charges. Why: long days, navigation apps, and taking photos drain batteries fast; don’t miss mapping or contact info when you need it.

6. Optional — Collapsible water bottle & small notebook/pen: I carry a 500ml foldable bottle and a tiny notebook to jot unexpected contact names from guides or operating hours at factories. Water keeps you energized while exploring pedestrian zones and a notebook captures details you’ll forget later. Why: hydration + a quick record of useful tips make the short trip richer and less frantic.