Lyon3days

3 Days in Lyon for Budget Travelers

Explore the historical passageways, riverside greenways, rich gastronomy, and hilltop sights of Lyon on a budget-friendly three-day itinerary.

Day by day

Fourvière Hill & Old Lyon Traboules8 Activities

Start on the historic hilltop of Fourvière before descending into Old Lyon to explore historic hidden passageways and riverside bike trails.

08:3009:30
Food
Breakfast at Slake Coffee House
08:30 – 09:30
Enjoy fresh coffee and local pastries at a popular cafe in central Lyon.
10:0011:00
Sightseeing
Visit to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
10:00 – 11:00
Take in sweeping city panoramas and intricate interior mosaics at Lyon's iconic hilltop basilica.
- entryFree
11:1512:30
Sightseeing
Skip-the-line Ancient Theater of Fourviere Lyon Private Tour
11:15 – 12:30
Tour the ancient Roman ruins and theaters adjacent to Fourvière Hill.
- entryINR 22908
12:4514:00
Food
Lunch at Le Bouchon des Cordeliers
12:45 – 14:00
Savor authentic regional specialties in a traditional Lyonnais bouchon setting.
14:1515:45
Sightseeing
Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon Traboules
14:15 – 15:45
Discover hidden Renaissance courtyards and historic secret passages in Old Lyon.
- entryINR 14685
16:0017:30
Outdoor
Bike Tour of Lyon's Riverside
16:00 – 17:30
Cycle along the scenic banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers.
19:3021:00
Food
Dinner at Bouchon Comptoir Brunet
19:30 – 21:00
Dine on hearty traditional dishes in a historic setting.
21:1522:30
Outdoor
Rhône River Evening Walk
21:15 – 22:30
Wind down with an evening stroll along the illuminated waterfront promenades.

Silk History & Culinary Markets8 Activities

Uncover Lyon's silk-weaving past in Croix-Rousse and indulge in local food culture at Les Halles and Parc de la Tête d'Or.

08:3009:30
Food
Breakfast at Boulangerie du Palais
08:30 – 09:30
Grab fresh pralines and croissants in Old Lyon.
09:4511:15
Sightseeing
Private Tour: The Silk history Tour
09:45 – 11:15
Learn about the silk weavers of Croix-Rousse and their architectural heritage.
- entryINR 46990
11:3012:30
Shopping
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
11:30 – 12:30
Browse the gourmet food stalls of Lyon's famous covered market hall.
12:4514:00
Food
Lunch at Chez Mounier
12:45 – 14:00
Enjoy affordable local bistro classics in a friendly atmosphere.
14:1516:15
Sightseeing
Food Tour Halles of Lyon Paul Bocuse
14:15 – 16:15
Sample regional cheeses, charcuterie, and sweets with a local guide.
- entryINR 34068
16:3018:00
Outdoor
Afternoon Visit to Parc de la Tête d'Or
16:30 – 18:00
Relax in France's largest urban park featuring open lawns and a central lake.
18:1519:15
Outdoor
Afternoon at the Lyon Botanical Garden
18:15 – 19:15
Wander through historic greenhouses and botanical gardens inside Parc de la Tête d'Or.
19:3021:00
Food
Dinner at Cafe des Federations
19:30 – 21:00
Experience classic Lyonnais dishes like quenelles and salad lyonnaise.

River Cruises & Modern Confluence8 Activities

Glide along the Saône by boat, explore futuristic architecture at the river confluence, and cap off the trip with a sunset aperitif.

08:3009:30
Food
Breakfast at Diploid
08:30 – 09:30
Enjoy delicious breakfast dishes and hot drinks in a cozy central setting.
10:0012:00
Sightseeing
Lyon Old Town Tour with Vaporetto River Cruise Tickets
10:00 – 12:00
Combine a guided walk through historic streets with a scenic vaporetto boat ride.
- entryINR 22321
12:3013:45
Food
Lunch at Notre Maison
12:30 – 13:45
Relish homemade dishes in a warm, welcoming Old Lyon eatery.
14:0015:30
Outdoor
Bike Tour of Lyon's Riverside
14:00 – 15:30
Ride south toward the striking modern district of La Confluence.
16:0018:00
Sightseeing
Evening at Musée des Confluences
16:00 – 18:00
Admire the striking architectural design where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
- entryEUR 25
18:1519:30
Sightseeing
Embark on an aperitif journey through the old town
18:15 – 19:30
Sample local wines and light bites on an evening walking route in Old Lyon.
- entryINR 7519
19:4521:15
Food
Dinner at Le Garet
19:45 – 21:15
Wrap up your journey with a traditional dinner in a rustic city bouchon.
21:3022:30
Outdoor
Rhône River Evening Walk
21:30 – 22:30
Enjoy a final evening stroll past illuminated bridges along the riverbank.