How to Spend 4 Days in Lyon - 4 Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors | Blog

Lyon is one of the most underrated cities in France – a place where Roman ruins meet riverside wine bars, and where you can stroll from secret alleyways to sweeping panoramic views in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the culture, or the architecture, Lyon offers a rewarding experience for first-time travellers.

After spending 4 days in the city myself, I discovered not only the main highlights but also a few hidden gems that make Lyon stand out from the typical tourist trail. Here’s the ultimate Lyon itinerary, complete with personal tips, offbeat finds, and even a hotel recommendation you won’t want to miss.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Get Lost in Old Lyon and Soak Up the City’s History

Morning: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

Start your trip in Vieux Lyon, the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Wander through its cobbled streets, colourful Renaissance buildings, and charming alleyways. This is one of Europe’s largest Renaissance quarters, and it feels like stepping back in time.

Visit Cathédrale Saint-Jean, home to Lyon’s famous astronomical clock.
Discover the traboules – secret passageways hidden within buildings, used historically by silk workers and later the French Resistance. Keep an eye out for signs like “cour et traboule” for entry points.

Hidden Gem:

Pop into the Musée Miniature et Cinéma. It’s a fascinating spot showcasing movie props and intricate miniature sets – a surprise hit for anyone who loves film or art.

Afternoon: Fourvière Hill & Ancient Roman Theatre

Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon to Fourvière Hill. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire city.

Explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a lavish monument filled with golden mosaics.
Behind the basilica lies the Roman Theatre of Fourvière, a wonderfully preserved open-air theatre where ancient performances once took place.

Evening: Dinner at a Traditional Bouchon

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, and your first night is the perfect time to try a traditional bouchon. These family-run eateries serve hearty Lyonnaise cuisine like quenelles, andouillette, and cervelle de canut.

Recommended bouchons:

Le Café des Fédérations
Chez Mounier

Day 2 – Culture, Markets & Hidden Courtyards

Morning: Discover the Presqu’île

Begin day two on the Presqu’île, the elegant central district between the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Start at Place Bellecour, one of the largest squares in Europe.
Walk north to Place des Terreaux to see the Fontaine Bartholdi.
Admire the architecture of Rue de la République, lined with shops and cafés.

Afternoon: Art and Printing Museums

If you’re into art, the Musée des Beaux-Arts – housed in a 17th-century abbey – is a must. With works by Monet, Rodin, and Delacroix, it’s one of the finest art collections outside of Paris.

Prefer something different? Try the Musée de l’Imprimerie for a look into Lyon’s printing and typographic history.

Hidden Gem:

Climb into Cour des Voraces, a hidden 19th-century courtyard in the Croix-Rousse area. Its towering staircase and historical symbolism make it a quiet yet powerful spot that many visitors miss.

Evening: Dine by the Saône River

For a more relaxed vibe, have dinner along the Saône riverbanks. The Rue Mercière area is packed with lively restaurants. While some are a bit touristy, Café Terroir and Bistro Pizay offer great food with a local touch.

Day 3 – Food Markets, Parks or a Day Trip

Morning: Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

No trip to Lyon is complete without visiting Les Halles Paul Bocuse, the city’s premier indoor food market. Sample local cheeses, cured meats, artisan breads, and wines.

Grab a few items for a picnic, or sit down for oysters and wine at one of the stalls.

Hidden Gem:

Don’t miss La Maison Sibilia – Lyon’s most famous charcuterie. Their rosette sausage and pâté make perfect edible souvenirs.

Afternoon Option 1: Parc de la Tête d’Or

Spend the afternoon in Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the largest urban parks in France.

Explore the botanical gardens.
Visit the free zoo inside the park.
Rent a boat and paddle on the lake.

Afternoon Option 2: Day Trip to Pérouges

Looking for a scenic half-day escape? Head to Pérouges, a hilltop medieval village about 45 minutes from Lyon. With cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and its famous sugar galette, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale.

Day 4 – Modern Lyon & Hidden Views

Morning: Explore the Confluence District

Venture into Lyon’s ultra-modern Confluence neighbourhood, where cutting-edge architecture meets riverside cool.

Visit the futuristic Musée des Confluences, which blends science, anthropology and natural history in a visually stunning building.
Walk along the river and check out the colourful Euronews building and La Sucrière exhibition space.

Hidden Gem:

Brunch at La Brasserie du Port is a local favourite. It sits quietly by the marina and is often overlooked by tourists.

Afternoon: Fort Montluc or Rooftop Views

If you’re interested in history, visit Fort Montluc, a former military prison used during World War II and now a Resistance memorial.

Or for something more uplifting, head to Terrasses de la Guillotière – a local rooftop bar with great cocktails and views over the Rhône.

Evening: Rhône Riverside & Sunset Drinks

Wrap up your time in Lyon with a laid-back evening at the Berges du Rhône, where locals relax with apéros and music.

Grab a riverside drink at Le Sirius or La Passagère.
Watch the city light up as the sun sets over the Saône.

Where I Stayed in Lyon – A Hidden Gem With a Private Jacuzzi

During my trip to Lyon, I stayed in a boutique apartment that turned out to be a hidden gem – with one very unique twist. The place had a private jacuzzi and a cosy, stylish interior that made it feel like a luxury retreat right in the heart of the city.

However, there was one strange flaw that surprised me – something worth knowing before you book. Read my full review of this hidden gem in Lyon here

If you’re after something a little different and love staying in places with character, it’s definitely worth a look.

Practical Tips for Your Trip to Lyon

Transport: Get a Lyon City Card – it includes public transport and entry to museums and guided tours.
Language: Basic French goes a long way, although many locals speak English.
When to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and crowd levels.

Final Thoughts

Lyon is a city that reveals itself slowly. With its mix of stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and charming streets, it’s a place where every corner tells a story. Whether you’re a solo traveller like me or exploring as a couple or group, four days in Lyon gives you the perfect amount of time to fall in love with this underrated gem.

If you’re looking for a more authentic French experience – minus the Paris crowds – Lyon might just be your new favourite city.