Lyon on a Budget: The Ultimate 2-Day Adventure!

Discover the charm of Lyon on a budget-friendly adventure through its winding streets and culinary delights.

21 June 2023

Explore the city of Lyon on a limited budget by wandering the streets in the historic district of Vieux Lyon and visiting the Basilica of Fourvière for stunning views of the city. Take advantage of the affordable options for traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at the city's bouchons, small local restaurants offering hearty meals. Budget-friendly accommodation options include hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in the city center.

Travel plan

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Day 1

The Quintessential Lyon Experience

  • Check-in at Hotel Ibis Lyon Centre Perrache, conveniently located near the train station and within walking distance from the city center.
  • Start your day with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning church prominently situated on a hill overlooking Lyon.
  • Take the funicular down to the Old Town (Vieux Lyon) and stroll through its cobblestone streets with buildings dating back to the 15th century.
  • Stop by at a bouchon, a traditional Lyonnais restaurant, and taste the local specialties like quenelles (a delicate fish dumpling) and tablier de sapeur (fried tripe).
  • Walk along the banks of the River Saône and relax at the Parc des Berges du Rhône, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • End your day by watching the sunset over the Fourvière hill from the terrace of a rooftop bar like Le Sucre or La Plateforme.
Day 2

Contemporary Art & Gastronomic Delights

  • Enjoy a lazy breakfast at a trendy cafe like Café Comptoir Abel or Le Kitchen Café, known for their freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee.
  • Visit the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon, a cutting-edge museum showcasing works by influential artists including Andy Warhol and Anish Kapoor.
  • Explore the Croix-Rousse neighborhood up the hill, home to a community of silk weavers in the 19th century. Browse through the boutiques and shops selling handmade silk products.
  • Indulge in a Michelin-starred lunch experience at La Table de Suzanne, where you can savor a gastronomic menu using local ingredients.
  • Take a river cruise on the Saône and admire the city from a different perspective.
  • End your stay by discovering the traboules, a system of hidden passageways used by residents to navigate through the city. Uncover the secrets of these ancient alleyways with a guided tour.
  • Spend your weekend in Lyon exploring the city's mix of history, art, and gastronomy, and be sure to bookmark these experiences for a future visit!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lyon, France by plane is to fly into Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, which is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center. There are direct flights to Lyon from many major European cities, as well as some destinations in North Africa and the Middle East.

Car

The best way to get to Lyon, France by car is to drive on the A6 motorway, which connects Lyon to Paris in the north and Marseille in the south. However, driving in Lyon can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Train

The best way to get to Lyon, France by train is to take the TGV high-speed train from Paris. The journey takes just over 2 hours and the train arrives at Lyon Part-Dieu station, which is located in the city center.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no way to get to Lyon, France by boat as the city is located inland and does not have access to the ocean. The closest port cities are Marseille and Barcelona, which are both located over 300 kilometers away.

Bus

The best way to get to Lyon, France by bus is to take a long-distance bus from a major European city such as Paris, Barcelona, or Milan. There are several bus companies that operate routes to Lyon, including Flixbus and Eurolines.

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Lyon on a Budget: 3 Fun-Filled Days

A trip to Lyon, France on a limited budget is possible if you plan well. Firstly, choose budget accommodation options such as hostels or budget hotels in the city center for easy access to attractions. Secondly, explore the city's free or low-cost attractions such as the Old Town, Parc de la Tête d'Or, and Croix-Rousse Hill. Finally, savor the local cuisine at affordable restaurants and cafes, and try local specialties such as quenelles, escargot, and Beaujolais wine without breaking the bank.

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