Lyon on a Budget: 3 Fun-Filled Days
Experience the charm of France's culinary capital without breaking the bank in Lyon.
21 June 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Stay at Hôtel du Simplon, a budget-friendly hotel with a charming courtyard
- Grab breakfast at Café Comptoir Abel, famous for its breakfast tartine
- Walk through Vieux Lyon, the old town with Renaissance buildings and hidden traboules
- Visit the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, showcasing over 100 miniature movie sets
- Lunch at Le Bistrot de l’Ecole des Plantes, a vegetarian restaurant with fresh ingredients
- Take a guided tour of Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for stunning views of the city
- Start the day at Boulangerie du Palais, known for its fluffy croissants and pastries
- Go shopping in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a bustling indoor market with local products
- Stop for a coffee break at Mokxa Coffee, a trendy café known for its smooth espresso
- Lunch at La Meunière, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Lyonnais cuisine
- Visit The Lumière Institute, a museum dedicated to the inventors of cinema with interactive exhibits
- End the evening with a dinner at Le Bistrot d’A Côté, a lively spot with creative dishes and a great wine selection
- Start with a breakfast at Le Comptoir de Saint Cyr, known for its homemade jam and bread
- Visit Parc de la Tête d'Or, a stunning park with a zoo, botanical gardens and a lake for boating
- Take a stroll through Croix-Rousse, a hip neighborhood with street art and boutique shops
- Lunch at Bistrot La Passerelle, a casual spot serving fresh seafood and regional wines
- Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, one of the largest fine art museums in France
- End the day with a dinner at Les Fines Gueules, a cozy restaurant with a wide range of wines and charcuterie.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
