The third-largest city in France is an exciting place to visit. Step into the contrast of old and new Lyon, giving you a view of the past’s remnants and emergence to the new world. It’s a two-hour train ride from Paris by TGV Ouigo. Undoubtedly, taking a flight is faster. However, I enjoy taking TGV because of its cost-efficiency and my love for landscapes that I can easily see by train. If you’ve got only 2 days in Lyon, a DIY walking tour is still achievable.
As this trip was just for a weekend, we weren’t able to cover the entire city. We ended up doing our own itinerary due to time constraints. Moreover, we wanted to discover Lyon’s important landmarks in 2 days.
“Out with the Old, In with the New” doesn’t apply here.
I think Lyon is one of the best examples that the past can co-exist with the present. In fact, “Vieux Lyon”, or otherwise known as Lyon Old Town, was one reason UNESCO named the city a World Heritage Site.
PLACES TO VISIT IN LYON IN 2 DAYS
Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourviére
Nestled on top of the Fourvière hill lies an impressive Basilica that attracts millions of visitors each year. Marvel at this architectural beauty inspired by Romanesque and Byzantine designs. Don’t forget to look up as the ceilings are extraordinary.
Lyon Cathedral (Primatiale Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste)
St-Jean Baptist’s Cathedral is a 12th Century Cathedral that has a Gothic facade and Romanesque architectural design. It is at the centre of the old town facing a large plaza with its back at Saône river. It is accessible through converging narrow streets.
While the interiors, stained glass windows are equally impressive, look out for the nine-metre tall astronomical clock.
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (The Gallo-Roman Theatre)
The Ancient Roman theatre ruins are heart-stopping. Not only because it is immense, but also because of the steep steps. The Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon is close to the theatre and definitely worth the visit when they re-open.
Presqu’ile District
The French word “Presqu’île” means Peninsula as it is a stretch of land connected to the mainland while surrounded by two bodies of water, the Saône and Rhone rivers. Are you exhausted from a day’s stroll and climbing the hills? Head to the Presqu’ile district and enjoy the abundance of restaurants, cafés, and local shops. Monumental buildings and sightseeing destinations are nearby.
Places des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is a UNESCO heritage site where the Lyon City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) stands prominently with its impressive classical architecture from the 17th century. In the middle of the large square, one can find a stunning fountain.
Bartholdi Fountain
It is a sculptural masterpiece made of hammered iron and an iconic symbol in the centre of Place des Terreaux. A woman sits in a chariot pulled by four horses.
How I wish I could visit during Lyon’s Festival of Lights in December as this square would be lively with lights projected on the surrounding buildings.
Opera de Lyon
The next stop is Opera de Lyon which is opposite the town hall and can accommodate 1,100 spectators. Indeed, the theatre’s 1831 neoclassical architecture is a sight to behold. Eight muse statues are adorning the façade.
- Erato – Muse of Love and Poetry
- Clio – Muse of History
- Euterpe – Muse of Song and lyric Poetry
- Melpomène – Muse of Tragedy
- Thalie – Muse of Comedy
- Calliope – Music of Epic Poetry
- Polymnie – Muse of Hymns
- Terpsichore – Muse of Drama
There are nine muses in Greek Mythology. The 9th muse is Urania, the Muse of Astronomy. In the interest of symmetry, a sculpture of Urania is not displayed. Moreover, it doesn’t have anything to do with performances at Opera de Lyon. These may be the reasons why we get to see only eight muses out of nine.
Palais St. Pierre
It is formerly an abbey at 20, Place des Terreaux. It is now the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon), the home of significant art exhibitions and antiquities.
Place Bellecour
It is a six hectare square (one of the largest in Europe) where King Louis XIV’s equestrian statue is. The Tourist Office of Grand Lyon can be easily spotted in this square. Another reason to visit this square is getting a glimpse of Fourvière nestled prominently on top of the hill.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon
Don’t miss the massive structure on the Rhone river bank in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. Hotel Dieu, originally a hospital in the 12th century, is transforming into a great commercial space. A shopping centre with courtyards, bars, and several restaurants welcome residents and tourists alike.
La Place des Jacobins
It is a beautiful square with a marble fountain representing four famous artists. It stands conspicuously at the centre, surrounded by luxury shops and considered an epicentre of the city as several streets converge, making it prone to traffic congestion. Despite the busy atmosphere, it is one of the most visited squares in Lyon.
Le Petit Musée de Guignol
If you’re fond of collecting souvenirs and puppets, head to Rue St-Jean, and you may find something interesting as a keepsake from the trip. Of course, there are plenty of shops to choose from. Admittedly, I started collecting fridge magnets from trips as they easy to carry and inexpensive. However, the experience is the best memory I can keep.
While Lyon deserves at least a week’s visit, 2 days in Lyon: a DIY itinerary is still enriching. As a result of the pandemic’s restrictions, enclosed spaces such as museums, theatres, and cinemas are closed. Had they been open, it would have been a more culturally rich experience.
