Travel around Lyon with Bobby
Day 1Time Travel in the Narrow Streets of the Old Town
As soon as I arrived in Lyon, my first stop was the heart of the city, Vieux Lyon. This area, with its medieval narrow streets, stone buildings, and enchanting atmosphere, felt like a place where time had stood still. Exploring this area early in the morning provided a peaceful and serene start. As I wandered through the Traboules, the hidden passageways that were once used by silk traders, I felt the deep historical roots of the city.
For lunch, I stepped into a bouchon restaurant in Vieux Lyon. These traditional eateries are the perfect places to experience Lyon’s famous cuisine. I ordered ‘Quenelle de brochet,’ a classic Lyon dish made of pike fish dumplings served with a rich sauce—truly a unique taste. In the afternoon, I decided to head up to Fourvière Hill. Taking the funicular made the climb easy, and the panoramic view of Lyon from the top was breathtaking. The Basilica of Fourvière itself was stunning, both in its architecture and its intricate interior decorations.
I ended the day with a walk along the Rhône River. The reflections of the city lights on the water and the peaceful ambiance made for a perfect close to my first day.
Take your time to get lost in Vieux Lyon. Exploring the Traboules will give you a deeper sense of the city’s history.
Day 2 Gastronomic Heaven at Les Halles de Lyon
I dedicated my second day to diving into Lyon’s culinary world. Early in the morning, I visited Les Halles de Lyon, the famous covered market named after Paul Bocuse. This market is the heart of Lyon’s culinary culture, offering everything fresh, high-quality, and sourced from local producers. Wandering inside, I found myself surrounded by cheeses, wines, fresh seafood, and handmade chocolates. I started the day with a freshly baked croissant and coffee at one of the market’s cafés—an absolute delight.
After the market, I headed to the Presqu’île district, another iconic part of Lyon. This area represents the modern face of the city, with its wide boulevards, elegant shops, and chic cafés. Walking through Place Bellecour, one of France’s largest squares, was an exciting experience. This square is also a major meeting point in the city.
For lunch, I had a simple but delicious picnic by the river, using the cheese and charcuterie I bought at Les Halles. This simple meal was yet another testament to Lyon’s gastronomic richness. In the afternoon, I visited the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, where I marveled at works by famous artists like Monet and Picasso. The museum is a treasure trove for art lovers.
I started the day with a fresh croissant and coffee at Les Halles de Lyon. Everything in the market, from cheeses to seafood, was fresh and of high quality. For lunch, I had a simple yet delicious picnic by the river with products I bought from Les Halles.
Food
My hotel in the Presqu'île district was close to the city’s modern and lively atmosphere. It offered easy access to both shopping centers and historical sites. The comfort of the room and the hotel’s amenities allowed me to relax after a busy day.
Accomodation
Shopping at Les Halles de Lyon was a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the city’s culinary culture. Exploring the Presqu'île district and seeing works by famous artists at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon were other enjoyable activities of the day. These activities allowed me to discover both the modern and artistic sides of Lyon.
Activity
Visit Les Halles de Lyon and enjoy the shopping experience. It’s one of the best places to explore Lyon’s local flavors.
Day 3 Modern Lyon Across the River
On the third day, I set out to discover the modern side of Lyon by visiting the Confluence district. This is one of the city’s newest and most modern areas, located where the rivers meet. I started the morning by visiting the Confluence Museum. The museum was captivating, both in its architectural design and its content, offering a rich collection on topics like natural history, anthropology, and cultural heritage.
After the museum visit, I took a short break at the Confluence Shopping Center. Wandering through modern designs and chic boutiques was a pleasant experience. For lunch, I sat down at a riverside restaurant and enjoyed dishes from the modern Lyonnaise cuisine. Fresh seafood and light, creative plates offered a step beyond classic French cuisine, introducing new flavors.
I ended the day with a walk in Parc de la Tête d’Or. This massive park is Lyon’s largest green space, featuring a lake, a zoo, and botanical gardens. As I walked, the park’s tranquil atmosphere and connection to nature truly refreshed me.
My final dinner in Lyon was at one of the city’s most famous bouchon restaurants. The traditional sausage dish ‘Andouillette’ showcased the depth of Lyon’s culinary heritage. This richly flavored dish was the gastronomic highlight of my trip.
Food
My hotel near Croix-Rousse allowed me to feel the bohemian and artistic atmosphere of the area. The river-view room provided a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. The hotel’s elegant decor and comfort made the final day of my trip special.
Accomodation
I started the day with a morning market visit in the Croix-Rousse district, browsing through local crafts and antiques. Afterward, I took a boat tour on the Rhône River, discovering the city from the water. Visiting the Lyon Opera House also added a cultural richness to the day.
Activity
Be sure to visit the Confluence district to explore modern Lyon. The Confluence Museum is worth seeing for its architecture and exhibitions.
Day 4Art, Culture, and the Rhône River
On my last day, I decided to dive deeper into Lyon’s art and culture by visiting the Croix-Rousse district. This area is known as the city’s silk-weaving center and still retains a bohemian atmosphere today. In the morning, I explored the local street market, and browsing through local crafts, fresh produce, and antiques was incredibly enjoyable.
After leaving Croix-Rousse, I visited the city’s opera house. The Lyon Opera House is an impressive building, both inside and out, with its stunning architecture. In the afternoon, I decided to see the city from the water by taking a boat tour along the Rhône River. This tour was a fantastic way to view the city from a different perspective and get a closer look at the riverside scenery.
For my final dinner, I dined at one of Lyon’s most famous bouchon restaurants. I tried ‘Andouillette,’ a traditional sausage, and its rich flavor once again proved how deep Lyon’s culinary heritage runs. As I bid farewell to the city, I felt that Lyon offered a truly fulfilling travel experience in every aspect.
In the late afternoon, I experienced local German beers at Prater Garten. This beer garden was ideal for discovering local flavors and watching the sunset. It was also a great place to explore Berlin’s street food scene.
Food
The hotel’s proximity to the nightlife areas was a significant advantage. Returning to the hotel safely and comfortably after a night out was easy. The room's comfort allowed me to rest well after an eventful night.
Accomodation
The nightlife in Kreuzberg and Neukölln was perfect for experiencing Berlin’s alternative culture. SO36 nightclub was an ideal spot to discover the city’s energetic and dynamic side. The night was filled with ongoing parties and live music, showcasing Berlin's vibrant nightlife.
Activity
Visit Croix-Rousse in the morning to soak in its bohemian vibe and local markets. A river tour is a great way to see Lyon from a different angle.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Lyon provided Bobby with a rich and flavorful travel experience, blending cultural wealth with culinary delights. The city's historical charm, modern architecture, and gastronomic heritage were the highlights of his trip. Based on his experiences during the visit, Bobby rated the city in various categories, scoring each out of 100.
I had lunch at a bouchon restaurant in Vieux Lyon, where I tried the traditional Lyon dish ‘Quenelle de brochet.’ This pike fish dumpling, served with a rich sauce, was truly unique in flavor. The historic atmosphere of the restaurant made the meal even more special.
Food
My hotel in Vieux Lyon perfectly matched the historic character of the area. Its central location made it easy to explore the city, and the warm atmosphere of the hotel offered a comfortable stay. It was an excellent starting point for the first day.
Accomodation
Exploring the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, getting lost in the historic Traboules passageways, and enjoying the view from Fourvière Hill were fantastic experiences. The architecture and views from the Basilica of Fourvière were the highlights of the day. These activities provided a deep understanding of Lyon’s history and beauty.
Activity