The Ultimate Lyon Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Lyon? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days

Lyon Quick Facts

• The third-largest city in France, with a population of about 515,000.
• Known as the gastronomic capital of France.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.
• Famous for its silk production history and traboules (hidden passageways).
• Nicknames: Capital of Lights, Capitale de la Gastronomie.

Planning Your Trip

• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Spoken language: French.
• Best time to visit: April to October. Lyon has a temperate climate.
• Arriving via airport: from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, take the Rhônexpress tram to Part-Dieu station (16.30 EUR, trip duration 30 minutes).
• Alternatively, buses to the city depart regularly and cost around 10 EUR. Trip duration: 45-60 minutes.
• A taxi ride to the city will cost about 50-60 EUR.

Where to Stay

• Best hostel for solo travelers: Away Hostel & Coffee Shop. Located in a renovated 19th-century building, it’s perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
• For a budget-friendly option, check out SLO Living Hostel, known for its modern design and friendly atmosphere.
• Mid-range hotel: Premiere Classe Lyon Centre – Gare Part Dieu. Located in the heart of Lyon’s business district, it offers comfortable rooms with WiFi and air conditioning.
• For a unique stay, try Campanile Smart Lyon Est – Eurexpo Bron Aviation, a 3-star hotel offering an ultra-connected experience with smartphone-controlled services.
• Tip: Try to find accommodation near a metro station or in the Presqu’île area for easy access to main attractions.

Getting Around Lyon

• Lyon has an efficient public transport system, including metro, trams, and buses. The metro, with 4 lines, is the quickest way to get around.
• A single ride ticket costs 1.90 EUR. Save money by buying a 1-day pass (unlimited travel for 6 EUR).
• Lyon is also very bike-friendly. Consider taking The Grand Tour by Bike to explore the city’s landmarks.
• Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available but can be expensive.
• Walking is a great option in the city center, especially in the pedestrian-friendly areas of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse.

Lyon Nightlife for Solo Travelers

• Drinking age is 18, most bars close around 1 AM.
• Hip/local scene: Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse, Guillotière.
• Trendy scene: Presqu’île, Confluence.
• Cool bars to check out: Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (themed bar), Soda Bar (cocktails), Kelly’s Irish Pub (expat-friendly), and L’Antiquaire (speakeasy).
• For live music, head to Ninkasi Gerland or Le Périscope.

Must-See Landmarks

• Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is one of Europe’s largest Renaissance neighborhoods. Explore its hidden traboules and visit the stunning Saint-Jean Cathedral.
• Take the funicular up to Fourvière Hill to see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• The Presqu’île district is home to many beautiful squares like Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.
• Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s largest fine arts museums.
• Explore the Croix-Rousse district, known for its silk-weaving history and vibrant street art.
• Don’t miss the modern architecture of the Confluence district, including the futuristic Musée des Confluences.
• For a unique experience, take a guided sightseeing cruise along the Saône River to see Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Solo Traveler’s Walking Guide

• Start in Vieux Lyon, exploring its narrow streets and traboules. Then take the funicular up to Fourvière Hill.
• Walk down to the Presqu’île and stroll along the river banks, stopping at Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.
• Explore the Croix-Rousse district, known as the “hill that works,” and discover its hidden staircases and murals.
• Take a leisurely walk in Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon’s largest urban park.
• End your day with a walk through the modern Confluence district.

Local Tips for Solo Adventurers

• Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France. Don’t miss trying local specialties like quenelles, andouillette, and praline tarts.
• Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for a taste of Lyon’s best local products and dishes.
• Learn a few basic French phrases. Locals appreciate the effort, even if you’re not fluent.
• Take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing system for an eco-friendly way to explore.
• Great restaurants for solo travelers: Le Bistrot du Potager (local cuisine), Cafe Mokxa (great coffee), Les Cafetiers (brunch), Le Canut et les Gones (traditional bouchon).
• Where to find good cheap eats: Check out the Guillotière neighborhood for diverse and affordable options.
• Safety: Lyon is generally safe, but as with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The city center and main tourist areas are well-policed and safe for solo travelers.

Average Daily Costs

Expense	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
Accommodation	€20-40	€60-120	€150+
Meals	€15-25	€30-50	€70+
Transportation	€6	€10	€20+
Attractions	€10-20	€30-50	€60+
Total	€51-91	€130-230	€300+

Seasonal Highlights

1. Spring in Lyon

• Enjoy the blooming flowers in Parc de la Tête d’Or
• Attend the Nuits Sonores electronic music festival in May
• Experience the Biennale de la Danse in even-numbered years

2. Summer Activities and Events

• Celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th with fireworks and festivities
• Enjoy open-air cinema screenings at various locations
• Participate in the Tout L’Monde Dehors festival with free outdoor events

3. Autumn Attractions

• Savor the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) in early December
• Attend the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art in odd-numbered years
• Explore the Beaujolais region during the Beaujolais Nouveau release in November

4. Winter Experiences in Lyon

• Ice skate at Place Bellecour’s temporary rink
• Warm up with hearty Lyonnais cuisine in cozy bouchons
• Visit the charming Christmas markets in December

Is Lyon good for solo travel? Absolutely! Its compact size, rich history, and incredible food scene make it perfect for solo adventurers. With two days in Lyon, you can cover the main attractions and get a taste of its unique culture. While not as expensive as Paris, Lyon can be pricey, especially for dining out. However, budget options are available, and the city’s beauty and experiences make it worth the cost.