48 Hours in Lyon: The Budget Traveler’s Guide to France’s Gastronomic Capital

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is often overshadowed by Paris and Marseille—but for budget travelers, it’s a hidden gem. With its rich Roman history, lively student culture, and globally renowned cuisine, Lyon is one of the best places to experience French culture without the high prices.

Compact and walkable, Lyon offers a perfect mix of history, food, and scenic beauty, from cobblestone streets in Old Town to panoramic viewpoints over the Rhône and Saône rivers. With just 48 hours, you can enjoy everything from Renaissance architecture to hearty bouchon meals, even on a modest budget.

A Short History of Lyon

Lyon began as the Roman city of Lugdunum, founded in 43 BC as the capital of Gaul. Its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers made it a vital hub for commerce, governance, and transportation across the Roman Empire.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Lyon grew into a major center for banking, printing, and silk weaving. Its architecture reflects this prosperous past, from medieval alleyways in Vieux Lyon to grand 19th-century boulevards on the Presqu’île. Today, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city that blends past and present seamlessly.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Lyon: Day 1

Start at Place Bellecour

Begin your exploration at Place Bellecour, one of the largest city squares in Europe. It offers great views of Fourvière hill and is a central point for many bus and metro connections.

The square is free to explore and is surrounded by shopping streets, bakeries, and access to the Tourist Office, where you can pick up a free walking map or inquire about free guided tours.

Walk to Vieux Lyon and Rue Saint-Jean

Head west over the Saône River into Vieux Lyon, the city’s medieval quarter. Stroll through Rue Saint-Jean, a narrow cobbled street lined with Renaissance facades, boutiques, and bouchons.

Don’t miss the traboules, hidden passageways that connect the buildings and courtyards—many are open to the public and free to explore with a self-guided app.

Lunch at a Traditional Bouchon

For lunch, try a local bouchon lyonnais, which serves hearty traditional fare. Look for places offering prix fixe menus for €12–€16, including classics like quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and tarte aux pralines.

Budget tip: Go for lunch rather than dinner, as prices are significantly lower and portions just as generous.

Visit Fourvière Basilica

Climb (or take the funicular) up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a hilltop church with breathtaking views over the entire city. Entry is free, and the panoramic terrace is a perfect photo spot.

While you’re here, visit the nearby Roman Theaters of Fourvière. Entry is free and the open-air ruins are some of the most significant in France.

Dinner at Les Pentes de la Croix-Rousse

Take a scenic downhill walk to Les Pentes de la Croix-Rousse, a bohemian hillside area with street art, affordable cafes, and student-friendly restaurants.

Grab a casual dinner of crêpes or a vegetarian plat du jour for under €12. End the night with a local craft beer at a small bar or terrace café.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Lyon: Day 2

Morning at Parc de la Tête d’Or

Start your day in the expansive Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. It’s free to enter and includes a botanical garden, zoo, and lakeside trails.

It’s perfect for a morning walk or even a budget-friendly picnic if you grab supplies from a nearby Carrefour City or Franprix store.

Explore the Presqu’île

Head south to explore the Presqu’île, the peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers. This area is filled with neoclassical architecture, bustling squares, and open markets like Marché Saint-Antoine.

Window shop or browse affordable local crafts and vintage clothes. This is also a great area to grab a cheap and tasty lunch—try a filled baguette or slice of pizza on the go.

Afternoon at the Musée Gadagne or Musée des Beaux-Arts

Visit either the Musée Gadagne (focused on Lyon’s history and puppetry) or the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses one of France’s most important art collections outside Paris.

Entry is free with the Lyon City Card, or costs around €8–€12 individually. Most museums are discounted or free on the first Sunday of each month.

Dinner in Guillotière

End your trip in Guillotière, a multicultural district with vibrant nightlife and international cuisine. It’s a favorite among students and budget travelers alike.

Dinner options range from Vietnamese pho to Moroccan tagines, usually under €10. Wrap up the night with a glass of wine at a cozy riverside bar.

What Else to See and Do If You Have More Time in Lyon

Climb to the Croix-Rousse Plateau

The Croix-Rousse Plateau offers sweeping views and a quieter, more local feel. Known as the silk weavers’ district, it’s filled with history and street art.

Walk the Montée de la Grande-Côte to get there and reward yourself with a fresh pastry at a local boulangerie.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Lyon offers several free walking tours, especially in Old Lyon and the Presqu’île. These are tip-based and a great way to learn about the city from passionate locals.

Check platforms like GuruWalk or FreeTour.com to book a slot in advance.

Visit the Confluence Museum

The futuristic Musée des Confluences explores anthropology and science in a stunning building at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Admission is included in the Lyon City Card or costs around €9. Great for rainy days or curious minds.

Browse the Book and Antiques Market

Every weekend, head to the Quai de la Pêcherie for a scenic outdoor market filled with books, prints, antiques, and records.

It’s free to browse and a great spot for finding a unique souvenir or practicing your French with vendors.

Sample Street Food at Food Traboule

Inside a historic building in Vieux Lyon, Food Traboule is a collective of local chefs serving up street food-style plates.

Meals start from €7, and the setting is both fun and affordable. A good alternative to pricier sit-down restaurants.

Is the Lyon City Card Worth It?

The Lyon City Card offers good value for budget travelers wanting to make the most of a short stay. It includes:

• Free access to 20+ museums
• Unlimited public transportation
• Guided walking tour or river cruise

Prices:

• 24 hours: €29
• 48 hours: €39
• 72 hours: €49

If you plan to visit a few museums and use public transport, the card will save you money. Skip it if your focus is entirely outdoors and self-guided exploration.

Where to Stay in Lyon

Budget travelers should consider:

• Vieux Lyon: Scenic, central, and walkable. Look for small inns or budget Airbnbs.
• Guillotière: Lively and multicultural with cheap eats and hostels.
• Croix-Rousse: Quiet and artsy with local markets and street art.

How to Get to Lyon

• By Train: Gare Part-Dieu is the main hub with high-speed trains (TGV) from Paris in under 2 hours.
• By Bus: FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer low-cost routes to major French and European cities.
• By Air: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is served by budget carriers. Take the Rhônexpress tram to reach the center in 30 minutes.

How to Save Money on Your Trip in Lyon

Lyon is already more affordable than many French cities, but with a few smart choices, you can stretch your euros even further. Here are seven easy ways to save money while still enjoying the best of what the city offers:

• Use the Lyon City Card to access museums, public transport, and guided tours at a discounted flat rate.
• Take advantage of free museum Sundays—many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.
• Eat your main meal at lunch when restaurants offer fixed-price menus that are significantly cheaper than dinner.
• Visit parks, churches, and viewpoints like Fourvière and Parc de la Tête d’Or, which are all free to enter.
• Use the city’s efficient public transport instead of taxis—metro, tram, and bus systems are affordable and reliable.
• Stay in budget-friendly districts like Guillotière or Croix-Rousse and opt for hostels, Airbnbs, or dorm-style hotels.
• Browse markets for snacks and souvenirs—places like Marché Saint-Antoine offer local food and gifts at great prices.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Lyon for Budget Travelers

Lyon is a vibrant, historic, and affordable alternative to France’s bigger tourist cities. In just 48 hours, you can enjoy its culinary scene, explore its ancient past, and relax in parks or by the river—without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re visiting for the food, the history, or just the views, Lyon offers the perfect balance of value and experience for budget-conscious travelers.