Looking for the best area to stay in Lyon?
Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in Lyon as well as the best accommodation in the city we love.
⏰ Don’t have time to read everything?
Here are our 3 favourite accommodations sorted by price category:
Note: Don’t delay booking as these hotels are among the most popular in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
🏨 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Table des matières
The best area to stay in Lyon: Vieux-Lyon
In our opinion, Vieux Lyon is the best area to stay in Lyon as it is the oldest part of the city. It was built in medieval and Renaissance times and has retained much the same shape ever since.
The most interesting architectural feature of the district is what are known as the traboules. These are small pedestrian passageways inside apartment blocks that allow you to cross from one street to another. They pass through courtyards that are generally well decorated and, I assure you, well worth the diversions!
This district is also a great place to sample the local cuisine. Lyon is often referred to as the capital of French gastronomy and has its own specialities too.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I suggest you try a few recipes for local tripe, quenelles de brochet or tarte au praliné.
Take the funicular and walk to the top of Fourvière hill. From there, you’ll have a unique view of the city. And don’t forget to visit the basilica and the remains of the Roman city.
Things to see and do in Vieux Lyon:
- Walk up Fourvière hill to the basilica
- Wander the cobbled streets and do some shopping
- Stop off at a bouchon for a traditional meal
- Dance the night away in one of the many bars
Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay in Lyon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
🏨 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
The area to visit in Lyon: the Presqu’Ile
A strip of land nestled between the Saône and the Rhône, the Presquîle is the guardian of Lyon’s cultural identity lyon’s cultural identity, its brand image if you ask me: it is home to the 1st and 2nd arrondissements and stretches from the slopes of the Croix-Rousse to the Croix-Rousse to the Ainay district (aristocratic and bourgeois Lyon) and the Perrache perrache station.
Not only is the Presqu’île home to Place Bellecour, Place des Jacobins, the Opera House, Place des Terreaux, Place des Cordeliers, Hôtel de Ville, Place des Célestins, Rue de la République (Lyon’s most important shopping street), Rue Victor Hugo and the Church of Saint-Nizier (yes, that’s right!), it’s also packed with shops, bars and restaurants.
However, if you’re planning to stay here, I’d advise you to keep an eye on your budget, as this is not an area where accommodation prices are attractive
The district is packed with architectural gems and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I recommend exploring it on foot, as it’s the best way to take your time and see everything around you!
Lyon’s two most important squares, Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux, are in the Presqu’Ile.
Things to see and do in the Presqu’Ile :
- Stroll around Place Bellecour, Europe’s largest pedestrian square
- Discover some masterpieces of European painting at the Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Stop for a coffee on the Place des Terreaux and admire the Bartholdi fountain
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay when visiting Lyon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
🏨 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
The area to stay in as a couple: Fourvière
Perched on a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the city, the Fourvière district is where the Romans first settled in 43 BC, to found this city formerly known as Lugdunum. It’s a great place to stay in Lyon for couples.
Many vestiges of this ancient past can still be seen today: the ancient theatre, the former Lyon Odeon, the sanctuary of Cybèle.
You can visit the remains of the Roman theatre and odeon, and I hope you’ll have the chance to take in some of the shows and concerts that are sometimes held to liven up the visit. Life is very lively around the ruins.
I suggest you choose this area for your holiday destination if you can get amazing views of Lyon from many of the flats, which is a big plus.
Thanks to the narrow streets, staircases and hidden spots, you can enjoy a peaceful location for your days out with friends or family.
Things to see and do in Fourvière:
- Take a walk along the paths of the Parc des Hauteurs
- the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica
- the ancient theatre and odeon
- the Gallo-Roman museum
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in Lyon for lovers
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most popular in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
🏨 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
Where to stay in Lyon with your family: Croix-Rousse
The slopes of the Croix-Rousse are undoubtedly the most famous place in this district part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List: you really do feel like you’re the impression of being in a small village in the metropolis!
The hill is best known as the former district of the Canuts, the silk workers.
The buildings are tall and have many openings to evacuate the heat generated by the production of this precious fabric.
Between these buildings, you’ll find the traboules, the passages between the streets and buildings that serve as shortcuts for those who know them.
It’s an authentic district that appeals to families with children, and sleeping under the roof of an old Canut is a good way to step back in time a few decades.
Things to see and do in Croix Rousse :
- Saint-Polycarpe church
- the Cour des Voraces
- the Trois Gaules amphitheatre
- the Place Sathonay
- get lost in the traboules
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in Lyon with children
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these hotels are among the most popular in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
🏨 F ind other accommodation at the best price 👈
3rd arrondissement
The third arrondissement of the city of Lyon is located next to the city centre, on the east bank of the Rhône.
Although it’s a very large arrondissement (it’s actually the most populated district in the city), this area can be considered part of what might be called Lyon’s “City Centre”.
This diverse district is the economic epicentre of the city, concentrating most of its skyscrapers and other iconic modern buildings such as the Tour Swiss Life, Tour Incity, Tour Oxygène and Tour Part-Dieu.
What’s more, it’s very well served by the metro, which makes it much easier to get to places like Vieux Lyon and the TGV station, so if you want to be mobile on the move, this is the area I’d recommend.
The views over the city from some of the hotels in this district are undoubtedly sublime sublime and, being a less popular area than Vieux Lyon or the Presqu’Ile, many of the high-quality hotels in this area are more than reasonably priced reasonable rates.
Things to see and do in the3rd arrondissement :
- The best place to stay in Lyon for business
- Excellent metro links
- Financial district
- Very central
- Contemporary architecture
Here are our favourite hotels in this area to stay in Lyon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
Guillotière, for the social mix
The Guillotière district is located in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, between the Rhône and the Part-Dieu business district.
It’s a socially and ethnically mixed neighbourhood, which means there are plenty of world cuisine options available here!
This is also where lyon’s Chinatown. I urge you to go and have a look to get a real taste of Asia, try some authentic Chinese food and, at the end of the night authentic Chinese food and, at the end of January, experience the traditional chinese New Year celebrations.
Since its inception, the district has been a working-class neighbourhood, with a high proportion of expatriates from different parts of the world.
It has a large number of ethnic restaurants, antique and second-hand shops, and small boutiques selling local designers.
What’s more, accommodation prices here are among the cheapest in the city.
Things to see and do in La Guillotière :
- Antique and second-hand shops
- The Rhône
- A variety of restaurants
- Stroll through Lyon’s Chinatown
- Visit the Château de la Motte, an authentic Renaissance château
- Step back in time by visiting the tombs of Lyon’s most famous personalities at the Cimetière de la Guillotière
Here are our favourite hotels in this area to stay in Lyon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Lyon.
(€) Hotel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
Confluence, for fans of modernity
Confluence is a newly-built district at the tip of the Presqu’Ile, where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
A former industrial port, Confluence is now Lyon’s trendiest district. Almost all the buildings are at least modern, if not futuristic.
There’s still a lot of debate about its avant-garde architecture, but that’s exactly why we love it!
In fact, I can assure you that living in this district is more than pleasant, as you’re close to both the Rhône and the Saône, and the buildings are made up of orange and green cubes, to appeal to children and adults alike.
As this is a trendy district, there are restaurants and luxury boutiques nearby. This area offers opportunities for shopping, walking and bars away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.
In summer, you can stroll along the banks of the river or stop off at a terrace for a refreshing drink. There, you can mingle with locals who like to get out with the kids, go for a run or simply soak up the sun.
During your stay in Confluence, I encourage you to visit the recently opened Musée des Confluences exhibitions on the history of civilisations, anthropology and history, anthropology and natural history. Numerous workshops and conferences are also regularly organised at the museum.
Things to see and do in Confluence :
- Visit the Musée des Confluences
- Try molecular cuisine in one of the district’s trendy restaurants
- the banks of the Saône and Rhône
- la Passerelle aux cadenas
Here are our favourite hotels in this district where to stay in Lyon
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in Lyon.
(€) Hôtel Vaubecour. Cheap hotel in Lyon, 40 m from the train station and 10 min from points of interest. Rooms are classically decorated and furnished. Very friendly hosts and excellent breakfast! Book here.
(€€) ❤️ One night on the second floor. This splendid guest house welcomes you in the heart of Lyon, less than 1 km from Place Bellecour, in a 19th-century building in the travellers’ favourite district. Book your room here.
(€€) Okko Hotels. Magnificent hotel with a modern and chic decor located 5 minutes from the Presqu’île and 10 minutes from Place des Terreaux and the Opera. Great breakfast! Beautiful views from the rooms. Book here.
Lyon is a city that i strongly suggest you put on your list of cities to visit! to visit! It stands out for its exceptional architecture, its gastronomy gastronomy and the many events that take place throughout the year the year.
I hope this little guide I’ve put together has helped you choose where to live.
As for me, my favourite area to stay in Lyon is the Presqu’Ile, located in the city centre : there’s a mountain of things to do there (museums, theatres, shopping, etc.) and, from there, the rest of the city is easily accessible by tram or metro.
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