Lyon, France’s gastronomic heart, is a must-visit for foodies, history buffs, and Francophiles alike. Located to the east and the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon has drawn influences from its close Swiss and Italian neighbours. With over 2000 years of history, Lyon has a lot to offer everyone if you know where to look for it.
Lyon’s Arrondissements
Like Paris, Lyon is divided into districts, called arrondissements. Lyon has nine arrondissements, with its first and second making up the central Presqui’Île (literally, “Peninsula”) of the city, and the others working their way to the outskirts of the city from there. To make the most of your next visit to Lyon, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to Lyon’s best neighborhoods (and which arrondissements they’re in) to help you plan your perfect trip.
The Top Lyon Neighborhoods for Visitors
- Bellecour (2nd arrondissement) – For the first-time visitor
- La Confluence (2nd arrondissement) – For modern charm
- Croix Rousse (4th arrondissement) – For the trendy food lover
- Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement) – For history buffs
- La Guilottière (7th arrondissement) – For students and travelers on a budget
Bellecour (2nd arrondissement)
Bellecour can be found at the top of the second arrondissement, situated right in the heart of the Presqui’Île, a major shopping and cultural strip in central Lyon. With the Rhône and Saône rivers on either side, Bellecour offers easy access by both foot and metro to some of the best food and landmarks Lyon has to offer, so there’s no better place to soak up the Lyonnaise lifestyle.
From this arrondissement, we recommend exploring the Place de Bellecour, a bustling square which hosts events and markets year-round. To the east, you’ll find the Palais de la Bourse de Lyon, a stunning 19th-century building that originally housed Lyon’s chamber of commerce. Finally, if you want a culture hit, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon and Hôtel De Ville are only a short walk north.
There is no shortage of bars and eateries in Bellecour. In particular, we recommend Bouchon Palais Grillet, which offers a modern take on the traditional bouchon experience (a style of Lyonnais restaurant based on hearty, offal-centric dishes), and Carmelo, which serves up classic Italian staples served among eccentric decor.
Best for: First-time visitors
Bellecour is the perfect neighborhood for first-time visitors to Lyon. Not only will you find some of Lyon’s best restaurants, bars, and attractions right at your doorstep, but it also acts as the perfect base for those who want to easily explore the rest of the city.
La Confluence (2nd arrondissement)
A little further down the Presqu’Île, you’ll find La Confluence, one of Lyon’s newer neighborhoods. Previously a harbor, this area has been renovated into an up-and-coming area featuring modern architecture, trendy bars, and some of the best shopping in Lyon.
Fashionistas will be well-served here, with a range of boutique shops and Lyon’s newest Westfield at your doorstep. The Confluence is also home to La Sucrière art museum, which offers a range of events and exhibitions, and the Musée des Confluences, which hosts exhibitions on anthropology, natural history, and modern architecture. While at the Musée des Confluences, make sure you check out the Jardin du Musée des Confluences at the tip of the peninsula for some awe-inspiring views.
My Beers Lyon Confluence is a must for any beer lover, and with over 12 beers on tap and 400 in the cellar, there is something to please everyone. Heat Lyon is an open-air dining venue featuring a rotating list of dining and drinking experiences year-round. However, for a truly special experience, head north to Brasserie Georges. Established in 1836, this brasserie serves traditional Lyonnaise dishes in its stunning Art Deco dining room.
Best for: Those who want both convenience and a modern lifestyle
While the Confluence is the newest neighborhood on this list, we believe it will appeal to those who enjoy a modern touch during their stay in Lyon.
Croix-Rousse (4th arrondissement)
We’ve mentioned that Lyon is well known for its culinary history, and if you are looking to experience that first-hand, look no further than Croix-Rousse. This neighborhood is located in the north of the city, at the top of the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse (a huge hill and staircase). Here, you’ll find sweeping views of Lyon, a chill bohemian vibe, and enough restaurants and cafes to whet the appetite of any food lover.
The best way to get a feel for the area is to seek out and explore the traboules, a series of hidden passageways and courtyards found all throughout this neighborhood. While you search, be sure to keep an eye out for the many murals paying homage to the area’s history as a base of industry for silk workers, or canuts. If you are there between October and November, you may also be lucky enough to experience La Vogue aux Marrons, Lyon’s annual chestnut festival, where locals ring in fall and celebrate the first chestnuts of the season.
Daniel et Denise is one of the true standout restaurants here, providing an award-winning traditional bouchon experience. However, if you are looking for something a bit more wallet-friendly, wander over to Bouillon Croix-Rousse. Finally, we recommend checking out Barabaar for some drinks and charcuterie, and an opportunity to enjoy the incredible views of Lyon.
Best for: Those chasing trendy food experiences
Croix-Rousse is perfect for those who want to indulge in Lyon’s incredible culinary experiences and who enjoy a more relaxed pace to their trip.
Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement)
Vieux Lyon literally translates to “Old Lyon,” and its name couldn’t be more apt. With its colorful, Italian-influenced Renaissance-era streets, smattering of cathedrals, and gorgeous medieval architecture, a visit here truly feels like a step back in time.
History enthusiasts will love soaking up the awe-inspiring architecture, discovering medieval alleyways, and exploring the abundance of traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants. Once you feel you’ve had your fill, hop on the funicular and ride up to Fourvière to find Lyon’s most breathtaking church, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. A short walk from there will take you to the heart of Lyon’s Roman past, the Théâtre Gallo-Romain, an ancient Roman amphitheater in incredible condition.
Pink praline baked goods are a specialty of Lyon, and there is no better place to get them than Boulangerie du Palais. For a truly unique dining experience, check out Chez Cambert, a family-style restaurant where patrons gather around a shared table and indulge in a multi-course traditional Lyonnaise meal.
Best for: Lovers of history
Vieux Lyon is for the history lover who wants to be right in the heart of ancient Lyon and live out their Renaissance fantasy.
La Guilottière (7th arrondissement)
Guilottière can be found to the east of the Rhône River, just below Lyon’s business district, Part-Dieu. This area is known for being particularly youthful and multicultural, and it’s home to several of Lyon’s famed universities.
While in Guilottière, we recommend checking out the nightlife and keeping an eye out for the many events that happen there throughout the year. Film lovers should check out Musée Lumière, a museum which explores the history of the Lumière family and the invention of cinema, while food lovers should be sure to head north to Lyon’s best covered market, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
L’Art & la Manière is a local favorite, serving French bistro classics in a chic dining room. If you are a lover of wine make sure to ask Gaëtan, their sommelier and wine merchant, for a recommendation. There’s also no shortage of good Asian food in this neighborhood, so be sure to check out the Bao Haus to satisfy a craving for dumplings and modern Asian cuisine.
Best for: Budget-minded travelers
We recommend this area for young people and travelers on a budget who still want easy access to everything Lyon has to offer.
Final Thoughts on Lyon Neighborhoods
We’ve rounded up some of the best neighborhoods Lyon has to offer, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This city is packed with history, culture, and charm. Next time you’re in town, take the time to really explore Lyon and its surroundings, and you’ll surely find something incredible.
An Australian freelance writer living in Paris, Joe Ciliberto has a background in international relations and renewable energy. He is passionate about gastronomy, politics, travel, and finding the best cold brew coffee in Paris.
