# The 16 Best Things to Do in Lyon
Lyon, France's gastronomic capital and third-largest city, offers travellers a compelling blend of culinary excellence, Renaissance architecture, and modern culture. The city sits at the convergence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, positioning it as an essential stop for food-focused itineraries and art enthusiasts alike.
Wine tasting dominates Lyon's appeal. The city serves as the gateway to three of France's most celebrated wine regions: Beaujolais lies just 45 minutes north, while Côtes du Rhône and Condrieu sit within day-trip distance. Wine bars throughout Vieux Lyon (Old Town) offer tastings of Gamay and Syrah wines at modest prices, typically 3-6 euros per glass.
Contemporary art museums anchor Lyon's cultural landscape. The Musée d'Art Contemporain houses rotating exhibitions of modern work, while the Confluence Museum showcases natural history and anthropology in a striking riverside building. Entry costs around 9 euros for most attractions.
Vieux Lyon itself commands several hours of exploration. Renaissance townhouses line narrow cobblestone streets, with traboules (hidden passageways) connecting buildings across multiple blocks. This medieval quarter remains free to wander and photograph.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière crowns the city from Fourvière hill. The white Romano-Byzantine structure offers panoramic views across Lyon's three districts. A funicular railway ascends the hill for 3.20 euros round-trip.
The city's food scene lives up to its reputation. Bouchons are traditional Lyonnaise restaurants serving local specialties like quenelles and saucisson. Lunch menus typically cost