Table of Contents
Introduction
Would you consider 24 hours in Lyon?
Bonjour, nous allons à Lyon aujourd’hui pour 24 heures. In English “Hello, we are going to Lyon today for 24 hours”.
I’ve travelled to France more times than I can count mainly Paris (I actually went to Paris 4x in one year). I recall being called the Ambassador for France. Maybe one day but so far I’ve done Paris, Bordeaux, Disneyland in Paris, the South, but somehow somewhere 24 hours in Lyon made the list.
The flight was super cheap at less than £40 RT (return) and as I was only going for two days it made sense. Oh and it was a weekend trip, which ment that I didn’t have to take any holidays whatsoever. Doing a solo trip for 24 hours in Lyon was simply perfect for me and can be for you too.
After moving back from Morocco and spending more time exploring Europe (especially Eastern Europe), I decided it was time to actually practice my French. And let me tell you now… 24 hours in Lyon was so worth it. And I would highly recommend for you to go.
The city is know for being a the gastronomic capital of France, filled with traditional bouchons, markets, pastries, pink praline desserts and warm autumn colours, crunch leaves that make everything feel cosy and cinematic.
This trips was perfect. I surpassingly managed to get a lot done on such a spontaneous 24-hours in Lyon solo and it ended up being one of my favourite short getaways this year.
Getting to Lyon for Cheap Using Points
Flights around Europe have been surprisingly affordable lately, and this 24 hours in Lyon trip was no exception. I used my travel points for the flight and booked the hotel through Expedia for only £100 a night and earned £5.35 cashback through Quidco.
You should sign up for Quidco if you want to earn cashback for your trips and every day items.
Entry Requirements for Visiting France (Lyon)
American, Canadians and British citizens can visit France (which is part of the Schengen Area) visa free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area, and it must not have been issued more than 10 years ago.
From 12 October 2025, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has begun rolling out. It may require you to register biometric data (photo and fingerprints) on arrival into the Schengen zone including France.
Since I visited for a short trip, none of this caused delays, but checking everything in advance gave me peace of mind. You can read more about it here.
Getting Around Lyon
Lyon is one of the easiest French cities to navigate, especially if you’re visiting for a short trip. The city has a reliable and affordable public transport system that includes trams, metros, buses, and even funiculars to take you up the hills.
I found Lyon to be very walkable, especially around Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île and along the rivers which was right by my hotel. Most of the city’s main attractions are close together, so you can see a lot with just a comfortable pair of shoes.
From the airport, I took the Rhônexpress tram into the city centre and then hopped on the metro to get to my hotel. It was straightforward, clean and easy using Google Maps. If you prefer private transport, you can also find taxis and Ubers throughout the city, though I personally enjoyed walking and using the tram/metro as it allowed me to see more of Lyon’s charm.
Where To Stay
For a short stay, I decided to stay somewhere super central, comfortable and modern and OKKO Hôtel Lyon fit the purpose.
I loved that it was right by the river which is stunning to walk over. It came with warm lighting, clean interiors and a bright bathroom, everything I needed as a solo traveller. But the best part? They offer complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, including drinks (juices and hot drinks).
Exploring Lyon
Lyon immediately gave me mini-Paris vibes but so much more calmer, friendlier people, more colourful, and much more foodie traditions. I tried quenelle with rice twice perfect for the cold air.
Lyon has two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône), which I would highly recommend walking. The buildings are pastel colours, with cobbled streets (comfortable shoes is important). With warm-toned architecture, the city feels soft and charming. In some places I got Xoxo Gossip Girl vibes at times.
And travelling here during autumn with the cherry on top. The leaves were falling, the air was crisp, and walking along the river felt like a scene from a French film.
Things To Do in Lyon
There is so much to do in Lyon. Here’s exactly how I spent 24 hours in Lyon.
- Wander through Vieux Lyon (Old Town)
- Take the funicular to Fourvière for panoramic views
- Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
- Walk along the Saône River, especially in autumn
- Eat at a traditional bouchon (try quenelle, salade lyonnaise, tarte praline rose)
- Explore Presqu’île, including Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux
- Discover the traboules (Lyon’s hidden passageways)
- Stop for pastries at a local boulangerie
- Take a slow morning coffee in Vieux Lyon or Presqu’île
- Capture the views from the Passerelle du Palais de Justice
1. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
One of the first places I visited was Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor market named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse. It’s a paradise for food lovers different cheese stalls, pastries, charcuterie, seafood, chocolate, wine. I got myself a Praluline (a pink praline brioche from Pralus) and it was huge. It’s pretty sweet but way too big for me to finish by myself.
The energy, smells and colours make it a must visit, even if you’re only in the city for a day.
The next morning, I grabbed a croissant from Boulangerie Marcel and took a walk along the river. Even in the rain, the views were beautiful orange leaves, quiet streets, reflections across the water.
2. Finding Local Food in Lyon
Let me be honest: trying to get a table at a bouchon on a Saturday night was a mission. I walked to eight different places (all were fully booked!) before finally getting a seat at a restaurant. And this was all because I wanted to eat traditional local food.
I ate at Leon de Lyon and ordered quenelle de brochet a fluffy pike soufflé served in a creamy, pinkish Nantua sauce. This is one of Lyon’s most iconic dishes and something you have to try when you’re here (you can’t do 24 hours in Lyon without at least trying it). I had it with rice which made it the perfect comfort food after such a long walk around the city.
I would highly recommend booking a restaurant in advance even if it’s a last minute trip.
3. Boulangerie Marcel
This is the magic of travelling in autumn: slower mornings, fewer crowds, and the simple joys of one or two warm pastry in a cold city.
Just before heading to the hotel I ate at another Bouchon called Au Comptoir les Gones and had the same again quenelle and rice because it was sooo good!
Why Lyon Is Perfect for Autumn Travel
Autumn is becoming one of my favourite seasons to travel, and Lyon proved why:
1. It’s cheaper
Flights and hotels drop in price after summer, which in my opinion is a perfect time to travel. Both my flight and hotel were incredibly affordable.
2. Fewer crowds
You can explore the old town, markets and riverside at a slow, peaceful pace.
3. The vibe is unmatched
Golden leaves, cosy cafés, hot chocolate, warm colours everything feels soft and comforting.
Paris vs Lyon: Which Is Better?
Paris will always have my heart the fashion, the beauty, the buzz. But Lyon? Lyon feels real, calm, charming and deeply connected to food and culture. If Paris is the spotlight, Lyon is the quiet magic you discover when you step out of the capital. For a short European break, especially if you love food, I’d pick Lyon again.
Final Thoughts
This spontaneous 24 hours in Lyon trip reminded me of how beautiful and accessible Europe can be when you live in the UK, especially London. Lyon was stunning, and I’d certainly go back again in a heartbeat. If you’re planning a European trip soon, add Lyon to your list.
Where should I go next?
Merci
MBV x
