The Ultimate Guide to Lyon on a Budget: Gastronomy, History & Secret Passageways 2025

A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that serves hearty, local cuisine in a convivial atmosphere. Look for the "Les Bouchons Lyonnais" official certification plaque to find authentic ones. They typically serve dishes like saucisson de Lyon, quenelle de brochet, and salade lyonnaise. Reservations are highly recommended!

Traboules are hidden passageways, primarily in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, that run through buildings and connect different streets. They were used by silk workers to transport their goods. Many are now private, but some are open to the public. Look for small plaques that say "La Traboule". Be quiet and respectful as you are walking through residential courtyards.

The fastest way is the Rhônexpress tram, which connects the airport to the Part-Dieu train station in under 30 minutes. It's efficient but can be pricey. A more budget-friendly option is to take the Bus 47 to the Meyzieu Z.I. tram stop and then connect to the T3 tram line towards the city center. This takes longer but costs significantly less.

The Lyon City Card can be great value. It includes unlimited access to the metro, tram, bus, and funicular network, free entry to over 20 museums (including the Fine Arts Museum and Gadagne Museums), a guided tour, and even a river cruise. If you plan to visit several museums and use public transport frequently, it will almost certainly save you money.

The easiest way is to take the funicular (or "la ficelle") from the Vieux Lyon metro station. There are two lines; one goes to the Basilica (Fourvière) and the other to the Roman Theatres (Minimes). Your standard TCL transport ticket is valid on the funicular. You can also walk up, but be prepared for a steep climb!

Lyon offers plenty of free activities. You can:

• Wander through the Renaissance courtyards and traboules of Vieux Lyon.
• Stroll through the huge Parc de la Tête d'Or, which includes a free zoo and botanical garden.
• Walk along the redeveloped banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
• Explore the slopes and street art of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
• Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Fourvière hill.

Yes, the main areas of Lyon are very walkable. The Presqu'île (the peninsula between the two rivers) and Vieux Lyon are best explored on foot. However, to get between neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse, Part-Dieu, and the city center, the efficient metro and tram system is your best friend.

The area around Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the southern part of the Presqu'île is packed with pubs and bars. The slopes of the Croix-Rousse offer a more bohemian and alternative scene. For a high concentration of pubs and late-night bars, head to the streets of Vieux Lyon, especially around Rue Saint-Jean.

For the ultimate gourmet experience, you must visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse. It's a legendary indoor food market filled with stalls from Lyon's best artisans, selling cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and more. For a more traditional, bustling outdoor market experience, visit the Marché Saint-Antoine along the Saône river.

Lyon's public transport (run by TCL) is excellent, with metros, trams, buses, and funiculars. You must buy a ticket from a machine at a station or a Tabac shop **before** you board. Once on board a tram or bus, you must **validate** your ticket in the small machine. On the metro, you validate to open the entry gates. A single ticket is valid for one hour of unlimited transfers.