Lyon is one of France’s major cities and also its food capital. Located close to the Alps, it is a great city escape with lots of great architecture, historical sights and gastronomy.
However, deciding where to stay in Lyon without knowing the city at all can be a challenge.
This is the reason why I have decided to create this guide on where to stay in Lyon. After reading it, YOU will be an expert and will be able to choose which neighbourhood in Lyon suits your taste and budget the best.
Without further ado, let’s get started. Here is my guide on where to stay in Lyon.
- Where to Stay in Lyon
- Lyon Neighborhood Guide
- 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Lyon
- #1 La Presqu’Ile – Where to Stay in Lyon your First Time
- #2 La Guillotière – Where to Stay in Lyon on a Budget
- #3 Vieux Lyon – Best Area to Stay in Lyon for Nightlife
- #4 Confluence – Coolest Place to Stay in Lyon
- #5 Tête d’Or – Best Neighbourhood to Stay in Lyon for Families
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Lyon
Lyon is one of the best places to stay in France. Here are the best places to stay in Lyon.
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Best Hostel in Lyon – Ho36 Hostel
The Ho36 Hostel is located in the 7th district of Lyon, in the Guillotière area. It offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. The hostel also has a restaurant serving food all day, a bar at night and a room where guests can gather and get to know each other.
If you love hostels, you should check out our list of the coolest hostels in Lyon!
Best Budget Hotel in Lyon – MOB Hotel Lyon Confluence
The MOB Hotel Lyon is located in the Confluence area and provides modern accommodation in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods of the city. It offers rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, soundproofing and a private terrace. A free Wifi connection is available in all hotel areas.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Lyon – Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
Located in the iconic building dubbed as “the pen” by locals, it is just a stone’s throw away from the Part-Dieu shopping centre and the Part-Dieu train station. Each room boasts wonderful views over the city, that can stretch to the Alps on a clear day.
Best Airbnb in Lyon – Cosy Centrally Located Ensuite Studio
This small cosy and comfortable Airbnb in France is ideal for first-time visitors in Lyon. With a very convenient location, it is only a minute’s walk from Place Bellecour in a very charming French neighbourhood. Walk down and discover various restaurants, cafes, markets, shops and beautiful sights. Note that the common areas are shared with the hosts.
Cosy Centrally Located Ensuite Studio is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
La Presqu’Ile
La Presqu’Ile is the most central neighbourhood you can stay in Lyon. It includes the area around the city hall all the way down to the Perrache train station.
La Guillotière
The Guillotière neighbourhood is located in the 7th district of Lyon, in between the Rhône river and the business district of Part-Dieu. It is a socially and ethnically mixed area, which means lots of different world food options are available around here!
Vieux Lyon
The Vieux Lyon is the oldest neighbourhood in the city. It was built during the medieval and Renaissance times and has pretty much kept the same shape since.
Confluence
Confluence is a newly built neighbourhood located at the very tip of the Presqu’Ile, where the Rhône and the Saône rivers meet. An old industrial harbour, Confluence is now the coolest place to hang out in Lyon.
Tête d’Or
The Tête d’Or area is located around the 6th district of Lyon and is bordered by the river Rhône. It is an interesting mix of old villas and more modern architecture around the Cité Internationale.
Lyon surely is a charming place and many visitors to France agree. and France’s second largest city has many hidden gems to offer to its visitors. Think beautiful architecture, UNESCO World Heritage listed neighbourhoods and gastronomy you will find nowhere else in France. One of the best things to do in Lyon is to check out the old town.
The beating heart of the city is located in the 1st and 2nd districts, which form the Presqu’Ile neighbourhood. This is where you will find most of the city’s museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts. Two major squares can also be found there, the Place des Terreaux and the Place Bellecour, where you can admire beautiful architecture, stop for a coffee and enjoy the local attractions organised all-year long.
At the tip of the Presqu’Ile the newly built neighbourhood of Confluence has quickly become one of the coolest spots in town. The old industrial harbour is now filled with modern buildings, a major museum and lots of good places to eat.
The Old City, the Vieux Lyon, is also a place not to be missed when visiting Lyon. Wander around the old cobbled streets and stop the visit the St Jean Church. Many “bouchons”, Lyon’s most traditional restaurants, are also located in the Vieux Lyon. Stop there for lunch and try one of the city’s specialities!
Families will love staying around the Tête d’Or Park, which provides an amazing natural playground for kids and boasts a free zoo. Rent a small boat to paddle on the lake during the summer, or just hop on a bus to go explore the rest of town.
At this point, you may still wonder where to stay in Lyon. Do not panic and check out our detailed breakdown below!
5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Lyon
Let’s take a more detailed look at the 5 best neighbourhoods to stay in Lyon. There is something for every taste and budget!
La Presqu’Ile is the most central neighbourhood you can stay in Lyon. It includes the area around the city hall all the way down to the Perrache train station. Presqu’Ile got its name from its geographic location, on a stretch of land between the two rivers flowing in the city: the Rhône and the Saône.
The neighbourhood is full of architectural gems and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We recommend to explore it by foot, as it is the best way to take the time to see everything around you!
The two most important squares in Lyon, the Place Bellecour and the Place des Terreaux, are located in the Presqu’Ile. The Place Bellecour is the largest pedestrian square in Europe and often hosts some local events. During the winter, make sure to hop on the ferris wheel to get an impressive bird’s eye view of Lyon.
Things to see and do in La Presqu’Ile
– Walk around the Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe
– Check out some European painting masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts
– Stop for a coffee on the Place des Terreaux and admire the Bartholdi fountain
Best Budget Hotel in La Presqu’Ile – Citadines Presqu’Ile Lyon
Citadines Presqu’Ile Lyon offers independent studio apartments which can accommodate up to four people. Each apartment is like a home away from home and features a kitchenette with a microwave, a toaster, a fridge and a dishwasher, a full dining area and a separate sleeping space. Rooms are also fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom with a bathtub.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in La Presqu’Ile – Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts
The Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts is centrally located near the Place Bellecour. It offers Art Déco styled rooms fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV with international channels. A good buffet breakfast is served in the morning and free Wifi is provided.
Best Airbnb in La Presqu’Ile – Cosy Centrally Located Ensuite Studio
This small cosy and comfortable studio is ideal for first-time visitors in Lyon. With a very convenient location, it is only a minute’s walk from Place Bellecour in a very charming French neighbourhood. Walk down and discover various restaurants, cafes, markets, shops and beautiful sights. Note that the common areas are shared with the hosts.
Cosy Centrally Located Ensuite Studio is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in La Presqu’Ile – Ho36 Opera
The Ho36 Opera is located just one minute away from the Place des Terreaux. It offers comfortable accommodation in private rooms with an ensuite bathroom or single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. Towels and individual lockers are provided for each guest, as well as a free Wifi connection.
Ho36 Opera is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Learn More Now!The Guillotière neighbourhood is located in the 7th district of Lyon, in between the Rhône river and the business district of Part-Dieu. It is a socially and ethnically mixed area, which means lots of different world food options are available around here!
This is also where Lyon’s Chinatown is located. Head there to get a true taste of Asia, taste some authentic Chinese food and, at the end of January, experience traditional Chinese New Year’s celebrations.
An interesting thing to visit in La Guillotière is, as weird as it may sound, the cemetery. Indeed, it is actually a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the city as many of its famous inhabitants are now buried there. These include Louis Lumière, inventor of the modern cinema, painter Hector Allemand and chemistry Nobel Prize winner Victor Grignard.
Finally, La Guillotière also boasts an authentic Renaissance castle which has been very well preserved over the years. Parts of it are open to the public.
Things to see and do in La Guillotière
– Wander around Lyon’s very own Chinatown
– Visit the Château de la Motte, an authentic Renaissance castle
– Go back in time while visiting Lyon’s most famous personalities’ graves in the Cimetière de la Guillotière
Best Hostel in La Guillotière – Ho36 Hostel
The Ho36 Hostel offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. The hostel also has a restaurant serving food all day, a bar at night and a room where guests can gather and get to know each other.
Best Budget Hotel in La Guillotière – Hotel de Noailles
The Hotel de Noailles is conveniently located next to a metro station and offers modern rooms fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and soundproofing. A good buffet breakfast is served in the morning and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in La Guillotière – Best Western Hotel Du Pont Wilson
The Best Western Hotel du Pont Wilson is a modern hotel offering comfortable rooms fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing and a tea and coffee maker. Some of the rooms boast stunning views over the Fourvière hill and basilica. A full buffet breakfast or an express breakfast are served in the morning.
Best Airbnb in La Guillotière – Comfortable and Affordable Apartment
Pay less for more! Book this entire affordable apartment during your stay in Lyon if you’re on a budget. Located right in the centre of Lyon, it includes a kitchen, a bathroom and separated toilets. It comes with all the basic amenities from heating to cooking basics. This is a very good pick for someone who wants to spend their money on outdoor activities rather than on accommodation.
Comfortable and Affordable Apartment is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
The Vieux Lyon is the oldest neighbourhood in the city. It was built during the medieval and Renaissance times and has pretty much kept the same shape since.
The most interesting architectural feature of the area is something called the traboules. They are small, pedestrian passageways within the apartment buildings tog o from one street to another. They go through courtyards which are usually well decorated and well worth a sight!
The Vieux Lyon is also a great place to try some local food. Lyon is often considered to be the food capital of France and has its very own specialities as well. If you feel adventurous, try some local tripe recipes, pike quenelles or praline pie.
To burn off the calories, skip the funicular and hike to the top of the Fourvière hill. From there, you will have a unique view over the city. Also, make sure to visit the basilica and the remains of the Roman city.
Things to see and do in Vieux Lyon
– Climb up to Fourvière hill to the basilica
– Wander around the cobbled streets and shop around
– Stop in a bouchon for a traditional meal
– Dance the night away in one of the many bars
Best Airbnb in Vieux Lyon – Spacious Apartment in the Heart of Vieux Lyon
Located in the medieval and historical neighbourhood, this stylish apartment is in a charming old building from the 17th century. Stroll around the charming area, shop until you drop, and visit museums. This apartment can accommodate up to 4 guests and comes with all the essentials from wifi to a TV, an air purificator, and an Italian shower.
Best Budget Hotel in Vieux Lyon – Collège Hotel
The Collège Hotel is a unique place with a school style in the Vieux Lyon. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a flat screen TV with international channels. Some of the rooms also have a private terrace or balcony.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vieux Lyon – Fourvière Hotel
The Fourvière hotel is a beautiful property located in the historic old town of Lyon. The comfortable rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, a beautiful garden view and a flat screen TV with cable channels. Each room comes with free spa access.
Best Hostel in Vieux Lyon – Ho36 Opera
The Ho36 Opera is located just one minute away from the Place des Terreaux, across the river from the Vieux Lyon. It offers comfortable accommodation in private rooms with an ensuite bathroom or single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. Towels and individual lockers are provided for each guest, as well as a free Wifi connection.
Ho36 Opera is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Buy an eSIM!Confluence is a newly built neighbourhood located at the very tip of the Presqu’Ile, where the Rhône and the Saône rivers meet. An old industrial harbour, Confluence is now the coolest place to hang out in Lyon.
Modern architecture and futuristic buildings are now what Confluence is made of, along with a brand new shopping centre, dozens of cool restaurants and cafés, and a shiny museum.
During the summer, you can take a stroll on the river banks, or stop at a terrace for a refreshing drink. There, you will mingle with the locals who love taking the kids out, go for a run or just soak up some sun.
While staying in Confluence, make sure not to miss the Musée des Confluences. Newly opened, the museum displays exhibitions about the history of civilisations, anthropology and natural history. Many workshops and conferences are also organised at the museum on a regular basis.
Things to see and do in Confluence
– Visit the Musée des Confluences
– Go see an exhibition at La Sucrière, an old sugar factory
– Try fusion food in one of the trendy restaurants of the area
Best Airbnb in Confluence – Stylish and Spacious Loft in Confluence
Next to the very lively Confluence area, this sophisticated loft in a 19th century building is not only well designed, but also comfortable and peaceful. Walk everywhere to places like “Place Carnot”, Bellecour or the Old Town. This quaint loft also offers a gorgeous view from the roof windows overlooking the church tower across the street.
Best Hostel in Confluence – Ho36 Hostel
The Ho36 Hostel is the closest hostel to the Confluence area and is accessible with the tram. It offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. The hostel also has a restaurant serving food all day, a bar at night and a room where guests can gather and get to know each other.
Best Budget Hotel in Confluence – MOB Hotel Lyon Confluence
The MOB Hotel Lyon is located in the Confluence area and provides modern accommodation in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods of the city. It offers rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, soundproofing and a private terrace. A free Wifi connection is available in all hotel areas.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Confluence – Novotel Lyon Confluence
The Novotel Lyon Confluence offers modern rooms in the heart of the coolest neighbourhood in Lyon. Each room is fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel has a terrace where guests can enjoy a drink with panoramic views of the river.
The Tête d’Or area is located around the 6th district of Lyon and is bordered by the river Rhône. It is an interesting mix of old villas and more modern architecture around the Cité Internationale. In the middle of it all, the Tête d’Or Park is a true urban oasis where you will love to go to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you are visiting Lyon with kids, one feature of the park is of particular interest: the zoo! And the best news is, you can go say hi to giraffes, elephants and monkeys for free. Just walk around and splurge on some ice cream instead. During the summer, small boats can be rented to paddle on the park lake as well.
For grown-ups, the Transbordeur is a relatively small concert venue that welcomes some of the best current music bands in France. Check out the programme during your stay and discover what the local music scene sounds like.
Things to see and do in Tête d’Or
– Take the kids for a day out at the zoo
– Visit the Museum of Modern Art
– Catch a live show at the Transbordeur
Best Budget Hotel in Tête d’Or – Mercure Lyon Brotteaux
The Mercure Lyon Brotteaux is one of the nicest hotels in Lyon. It is located just a short walk away from the Parc de la Tête d’Or, the biggest park in Lyon. Rooms are non-smoking and feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat screen TV and a tea and coffee maker.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Tête d’Or – Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité Internationale
The Lyon Marriott Cité Internationale is a comfortable hotel located in the business district of the Cité Internationale. It is also great for tourists as it is located just a few steps away from the Parc de la Tête d’Or. The rooms are comfortable and feature air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a free Wifi connection and a flat screen TV.
Best Airbnb in Tête d’Or – Gorgeous Fully Equipped Two Bedroom Flat
Superb spacious apartment that can accommodate up to 6 guests. This place is perfect for a family on a holiday in Lyon. You’ll find a big sofa, TV and dining area in the open and bright living room. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the cooking essentials. Bedrooms are on the second floor, each with their private bathroom.
Gorgeous Fully Equipped Two Bedroom Flat is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel in Tête d’Or – Ho36 Opera
The Ho36 Opera is located just one minute away from the Place des Terreaux, across the river from the 6th district. It offers comfortable accommodation in private rooms with an ensuite bathroom or single beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. Towels and individual lockers are provided for each guest, as well as a free Wifi connection.
Ho36 Opera is one of our favourites in Lyon but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Lyon
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Lyon and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Lyon…
If you are going to France, Lyon is definitely a city that should be on your list. It boasts amazing architecture, great food, and a lot of events are always going on all year round.
My favourite neighbourhood to stay in Lyon is the centrally located Presqu’Ile. There are a mountain of things to do (museums, theatres, shopping, …) and, from there, the rest of the city is easily accessible with the trams or the metro.
My favourite hotel in Lyon is the Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon. Located in the iconic “pen” tower in the Part-Dieu area, it boasts amazing views over the city and even the Alps on clear days.
If you are traveling as a backpacker, Ho36 Hostel, in the Guillotière neighbourhood, will be your home away from home.
Have I forgotten your favourite spot in Lyon? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list!
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
