Victoria Lupascu 
Get ready for an incredible guide on where to stay in Lyon!
When visiting the city (and absolutely falling in love with it), I explored all the areas and attractions Lyon has to offer!
I can say for sure that Presqu’Ile is the best area to stay in Lyon!
That’s where you’ll find charming cobbled streets and great attractions! However, I know everyone has different tastes, and that’s why you’ll find other areas in this post, each with a unique atmosphere and hotels.
I searched and compared all accommodation options in Lyon and chose only the ones with the best reviews and for different budgets! So once you decide on an area you like, you can book your hotel in a couple of clicks!
Lyon is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, so I highly recommend booking your hotels here in advance!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best hotels in Lyon for different budgets, all in Presqu’Ile:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Presqu’Ile – where to stay in Lyon for the first time
- 2. Vieux Lyon – the best place for history enthusiasts
- 3. Confluence – the coolest neighborhood in Lyon
- 4. Guillotière – where to stay in Lyon on a budget
- 5. Fourvière – where to stay in Lyon with family
- 6. The Pentes de la Croix-Rousse – where to stay for foodies
- FAQs about where to stay in Lyon
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s the map with the 6 best areas to stay in Lyon that I will be talking about in this post:
- Presqu’Ile: for first-timers
- Vieux Lyon: for history lovers
- Confluence: the coolest area
- Guillotière: on a budget
- Fourvière: with the family
- Pentes de la Croix-Rousse: for foodies
1. Presqu’Ile – where to stay in Lyon for the first time
Bonjour mes amis and welcome to Presqu’Ile (or the ‘Peninsula’), Lyon’s city center, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The area is set in the 2nd arrondissement, and it extends around the city hall all the way down to the Perrache train station. And it’s the perfect place to start your holiday!
I’m sure you’ll love spending hours exploring its cobbled streets and admiring the Romanesque architecture! You surely can’t miss a stop at Palais de la Bourse de Lyon!
I wasn’t surprised to learn that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of Le Petit Prince, was born in such a culturally rich town!
This is also the most important commercial area in the city, and you’ll find lots of high-end shops, especially on Rue de la République, which is the main shopping street, as well as monuments and restaurants.
Oh, to be a tourist in Lyon! It’s not surprising it’s one of the best places in France!
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu
Enjoy a luxurious stay in this lovely historic building by the river, with a very central and convenient location. Admire the stunning city views from elegant rooms, and relax in the beautiful garden or at the spa center. Guests love the continental buffet breakfast served in the restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Presqu’Ile
Set in a 19th-century building, this hotel offers modern rooms with city views and breakfast
A great hotel near Perrache metro station with stylish rooms and a TV
Things to do in Presqu’Ile
- Hop on the Ferris wheel to get an astonishing view of Lyon
- Join a guided sightseeing river cruise along the Saone
- Go shopping on Rue de la République or Rue Victor Hugo
- Visit Église Saint-Nizier de Lyon
- Explore Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe
2. Vieux Lyon – the best place for history enthusiasts
If I were to describe Vieux Lyon in one word, it would be charming.
Vieux Lyon (the Old Town) lies on the west side of the Saône River but is still centrally located and is perfectly walkable.
Imagine a colorful district with narrow medieval streets, beautiful palaces with Italian influences (that now are home to luxury hotels and affordable guesthouses), historical squares (like the Place Bellecour and the Place des Terreaux), and great views from the hill it’s built on.
If you’re a fan of the typical medieval and renaissance layout, crowded with narrow streets, you will love Lyon’s neighbor city, Geneva, which is a 2h drive away! Here’s a post to help you prepare for that trip if you decide to go!
Are you already imagining yourself in Vieux Lyon? Then book your accommodation immediately; this is one of the most requested areas by tourists!
Wake up to a stunning panoramic view of Lyon while staying in this 5-star hotel in the Old Town! Relax at the indoor heated swimming pool, in the hot tub, or in the steam room after an intense day of strolling around Vieux Lyon streets, and have a well-deserved drink at the on-site bar!
Other accommodation options in Vieux Lyon
Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast and gorgeous rooms with air conditioning in the heart of Lyon
Lovely rooms with a private bathroom in a historical building, a short walk away from Place Bellecour
Cozy apartment set in a renaissance historic building, only 2 steps from Vieux Lyon metro station
Things to do in Vieux Lyon
- Check out the 5th-century cathedral in the Jardin Archéologique
- Taste local food on an Old Town food tour
- Visit the Lyon Historical Museum
- Enjoy the highlights of Lyon on this guided e-bike tour!
- Admire the roman catholic church Saint-Jean Cathedral
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Confluence – the coolest neighborhood in Lyon
If you go all the way south of the Presqu’Ile, you will get to Confluence, the old industrial port located exactly at the conjunction of the 2 rivers.
This former harbor area has been renovated, and you will be astonished by its sustainable design, modern architecture, and futuristic buildings!
Confluence is a very cool area to stay in Lyon and to hang out, offering great shopping, countless restaurants and cafés, vibrant nightlife, and the shiny Musée des Confluences.
This brand-new museum offers several exhibitions about history, anthropology, and natural history, as well as workshops and conferences… for those who still need some culture between a stroll on the river banks and a night out!
A fab hotel with everything you need for your holiday! The accommodation boasts family rooms with balconies, a continental breakfast, and modern furnishings!
Other accommodation options in Confluence
Lovely hotel with a panoramic river views terrace, at walking distance from Lyon Perrache Train Station
This spacious and cozy room is super affordable and offers a private attached bathroom and a balcony
Feel like at home in this duplex located in the middle of traditional restaurants, bars, and public transport
Things to do in Confluence
- Visit the Musée des Confluences – science and anthropology museum
- Try some local beers at the My Beers Confluence Bar
- Go see cultural events at La Sucrière, an old sugar factory
- Taste international food at the trendy restaurants of the area
4. Guillotière – where to stay in Lyon on a budget
The young and multicultural Guillotière lies on the east bank of the Rhône river and is close to the business district of Part-Dieu (which is close to the Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport).
This area is an alternative cultural hub hosting a wide choice of cool floating bars, galleries, and great restaurants from all over the world!
If you’re traveling on a budget, then this neighborhood is perfect for you! There are many cheap hotels here plus you are perfectly connected to the center with the metro!
Guillotière is also great for experiencing Lyon’s nightlife in its newest and hottest spots and enjoying craft beer, cocktails, and concert venues!
How fab is this apartment? It’s so spacious and bright, and it features all the facilities you’ll need for your holiday! You’ll find a kitchen, a living room with a seating area, and a TV to watch French movies!
Other accommodation options in Guillotière
Great hotel with an amazing restaurant and a good location near the center and the Part Dieu train station
Cozy hotel, with a convenient location to get to Lyon center, and at a 40-minute drive from Saint Exupery Airport
Enjoy tranquility in this fully renovated apartment featuring a terrace with a unique panorama!
Things to do in Guillotière
- Explore the gorgeous Château de la Motte
- Spend a fun day at Piscine du Rhône
- Catch a sunset by the Rhône
- Have a drink at Livestation DIY Bar
- Visit the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
5. Fourvière – where to stay in Lyon with family
Fourvière is a historic district on the hill rising immediately west of Vieux Lyon and of the Saône River, reachable on foot. It is mainly a residential area offering both exclusive hotels and budget options.
From the hotels and apartments of this neighborhood, you can enjoy astonishing views of the city in a peaceful setting, especially at night when it is completely lit up. It’s definitely the best neighborhood for a quiet getaway with your family!
It also has some parks where you can take the little ones, like Parc des Hauteurs, and lots of cool attractions for the parents, like the Gallo-Roman Museum!Stroll around its small medieval streets, climb the numerous stairs, and discover its hidden place. Too much walking? If you feel lazy and want to get to the city center fast, no worries; there are funiculars that will take you straight to Vieux Lyon!
A great hotel for a family holiday that offers spacious suites with a TV and garden views! It is located above the Roman amphitheaters, offering breathtaking views over the city. Treat yourself to the sun terrace, hot tub, and hammam, and play with the kids in the outdoor pool!
Other accommodation options in Fourvière
A lovely family house that has a backyard with a seating area and offers free parking
Perfect for a family, this place offers so much space, amazing views, and a kitchen
Apartment with private patio located on the hillside, few steps away from Lyon Old Town
Things to do in Fourvière
- Hike to the top of the Fourvière hill
- Visit the beautiful Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
- Take the kids to the Parc des Hauteurs
- Attend an open-air concert or festival at the Théâtre Gallo Romain
6. The Pentes de la Croix-Rousse – where to stay for foodies
The neighborhood is technically divided into 2 parts: Les Pentes (the slope) and the Plateau, 254 m (c. 830 ft) above sea level.
This vibrant district was the international center of the silk processing industry!
Today, the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse stands out for its strong personality and bohemian feel, emanated by its suggestive bars, boutiques, and artist workshops.
But if one of your main reasons to stay in Lyon is to try the typical French food (busted!), you are definitely in the right place.
Pentes de la Croix-Rousse offers plenty of delicious traditional food, either in independent restaurants where you’ll try the tastiest cuisines or in the popular food market, where you can do grocery shopping like a real local!
Some of the best places where you can find those restaurants are Rue de Belfort, Rue Pailleron, and Rue du Mail!
My suggestion? Try the Quenelle, amazing French dumplings, the epitome of Lyon cuisine. You won’t regret it!
Not too far from this area, you’ll find Parc de la Tête d’Or, which is super big and has so many fun things to do, from visiting a free zoo to mini-karting! A must-see if you’re with your kids!
NOTE: since this area doesn’t have any luxury hotels, I chose a stylish apartment that is as luxurious as you can get in this area. However, if you really want the full luxury, I suggest you stay at Maison Nô – Hôtel et Rooftop in Presqu’île – just 15 min walk away from this area.
You’ll feel super comfortable in this hotel which has some amazing rooms with stylish furnishings, a flat-screen Tv and city views! Grab a bite at their restaurant (which offers breakfast) and then head out to explore the area!
Other options in The Pentes de la Croix-Rousse
Stylish and modern apartment with great location near the fine arts museum
An affordable place to stay in Lyon that has stylish rooms, a shared lounge and a terrace
Cozy and bright apartment with lovely views, perfect spot to explore Lyon from!
Things to do in The Pentes de la Croix-Rousse
- Have fun at La Vogue aux Marrons carnival
- Grab a drink at L’Abreuvoir on Rue Sainte Catherine
- Admire the beautiful Hôtel de Ville
- Check out the Mur des Canuts area
- Go see the diverse collections at Musée des Beaux-Arts
| 👑 Luxury price: | €200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €110 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Presqu’Ile |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | InterContinental Lyon |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Mercure Lyon Centre |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hôtel Vaubecour |
FAQs about where to stay in Lyon
🌇 Which are the best places to stay in Lyon?
The best areas to stay in Lyon are the center Presqu’Ile, where you can stay in hotels like InterContinental Lyon, and the Old Town (Vieux Lyon), where you can stay at Villa Maïa.
👪 What is the best area to stay in Lyon with the family?
The best area to stay in Lyon with your family is the Fourvière, a quiet residential area located on a hill with parks around.
🚦Which areas to avoid in Lyon?
I would avoid the areas around the train stations at night (Part Dieu and Perrache) as there are many dodgy people there once the sun sets.
🚶♀️ Is Lyon a walkable city?
Yes, it is! Walking is the best way to explore Lyon! Its narrow streets, the hills, the several bridges that connect the different areas, and the human-scale size of the city make it perfect for long walks and romantic strolls.
🗺️ How far is Lyon from Paris?
It takes 2 hours to get to Lyon from Paris by train and around 4 hours by car.
🔝Is Lyon worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lyon is a beautiful city with a rich history, gorgeous architecture, and fun attractions!
📆 How long should I stay in Lyon?
I would recommend 2 to 3 days, as that will give you plenty of time to explore around or more if you’re planning to take day trips!
💸 What are the most expensive areas in Lyon?
Presqu’Ile in the city center and the area around Tête d’Or Park, which is residential and where many wealthy people live, are some of the most expensive ones in town!
🚇 Is there a metro system in Lyon?
Yes, there is a metro system in Lyon, and they have a total of 4 metro lines. You can learn more about it on this page.
Conclusion
After reading this guide on where to stay in Lyon, I’m sure you’re more than ready to plan your holiday!
Just to recap, today we’ve seen the best areas in Lyon and the top hotels in each.
Take your time analyzing all the options, as that’s always of great help! Still, if you’re not sure, then check out my 2 favorite hotels in the central area:
- InterContinental Lyon – a gorgeous hotel set in a unique building that has a spa center and a restaurant.
- Mercure Lyon Centre – beautifully decorated art deco-style rooms right in the heart of Lyon.
This city may not be as popular as Paris, but trust me, it’s a top destination! That’s why I recommend booking your accommodations here in advance (otherwise, you’ll only find decent hotels near Lyon, not inside the city)!
Enjoy your French holiday, and don’t forget I’ve been to Lyon, so don’t hesitate to ask me questions right in the comment section below!
Bon voyage!
Victoria
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Hi Victoria, I’m visiting Lyon in March with a colleague (4-5 days) and was looking at areas to stay. I was thinking Confluence or Vieux Lyon as they seem generally quite central and walkable to Presqu’ile. I then reached 6. Pentes de la Croi in your post and thought this sounded fun too. Just trying to have a look at options but would 2. or 3. still be better suited? I wouldn’t mind visiting a museum and then just meandering to explore. Thanks!
Hi Candy!
For a first-time visit to Lyon, I would recommend staying in Vieux Lyon or Confluence. They put you right in the heart of things and make it very easy to explore top attractions on foot.
Vieux Lyon has tons of charm – cobblestone streets, quaint buildings, cute shops and restaurants. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time. From there, you can easily walk across the bridge to the Presqu’île district, home to museums, shops, cafés. You’ll also be close to the funicular going up to majestic Fourvière basilica on the hilltop overlooking the city.
Meanwhile Confluence has a trendy, modern vibe along the Saône river. It puts you close to cool boutiques, restaurants and the dazzling Musée des Confluences. Everything you’d want to explore around the Presqu’île would be very walkable too.
The Croix-Rousse neighborhood is really lovely too, but a bit more hilly and out of the way if museum-hopping is high on your list. Either Vieux Lyon or Confluence would probably suit your plans best! But with Lyon’s compact size and metro system, everywhere is easy to reach. Let me know if you have any other questions!