Lyon, with its mix of Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and bustling food scene, is a city that rewards curiosity and good planning. Unlike many European cities, Lyon’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring via public transport or on foot, but the real fun begins when you choose the right tour to match your interests. Whether you’re eager to visit world-class museums, cruise the Saone River, or pedal past Croix-Rousse’s traboules, Lyon offers a variety of ways to see it all. Among the experiences we like are the Lyon City Card for its mix of convenience and value, and the guided Bike Tour for a lively way to cover ground. These options showcase Lyon’s fascinating layers, from its Roman roots to its vibrant cultural scene.
Quick Overview
To help you navigate your options, here’s a quick summary:
- The Lyon City Card offers unlimited public transport, museum access, river cruises, and discounts on shopping and entertainment (details here).
- The Guided City Bike Tour is a three-hour, small-group ride that covers key landmarks with an expert guide.
- The Attractions & Museums Card & Guide combines museum visits, guided tours, and river cruises for flexible exploration.
- The 1-Year City Card offers long-term savings and four free activities, ideal for those planning a longer stay.
1. Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions
At number one, the Lyon City Card strikes a great balance of convenience and value, especially for first-time visitors. For $37 per person, you get access to unlimited public transport—buses, metro, trams, funiculars—making it easy to hop around the city (see more). You also gain entry to 27 museums, including top spots like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gallo-Roman Museum, and the Confluences Museum, plus various temporary exhibitions.
One standout feature is the Saone river cruise, allowing you to relax while taking in Lyon’s picturesque waterside views. Guided tours in historic districts reveal stories behind Lyon’s impressive architecture and streetscapes, making this card a flexible way to hit highlights without worrying about tickets. Plus, you’ll enjoy discounts on shopping and theaters, perfect for those who like to combine sightseeing with some retail therapy.
Most travelers appreciate that even visiting just two museums pays for the card, and with durations from 48 to 96 hours, it adapts well to different schedules. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see many attractions without juggling separate tickets.
Bottom line: If you plan to visit multiple museums, use public transit extensively, or want a simple, all-in-one pass, this Lyon City Card is your best pick.
2. Lyon: Guided City Bike Tour
Number two on our list is the Guided City Bike Tour, a three-hour ride that makes exploring Lyon’s most iconic sites a breeze. Perfect for active travelers, this tour takes you from the northern neighborhoods to the south, passing landmarks like the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière, the Presqu’île, and the Confluence district. Cycling is an efficient way to cover more ground than walking and offers a different perspective on Lyon’s architecture and layout.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers insightful commentary on Lyon’s history, culture, and local stories. Many reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and depth of knowledge. A notable comment describes the tour as “a pleasant way to visit different places in Lyon in just 3 hours,” and highlights the lively, friendly atmosphere created by guides like Cecile or Lauren.
The tour is well-suited for those comfortable on a bike and wanting an active, engaging experience. It’s a great choice if you’re short on time but want to see the city’s key sights with expert commentary. Keep in mind that it doesn’t include museum visits or extensive transportation options, so it works best as an afternoon activity for those already familiar with Lyon’s layout.
Bottom line: If you love cycling and want a lively, guided overview of Lyon’s most famous landmarks, this tour hits the spot.
3. Lyon City Card Attractions & Museums Card & Guide with City Map
Coming in at number three is the Attractions & Museums Card & Guide, which offers comprehensive access to Lyon’s cultural gems. For around $37.07, you get free admission to 22 museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Miniature and Puppet Museum. The card also grants free guided tours and river cruises from April to October, adding a scenic element to your sightseeing.
This pass shines for those eager to explore at their own pace, with the flexibility of choosing from 1 to 4 days. The included city map and guide help navigate Lyon’s neighborhoods, while the museum entries give you the chance to enjoy Lyon’s artistic and historical collections without extra costs. The river cruise, a highlight for many visitors, provides a relaxing view of Lyon from the water, especially enjoyable during spring and summer.
The reviews note how easy it is to use and how much it enhances the Lyon experience—many travelers mention the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière as a favorite stop. This card is ideal if you want a balance of museum visits, guided experiences, and scenic cruises, all at a reasonable price.
Bottom line: Great for those who want the freedom to explore Lyon’s museums and sights at their own rhythm, with the added bonus of river cruises.
4. Lyon: 1-Year City Card with 4 Free Activities and Discounts
Last but not least, the 1-Year City Card offers incredible long-term value for travelers planning a longer stay. For $41 per person, you get a full year of access, including four free activities from a list of over 40 options, like museums, guided tours, boat trips, puppet shows, and the planetarium. Plus, the card provides ongoing discounts on many attractions and services.
This card is perfect for those who want to explore Lyon more thoroughly over several days or weeks, with the flexibility to spread out their visits. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with children or planning multiple visits to different sites—since you can choose different activities each time.
While it’s less suited for short visits, the 1-year access makes it a cost-effective investment for repeat explorers or families. The variety of free activities means you can tailor your Lyon visit to your interests, whether that’s catching a puppet show at the Guignol or visiting the local planetarium.
Bottom line: Best for long-term visitors who want a flexible, budget-friendly way to enjoy Lyon over an extended period.
How to Choose
When deciding which tour or pass suits you best, consider your travel style, budget, and what you most want to see. For those eager to visit many museums and use public transport freely, the Lyon City Card offers excellent value. If you prefer active exploration, the Bike Tour provides a lively, informative experience in just a few hours. For flexible, self-paced sightseeing, the Attractions & Museums Card balances art, culture, and scenic cruises. Meanwhile, travelers planning a longer stay should consider the 1-Year City Card, which offers ongoing access and activities at a reasonable price.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons like spring or summer. Think about what interests you most—museums, outdoor cycling, river cruises—and match that with the duration of your stay to make the most of Lyon’s offerings.
Lyon is a city that rewards thoughtful planning. Whether you choose a handy city pass, a guided bike ride, or a long-term membership, you’ll find plenty of ways to discover its charm. For a quick, culture-packed visit, the Lyon City Card is hard to beat. For active explorers, the Bike Tour offers a memorable way to see the city’s highlights. Whichever option suits your style, Lyon’s beauty and history are ready to welcome you—so plan ahead and enjoy your trip.