Practical Tips & Hacks: Lyon

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget with smart choices in Lyon.

Discount Cards and Passes

The Lyon City Card delivers value. It includes unlimited public transport, free or discounted entry to over 20 museums and attractions, plus discounts on tours and river cruises.
Acquire it for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours. This card often yields savings quickly if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Consider a Capital One Travel card for accumulating travel rewards on your purchases.
Plan your itinerary to fully use the card's benefits.

Free Activities and Attractions

Explore Vieux Lyon and its traboules.
Wander through the vast Parc de la Tête d'Or, including its free zoo and botanical garden.
Enter the main part of the Fourvière Basilica (exterior and main sanctuary are complimentary).
Stroll through Place Bellecour and other grand squares, and admire the Mur des Canuts.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Many bars feature "happy hour" ("heure de l'apéro") for discounted drinks in the early evening, generally between 5 PM and 7 PM.
Seek out "Menu du Jour" or "Plat du Jour" at lunch.
These daily specials or set lunch menus present more affordable multi-course meals compared to ordering à la carte.
They often use fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Transportation Savings

Utilize the TCL public transport system extensively. It is effective and economical.
Consider Vélo'v for short distances, as the initial 30 minutes often cost very little with a pass.
Walk whenever possible, especially within neighborhoods, as Lyon is a very walkable city.
Acquire carnets (10 tickets) or multi-day passes instead of single tickets for ride-by-ride savings.

Accommodation Alternatives

Hostels, guesthouses, or self-catering apartments (Airbnb/Vrbo) are often more economical than traditional hotels, notably for groups or extended stays. Apartments with kitchens let you prepare some meals, further lowering dining expenses.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Look into hostels for community and lower costs.
Guesthouses present a local experience.
Self-catering apartments (Airbnb/Vrbo) offer kitchen facilities for meal preparation.
These options often suit groups or families.

Extended Visits

For longer trips, apartments often present more value.
Groups find apartments more accommodating.
Cooking at your apartment lessens dining expenditures.
Longer stays often yield better nightly rates.

Value Maximization

Compare prices across different booking platforms.
Seek out discounts for extended bookings.
Use filters on booking sites to match your budget.
Consider locations near local markets for fresh ingredients.

Smart Packing

Packing organizers from Eagle Creek can help save space.
Bring a reusable coffee cup for beverages on the go.
A reusable water bottle can be refilled at fountains.

Practical Tips

For economical travel, these tips are valuable.

Dining Considerations

Lunch menus often feature better prices.
Explore happy hour specials for beverages.
Street food offers quick and budget-friendly options.
Bakery items make for affordable snacks.

Shopping Strategies

Visit local markets for fresh produce.
Souvenirs from artisan shops support local creators.
Look for sales during seasonal periods.
Compare prices before making larger purchases.

Staying Connected

Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes.
Local SIM cards for data access are available.
A VPN service like NordVPN secures your connection on public Wi-Fi.
Consider portable Wi-Fi devices for groups.

Language Skills

Use a language learning app like Babbel for basic phrases.
Even a few French words improve interactions.
Learning phrases makes a trip more rewarding.
Practice listening to French audio.

Accommodation Savings

Accommodation Types

Hotels cater to various budgets.
Apartments offer amenities for extended visits.
Hostels present communal spaces and lower prices.
Campsites are an option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Booking Strategies

Book early for better rates during peak season.
Look for package deals or direct booking discounts.
Use filters on booking sites to match your budget.
Check mobile-only offers.

Location Advantages

Central locations reduce transport costs.
Areas with local eateries offer authentic dining.
Proximity to public transport stations is beneficial.
Access to local markets helps with meal planning.

Hidden Fees

Check for parking fees if driving.
Inquire about air conditioning or heating costs.
Breakfast might be an extra charge.
Some accommodations charge for Wi-Fi.

Helpful Tip

Acquire a Lyon City Card online before your trip for easy pick-up at the airport or tourist office upon arrival. This action saves time and helps you start saving money immediately.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your time in Lyon to see more and reduce waiting.

Skip-the-Line Access

For popular museums (e.g., Musée des Confluences, Musée des Beaux-Arts), acquire tickets online in advance. This bypasses ticket queues. The Lyon City Card also grants rapid access at many participating attractions.

Optimal Visit Times

Visit popular sites like Fourvière Basilica and Vieux Lyon early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid peak crowds. Mondays often mean museum closures, so plan your museum visits for other weekdays.

Swift Transport

Utilize the Rhônexpress tram for swift transfers between Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and Part-Dieu station. This option is quicker than a taxi during rush hour. Use the metro for rapid cross-city travel, avoiding street traffic.

Efficient Routing

Group Attractions by Neighborhood

Combine Vieux Lyon and Fourvière visits.
Explore Presqu'île's museums and shopping streets together.
Dedicate time to Croix-Rousse's silk history and murals.

Utilize Public Transport Apps

Use public transport apps (TCL, Citymapper) for optimal routes and real-time updates.
Citymapper often presents more comprehensive public transport options.
These apps aid in efficient navigation.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Advance booking is advised for high-demand tours (e.g., wine tours), popular restaurants (especially Michelin-starred establishments or specific bouchons), and accommodation during peak season or major events like Fête des Lumières. Train tickets (especially TGV) are more economical when booked ahead, and reserving seats is a good idea.

Practical Tips & Hacks