Lyon

Your Perfect First Day in Lyon: River Views, Old Streets & Local Tips

City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5

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Your Perfect First Day in Lyon: River Views, Old Streets & Local Tips

Get to know Lyon your way. Find your bearings, feel the city’s rhythm, and explore with local insight.

You may think that lyon is perpetually 72 degrees and sunny, and it often is but the nights can become rapidly chilly so make sure to pack or wear layers

What makes this experience special

With a local host as your compass, this relaxed introduction helps you connect with Lyon’s layout, culture, and everyday pace, your way.

Key highlights

Ease into the city with a flexible, local-led walk
Explore both elegant avenues and quiet side streets
Learn how to get around and when the city shifts mood
Choose between historic alleys or more modern streets
Walk away with tips for cafés, markets, and local hangouts
Get confident navigating Lyon on your own

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

2 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Place Bellecour, Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Place Bellecour, Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, France

Place Bellecour & Visual Bearings

Orientation begins at the city’s open heart

Your Perfect First Day in Lyon: River Views, Old Streets & Local Tips

From this spacious square, your host helps you find your bearings, with views stretching toward Fourvière, the Presqu'île, and the old town. Whether you start with some context or just a sense of direction, this is your city moment zero.

The Presqu'île Promenade

From grand boulevards to everyday corners

You might wander up the bustling Rue de la République or slip into quieter streets behind it. Your host might point out faded façades, elegant storefronts, or tucked-away passages, offering suggestions based on your pace and interest.

Along the Saône

Bridges, breezes, and a first pause

Arriving at the river, you’ll see Lyon open up. Cross one of the footbridges or linger on the banks. This is a moment to breathe it in, pastel buildings, boats, the rising curve of Fourvière. Some guests pause here; others keep walking. Your host adapts.

Into Vieux Lyon

Renaissance details and winding lanes

If you choose to cross over, you’ll step into a different rhythm: cobbled streets, ancient stone, and curious corners. Your host might lead you through a traboule, highlight the silk traders’ legacy, or simply follow the quiet of a back lane.

Optional Final Stop: Saint-Jean Cathedral Square

A peaceful close, or a new beginning

You might end here, surrounded by weathered stone and soft chatter. Your host could offer suggestions for a second coffee, an evening wine spot, or tomorrow’s wanderings, leaving you with ideas, not instructions.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Taking in the Views from a Stunning Hilltop

Capturing Moments by a Timeless Landmark

Laughter and Friendship in a Picturesque Square

Sharing Smiles Beneath Iconic French Architecture

Family Adventures with a Breathtaking Skyline

Savoring Every Bite of a Cozy French Meal

Chic Strolls Through Charming French Streets

A Cozy Café Moment for Two

Style and Sunshine at Palais Royal

Elegant Outdoor Dining with a Touch of Warmth

Sun-Kissed Day at Montmartre

Inside the Beauty of Parisian Churches

Capturing Joy at the Eiffel Tower

Parisian Shopping Adventures with New Friends

Lyon

Fun Encounters at the Wall of Fame in Montmartre

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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What travelers think of our France experiences

Steven Aug 2025

Elies Aug 2025

Del was great, she recommended different ideas, was very patient with the kids, and adapted to our pace. She knew the area very well.

Alice Aug 2025

Host, Jill was warm and friendly, provided great insight and showed us some highlights of Paris - our first time visiting. Loved meeting her and getting a tour from a local!!

Eric Jul 2025

With only one day in Paris on a layover, we made the most of it with an eight hour walking tour for first time visitors that passed through what felt like every notable building in central Paris. The tour was easy to book, we were able to specify our interests, and our guide Hristo kept in touch with us in advance to organize an itinerary and coordinate a meeting location. The tour was completely customizable and in our case focused on historic and cultural highlights, meandering along both banks of the Seine and then to the Arc and Eiffel Tower. Hristo provided in depth knowledge of historical facts and features on each of our stops, answered all of our questions, and provided his own personal perspectives through the walk. We took breaks when needed, visited extra places when we were ahead of schedule, and as we finished slightly early, got some help finding a place for dinner. It was a long day with a ton of walking but well worth it!

Aileen Jul 2025

Pascal was the BEST! He made everything both educational and fun! We did not even notice we have already walked for hours under the heat because we enjoyed our leisurely paced walking tour so much

Stephanie May 2025

Manon was so personable and we are glad to connect with a true Parisian!

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.