Start off your day with a visit to Vieux Lyon, the city's charming old town. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the Renaissance-era buildings. Take a look inside the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and then head to the famous Traboules, hidden passageways that date back to the Middle Ages. Squeeze through these underground passages to see Lyon's unique architecture.
Grab a quick lunch at Chez Hugon, a classic Lyonnaise bouchon that serves authentic and delicious cuisine.
After lunch, take the funicular up to Fourvière Hill, the site of the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Admire the stunning views of the city from above and spend some time exploring the ornate basilica.
Afterwards, visit the Musée Gallo-Romain de Lyon Fourvière, a fascinating museum that displays ancient Roman artifacts that have been found in the area.
Start your second day with a relaxing morning at Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon's largest urban park. Take a stroll around its beautiful lake or rent a boat to paddle around in.
Visit the Jardin Botanique de Lyon, an impressive botanical garden that features over 20,000 species of plants. Seek out the park's hidden secrets, such as the Rose Garden and the African Plain where you can spot giraffes and zebras.
Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Presqu'île District, nestled between the Rhône and the Saône rivers. Start off with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which features an impressive collection of European art.
Afterwards, head to Rue Mercière for lunch and taste Lyon's renowned gastronomy at Café Comptoir Abel, which serves up local dishes such as steak tartare and quenelles.
Finish off your trip with some shopping along the Rue de la République, where you'll find popular stores and boutiques.
Most of the locations can be reached on foot or via public transportation. A 24-hour public transportation pass costs around 5 € and taxi rides are typically between 10-20 €.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful town of Annecy, located just an hour away by train. If you have less time, consider skipping the Musée Gallo-Romain de Lyon Fourvière or Parc de la Tête d'Or.