🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Lyon

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: EUR 80/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: May, Aug, Sep

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Lyon

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Croix-Rousse

A bohemian and artistic neighborhood known for its former silk workers (Canuts) and vibrant local life.

Our top picks in Croix-Rousse

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Hôtel de la Mère Boyer$$

Historic hotel with a traditional feel, named after a famous Lyonnais chef.

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Hotel Astoria$$

Clean and functional hotel with good value, a short metro ride from the center.

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Hôtel Le Boulevardier$$

Charming boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

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🛡️ Generally safe day and night; ...Budgetculturefoodies

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Part-Dieu

Lyon's modern business and transport hub, featuring a large shopping mall and contemporary architecture.

Our top picks in Part-Dieu

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon$$$

Offers spectacular panoramic views of Lyon from its upper floors.

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Novotel Lyon Part Dieu$$

Modern and reliable option with good amenities for families and business travelers.

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Hôtel Mercure Lyon Part Dieu$$

Conveniently located near the station and shopping center.

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🛡️ Generally safe due to high tra...Mid-rangedigital nomadsfamilies

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Vieux Lyon

A charming, historic district with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture.

Our top picks in Vieux Lyon

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Hôtel La Villa Florentine$$$

Offers stunning views over Lyon from its rooftop terrace.

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Hôtel du Simplon$$

A charming, well-located hotel with a classic Lyonnais feel.

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Hôtel Saint-Vincent$$

Comfortable rooms in a historic building on a quiet street.

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🛡️ Generally very safe during the...Mid-rangefirst-timerscouples

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Croix-Rousse	Budget	A bohemian and artistic neighborhood known for its former silk workers (Canuts) and vibrant local life.	culturefoodies
Part-Dieu	Mid-range	Lyon's modern business and transport hub, featuring a large shopping mall and contemporary architecture.	digital nomadsfamilies
Vieux Lyon	Mid-range	A charming, historic district with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture.	first-timerscouples
Presqu'île	Luxury	The vibrant heart of Lyon, a commercial and cultural hub with elegant squares and shopping streets.	first-timersnightlife

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Lyon

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Lyon

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Lyon. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Lyon

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Lyon

Croix-Rousse

Budget

A bohemian and artistic neighborhood known for its former silk workers (Canuts) and vibrant local life.

culturefoodiesdigital nomadssolo travelersbudget

+Authentic Lyonnais atmosphere
+Excellent market (Marché de la Croix-Rousse)
+More affordable dining and accommodation options

-Hilly terrain can be tiring
-Further from some major tourist sights

🏨 Hôtel de la Mère Boyer 🏨 Hotel Astoria 🏨 Hôtel Le Boulevardier

Part-Dieu

Mid-range

Lyon's modern business and transport hub, featuring a large shopping mall and contemporary architecture.

digital nomadsfamiliesbusiness travelersbudgetluxury

+Excellent transport connections (TGV station, airport shuttle)
+Wide range of shopping and dining
+Modern hotel options

-Lacks the historic charm of other areas
-Can feel sterile and business-oriented

🏨 Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon 🏨 Novotel Lyon Part Dieu 🏨 Hôtel Mercure Lyon Part Dieu

Vieux Lyon

Mid-range

A charming, historic district with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture.

first-timerscouplesculturefoodies

+Incredibly picturesque and atmospheric
+Abundant traditional bouchons (restaurants)
+Rich historical significance

-Can be very crowded with tourists
-Limited modern amenities

🏨 Hôtel La Villa Florentine 🏨 Hôtel du Simplon 🏨 Hôtel Saint-Vincent

Presqu'île

Luxury

The vibrant heart of Lyon, a commercial and cultural hub with elegant squares and shopping streets.

first-timersnightlifefoodiescultureluxury

+Central location with excellent transport links
+Wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops
+Beautifully maintained public spaces

-Can be noisy and busy
-Fewer residential, local-feeling spots

🏨 Hôtel Carlton Lyon - MGallery Hotel Collection 🏨 Hotel des Lumières 🏨 Hôtel Silky by HappyCulture

Daily Budget (Budget)

EUR 80/day

Hostel Le Village dorm bedEUR 25

Baguette and cheese from a local boulangerie, picnic lunch by the Saône, street food crepe for dinnerEUR 20

Single metro tickets as neededEUR 5

Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town) on foot, visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (exterior and interior are free)EUR 30

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Hidden Gems in Lyon

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

FREE

While known, it's a must for foodies seeking authentic Lyonnaise cuisine. This indoor market is a temple to gastronomy, packed with vendors selling the finest local produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and prepared delicacies.

marketPresqu'île

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Rue Saint-Jean

FREE

Wander through one of the most picturesque streets in Vieux Lyon, lined with historic buildings and charming traboules. It's a vibrant artery filled with independent boutiques, artisanal shops, and traditional restaurants.

streetVieux Lyon

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Lyon

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Lyon Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Lyon on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Lyon Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Lyon with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Lyon: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Lyon's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Lyon: Scenic Excursion

Escape Lyon for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Lyon Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Lyon's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Lyon

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Lyon

Backpackers in Lyon: FAQ

What is the best area in Lyon for backpackers?

Croix-Rousse is our top pick for backpackers in Lyon. A bohemian and artistic neighborhood known for its former silk workers (Canuts) and vibrant local life. It is a budget-friendly area known for culture, foodies, digital nomads.

Is Lyon safe for backpackers?

Lyon is rated "Safe" overall. Most tourist areas like Vieux Lyon and Presqu'île are well-lit and populated. Be aware of your surroundings in quieter streets or transport hubs late at night. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Lyon for backpackers?

Expect to spend around EUR 80 per day in Lyon as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Lyon?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Lyon?

The most affordable hostels in Lyon are typically found in Croix-Rousse. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Lyon Guides

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