City in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Lyon
France's food capital works well for slow solo trips: Roman and Renaissance quarters, bouchons and fast trains to the Alps. Quieter than Paris with lower rent; August is dead.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,590–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,300–3,200Details
- Value for money23/100Better value than 22% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Air quality11 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good; free drinking fountains in squares and parks.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$32–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones accepted nearly everywhere; markets, small bouchons and bakeries may prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Lyon
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Presqu'île | Central: shops, restaurants, tram links, most hotels |
| Vieux-Lyon | Old town, bouchons, steep streets; touristy and loud |
| Croix-Rousse | Hilltop village feel, markets, cheaper rent, artists |
| Part-Dieu / Brotteaux | Station and business district; practical for transit |
| Confluence | Modern riverside, museum, cafés, newer apartments |
Apps that work in Lyon
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Taxis are metered; book by phone or app. Uber covers most trips; the metro is faster for daytime.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones accepted nearly everywhere; markets, small bouchons and bakeries may prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.