We often tend to stick to the banks of the Saône or the pedestrian streets of downtown when planning an outing with friends in Lyon. However, the north and east of the city offer concrete alternatives to vary the pleasures without taking your car. This guide is for those who want movement, good food, and a bit of history, all easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the heart of Lyon.
Virtual Room Lyon - Virtual Reality
Virtual Room Lyon - Virtual Reality
36 Rue du Plat, 69002 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.8/5 (1313 reviews)
Category: Sports Facility
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Hours: Monday: 1:00 PM – 9:45 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM…
This is the ideal activity to break the ice at the start of the weekend. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, this center offers group virtual reality experiences. With such a high rating, the quality of the scenarios and equipment is guaranteed. It’s perfect for friendly competition or intense cooperation, especially if you arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as the establishment stays open late until 10:45 PM.
Outings in Lyon - 7 à Lyon, the magazine for food lovers
Outings in Lyon - 7 à Lyon, the magazine for food lovers
18 Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon
Google Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews)
Link to the site | View on Maps
Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
Before continuing your stroll, stop by this symbolic address at Place Bellecour. This is the digital and physical starting point to find the best outing ideas. Although the rating is based on few reviews, the 5/5 reflects the relevance of the advice provided by this local magazine. It’s an essential resource to check ongoing events during your stay.
Pixel Rush
Pixel Rush
10 Rue Thomas Blanchet, 69008 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.8/5 (855 reviews)
Category: Sports Facility
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Hours: Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM…
If you’re looking for a more physical but still technological activity, head to the 8th arrondissement. Pixel Rush is a highly-rated sports facility. However, pay attention to your schedule: the establishment is closed on Mondays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can go in the afternoon or evening, allowing you to continue right after a day of sightseeing.
Au Rendez vous des Amis
Au Rendez vous des Amis
249 Cr Lafayette, 69006 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.2/5 (930 reviews)
Price: Moderate
Category: Restaurant
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Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM…
For the meal, head north to the 6th arrondissement. This evocatively named restaurant lives up to its promises for lunch or dinner with friends. With moderate prices and late opening until 11:30 PM every day, it’s a flexible option suitable for both a Sunday brunch and to wrap up an animated evening. The location on Cours Lafayette is convenient for catching public transport afterward.
L'Antre Amis
L'Antre Amis
9 Rue Denuzière, 69002 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.8/5 (140 reviews)
Category: Restaurant
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Hours: Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM…
Back in the 2nd arrondissement for a quality lunch break. L'Antre Amis boasts an excellent rating of 4.8/5. Note that this establishment seems to focus on lunch service, closing around 2:30 PM. It’s the perfect spot for a quick yet refined lunch before resuming your afternoon visits.
Titanic Exhibition, La Sucrière
Titanic Exhibition, La Sucrière
49-50 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon
Google Rating: 2.9/5 (46 reviews)
Category: Sports Facility
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Located in the iconic building of La Sucrière, this exhibition offers a different cultural diversion. Although the rating is lower (2.9/5), the venue itself is an architectural must-see in the Confluence district. Worth visiting if you’re passing by, keeping in mind that the experience may vary depending on expectations.
Archaeological Garden
Archaeological Garden
5 Rue des Estrées, 69005 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.3/5 (896 reviews)
Category: Garden
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Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
To take a breather, head up to the 5th arrondissement. The Archaeological Garden is a peaceful haven open 24/7. With nearly 900 reviews and a solid rating of 4.3/5, it’s a popular spot to relax, read, or chat quietly away from the hustle and bustle. It’s free and accessible at any hour, making it a perfect fallback option.
Place Bellecour
Place Bellecour
Pl. Bellecour, 69002 Lyon
Google Rating: 4.4/5 (26968 reviews)
Category: Tourist Attraction
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Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
It’s impossible to leave the center without passing through this vast pedestrian square. With over 26,000 reviews, it’s a must-visit spot. Whether it’s to ride a bike in the square, have a drink on the terrace, or simply observe the activity, it’s the natural meeting point to conclude your day.
Practical Information
For this circuit, prioritize public transport TCL. Metro lines A and B serve the center well (Bellecour, Cordeliers). For the 6th arrondissement (Au Rendez vous des Amis), tram T1 or buses are efficient. Be sure to check the specific hours of activities like Virtual Room or Pixel Rush that close early on Mondays. For restaurants, reserve if possible, especially for L'Antre Amis which only serves lunch.