The Lyonnais are rightfully proud of their exquisite dining scene, so tuck into Lyon by all means, but don't forget to put the knife and fork down every now and then to explore the museums, views, cobbled streets, courtyards and rivers that make this city so beautifully pleasurable to spend a few days in.

With early Roman roots established around 2,000 years ago, it's fair to say that Lyon has accumulated a wealth of historic attractions ever since, with Italian influences and a Unesco-listed old town to boast about.

Staying in a Lyon hotel in the old town is a great way to be close to the main sights. You can discover Lyon’s other hotel hotspots by using our guide below. When you are ready to book, simply tell us your travel dates and compare the hottest deals on Lyon accommodation.

It's best to stay centrally to create your memories around the compact centre, where you'll find the best things to see, do and, of course, eat.

In terms of convenient pegs on which to hang your break in Lyon, look for hotels around the highly central tourist hotspots of Place Bellecour, Place de la République, Presqu'ile and the Renaissance quarter of Vieux Lyon, the old town.  As you’d expect, the major hotel chains have set up shop in town, so look out for properties from Mercure, Novotel, Sofitel, Kyriad, Hilton, Best Western, Adagio Access, Citadines, Campanile, Park Inn by Radisson and Timhotel.

Leafy Presqu'ile can be found sandwiched between the city's two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone. Whirling away from these central neighbourhoods are other areas of note, including Croix-Rousse, Brotteaux and Part-Dieu. Being as walkable as it is, you can book Lyon hotels in any of these areas to still be within easy reach of the city's attractions and car hire is available.

Top five attractions

Le bateaux-mouches along the rivers

Let the pure romance of France take over as you glide down one of Lyon's picturesque waterways aboard a river boat.

Museum of Roman Gaul

You're sure to be fascinated by this thorough insight into life as it was in early Lyon – capital of Roman Gaul.

Vieux Lyon

Many large European cities have an “old town”, but Vieux Lyon is among the most intriguing, with Renaissance French architecture at its finest.

Institut Lumière

The French film institute has been the catalyst for some of cinema's most enigmatic masterpieces. Celebrate them here with a tour and see Sortie d'Usine – the first film ever projected to a paying audience.

Museum of Fine Arts

Open to the public for more than 200 years, this fine collection of antiquity and art is housed in 70 rooms of the former Dames de Saint-Pierre Abbey – one of the finest buildings in France.

Nuits des Fourvières; June-August: Taking over the Roman amphitheatre overlooking the city, this delightful music and performance festival takes place each year, often with some big-name acts.

Grand Lyon Lumière Film Festival; October: A recent addition to the cinematic world's annual calendar, the Grand Lyon Lumière Film Festival has quickly grown an impressive reputation as a heavyweight of the industry.

Fête des Lumières; December: About four million tourists a year pack Lyon for the Festival of Lights, as almost every house in the city adorns windows with candles and lanterns. It's one of the most magical sights you will ever see. The festival's origins are said to be in honour of the Virgin Mary for sparing 17th century Lyon from the plague.