A lively, buzzing city
At the end of the day, from Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) to the banks of the Rhône, terraces and cafés come to life, while Lyon’s cultural venues offer a diverse range of live entertainment.
Each district has its own flavour of nightlife:
- In Vieux-Lyon, British pubs offer a warm, friendly atmosphere, with pool tables and dartboards.
- Around the Place des Terreaux, new hip venues and cocktail bars offer a stylish, laid-back ambiance.
- Along the banks of the Rhône, the river boats welcome a lively clientele. During the summer, their terraces are perfect for a drink with a view of the river.
- In the Brotteaux district, the bars and restaurants draw a trendy crowd.
In terms of live entertainment, the Opéra de Lyon (voted ‘Best Opera Company’ in 2017) puts on operas, concerts and ballets throughout the year. At the Auditorium, music takes pride of place with an excellent selection of classical, jazz and world music. The Maison de la Danse attracts dance companies from all over the world, while at the Théâtre des Célestins you can see both masterpieces from the classical repertoire and contemporary plays.
For the year’s major features and highlights, you can browse our 2023-2024 Events Diary here:
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra
A blast from the past is blowing over Le Fantôme de l’Opéra in Rue Royale…
Théâtre la Maison de Guignol
The Maison de Guignol is an authentic Lyonnais puppet theatre. Situated in the district of Saint Georges, Guignol and his friends await you at the...
Maison de la Danse de Lyon
With its 1,100-seater performance space, the Maison de la Danse de Lyon has been open to the public since 1980. There’s a new programme to check out...
Véritable Théâtre Guignol du Parc de la Tête d'Or
Bonjour les gones'! Located in Tête d'Or Park, the Véritable Théâtre Guignol has been amusing kids and big kids since 1948. See one of the traditional...
The Celestins - Theater of Lyon
As a shrine to dramatic art for more than two centuries, it is a stunning example of an Italian theatre with its horseshoe shaped galleries, its red...
Le Petit Salon
Just a short walk from Jean Macé is Le Petit Salon. Contrary to what its name might suggest (and by now you’re sure to know that ‘petit’ means...
Guignol un Gone de Lyon - Compagnie Daniel Streble
Since 1929, the Streble family has passed down a great Lyonnais tradition from father to son and particularly a delightful character familiar to all:...
The Lyon Opera House
Topped by a majestic dome, the former Grand Theatre, redesigned by Jean Nouvel, is a masterpiece of architecture! This beautiful setting is home to a...
Le Transbordeur
This iconic music hall in Lyon (or Villeurbanne to be more precise) has been hosting concerts, shows and galas since 1989. “Le Transbo”, as the...
Auditorium de Lyon - Orchestre national de Lyon (ONL)
A 2100-seat hall, an orchestra of 104 permanent musicians.
Hot Club de Lyon
Feel like a musical evening? Discover THE place to go for jazz in the Presqu'île, within the exceptional setting of a vaulted cellar!