🍷 Hostels in Lyon for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: Old Lanes, Two Rivers & Serious Food
Lyon in 2026? France's food capital sits where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, with a Renaissance old town, hidden passageways and hilltop views. It usually feels more relaxed than Paris, and its student crowd, riverside bars and markets make it a friendly stop for solo travellers.
🏠 Where to Stay in Lyon
Many hostels are in Vieux Lyon or on the Presqu'île, the strip of land between the two rivers, so most sights are within walking distance. Hostelworld.com lists over 16 Hostels in Lyon, all rated by travellers like you, with more than 15542 reviews. In Lyon hostels you can usually find:
- Shared dorms and private rooms
- Bars, terraces and cosy common rooms
- Shared kitchens and breakfast options
- Walking tours and local food tips
💡 Pro tip: Lyon's traboules are covered passageways between buildings. Some are open to visitors by day, but they are often in residential buildings, so you should keep noise down.
🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Lyon in 2026
Looking for top-rated Hostels in Lyon? According to Hostelworld.com travellers, these are two crowd favourites:
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Vieux Lyon – Renaissance streets, traboules and traditional restaurants
- Presqu'île – Grand squares, shops and riverside walks
- Croix-Rousse – The old silk workers' hill, with markets and a local feel
- Fourvière – The basilica, Roman theatres and wide city views
- Confluence – Modern architecture and new riverside spaces
🚇 Getting Around Lyon
- From the airport: A tram-train usually links Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport with Part-Dieu station
- Metro and trams: They cover most of the city; one ticket system typically works for both
- Funiculars: Short funiculars run up the hill to Fourvière from Vieux Lyon
- Bikes: Shared city bikes and riverside paths make cycling easy
🥖 Eating in Lyon
Lyon is known for its bouchons, small traditional restaurants serving hearty local dishes. Covered food halls and outdoor markets along the rivers usually sell cheese, charcuterie and pastries, which make for a great picnic.
💡 Pro tip: Many restaurants offer a lunch menu that is often cheaper than dinner, so make lunch your main meal to save money.
🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?
Check out other top-rated hostels across France → France Hostels