Bars in Lyon 🍸

Expect to pay between €5 and €7 for a pint during happy hour. Prices vary by neighborhood, but the 7th arrondissement often has better deals than the Presqu'ile. You can browse real-time happy hour deals on Seeker Social (iOS) to find the current cheapest tap prices.

The 1st and 2nd arrondissements are the busiest because of the high office density near Cordeliers and Hotel de Ville. For a more relaxed, student-heavy vibe, head to the 7th near Guillotiere. There, student bars in Lyon offer some of the most competitive prices in the city.

On Thursdays and Fridays, booking is a smart move for groups larger than four. Most casual spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for terrace seating. If you're worried about space, check for booking options directly on Seeker Social (Android) before you leave the office.

Most spots start their deals around 17:00 or 18:00 and run until 20:00. Some bars in the 1st arrondissement stretch this until 21:00 on slower weeknights. Always check the chalkboard outside — if it's not written down, it's not happening. Lyon bartenders are quite strict about the cutoff times.

Charcuterie and cheese boards are the gold standard. You'll usually spend about €12 to €18 for a shared platter. Some spots near Vieux Lyon focus more on small tapas or heavy snacks like saucisson. It is meant to be a light bite before a real dinner later at a bouchon or home.

Yes, the 7th arrondissement has several high-quality breweries. These aren't just for beer nerds — they're full of people grabbing a quick drink before heading home. These brewery bars in Lyon often have rotating taps and communal tables, making them great for larger teams.

Smoking is permitted on almost all outdoor terraces in Lyon. This is why the terraces stay packed even in the late autumn chill. If you want fresh air, try to find a spot at the very edge of the seating area near the street. Indoors is strictly smoke-free by law across the whole city.