Bars in Lyon 🍸

Locals usually point to Ninkasi Gerland for the sheer scale and live music. If you want something more intimate, the 7th arrondissement is full of smaller spots. You can easily find high-rated maps on the Seeker Social app (Android / iOS) to see what is open nearby right now.

The 7th and 3rd arrondissements are the hubs. Look around Metro Saxe-Gambetta or Jean Macé. For a massive cellar selection, Les Fleurs du Malt Bar in Vieux Lyon is non-negotiable. They carry hundreds of labels and the staff actually knows the flavor profiles of everything they pour.

Yes, the city has a massive brewing tradition that's recently shifted toward craft styles. Many spots brew on-site behind the bar. If you're tired of beer, some of these venues also rank well as afterwork bars because they offer large food platters and outdoor seating for those warm Lyonnaise evenings.

€7 is the average for a standard craft pint. Prices can climb to €10 for high-alcohol imperials or barrel-aged stuff. Happy hours usually knock a couple of euros off the price of a local blonde. It's always cheaper than the heavy markups you'll find at tourist traps in the 2nd arrondissement or near the main cathedrals.

Most do, though it's often small sidewalk tables in the center. Large terraces are more common in Gerland or near the river. For a massive outdoor vibe, Ninkasi Gerland handles huge crowds easily. You can check which spots still have free tables by using Seeker Social (iOS) before you make the trek.

Guillotière and Jean Macé are the clear winners. These areas offer a mix of gritty taprooms and cleaner, modern tasting rooms. You won't find many in the 1er or the 2er that actually brew on the premises — those are mostly just bars that happen to sell craft cans. Stick to the 7th for the real thing.

Most places will sell you a growler or have a fridge stocked with cans. It is a common move for locals to grab a few cold ones and head to the Parc de la Tête d'Or or the river banks. Just ask for a 'vente à emporter'. It's often cheaper than drinking inside, and the selection is usually fresher than any supermarket.