Five days in Lyon

The Roman sites are pretty obvious sights to see, both in Lyon and Vienne (where I unfortunately didn't go). In Lyon, there is a large amphitheatre (still used), a smaller odeon right next to it, and a partial remains of a relatively small amphitheatre in Croix-Rousse. Unfortunately what is probably the most spectacular site in the city is not open to the public, hopefully it will be someday: the extensive Roman tunnel network under Croix-Rousse.

The Musée des Beaux-Arts comes highly recommended by many but personally I thought it was good, not great. It isn't expensive so with five days there's no reason not to fit it in but I would keep expectations modest.

Really enjoyed just wandering in Lyon, throughout Vieux-Lyon, the Presqu'ile, Fourvière (the walk up to the amphitheatres and Lugdunum museum may be daunting, very steep with many steps; the funicular is an option) and Croix-Rousse (nice neighbourhood, some good panoramic views from up there if the weather cooperates). I didn't explore anything near where you're staying but no doubt there's plenty there.

The Maison des Canuts gives some history of the silk industry, which was important in Lyon for a long time. Small, but I found it interesting. The parc de la tête d’or is a major landmark, not far from where you’re staying. Pleasant walk along the banks of the Rhône from there south.
The Musée des Confluences is only a few years old, and was a big deal in contributing to renewal of that part of the city. Admittedly I visited shortly after it opened, but I found it disorganized and the exhibits were poorly labeled.
As the other commenter said, the Roman ruins and the charming small streets (some of which are staircases!) in Vieux Lyon and the Croix Rousse are the most obvious attractions.

As others have said the top of the hill has the modern take on cathedral and church underneath which are very interesting and dominate the city views at night. Also along with the Roman ruins at the top of the hill is a very good Roman museum filled with artifacts and winding its way down to the site. You can take the funicular up and down or walk up and down or some mix if the two. If you walk either way cut through the rose garden.

Lyon is considered the food capital of France - which is saying something - so visiting markets and exploring the food options is one reason people go to Lyon. Check out the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse with the best of produce and products along with some light and serious eateries. Like any market go early - usually before 1:00 or 2:00 to find everything open. I told a chef in Lyon I had gone to Les Halles and I was afraid he would say it was for tourists but instead he made an appreciative sound and said "I love that place."

The Musée des Beaux Arts is okay and worth a visit. As with most things in Lyon in comparison to Paris it pales but that's not a fair comparison for almost any city. The interior museum garden is really nice - especially on a hot day - and you can visit that without paying for the museum. There is also a very large Parc de la Tête d'Or is you want some green and peace and quiet. It houses the Botanical Gardens, Zoo, and other attractions as well.

The Musée des Beaux Arts is adjacent to Place des Terreaux which is lively and full or public art and a stunning fountain that - incredibly - they keep moving. Like Paris a lot of Lyon is just getting out to see the city. Because the two rivers cut the city there are four river banks that each have their own kind of vibe. The Old Town is worth exploring, then there's a mostly shopping district and the Rhone riverside on the city edge is a very long walking, running, biking trail that has everyone out and about. The core of the real city has a Hausmann feel but with different architects so the look is different.

Lyon has a long history or what is now called "street art" and sides of buildings are covered in murals and less sanctioned street art is everywhere. Wandering around you'll find entire walls of underpasses painted with expressive, colorful murals and posters - some political, some not - scattered all over the city.

Lyon was a huge fabric production city back in the day and one of the few that still has intact parts of it. You can see an actual still working Jacquard loom machine. Or just tour the traboules the chains of secret passage ways used to carry silk across the old city without danger of it getting wet.

And there are the touristy things - take a river cruise or a wine tour - but given a few days I wouldn't discourage either of those things. The river cruise is actually a good way to see parts of city you might not get to. Lyon has really good public transportation mixing metro and bus and is a very green city so people are encouraged to use it and bikes and the like.

RS synopsis: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/sightseeing-in-hilly-lyon

Have a great trip,
=Tod