Is Lyon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Lyon, as one of France's largest cities, is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Stricter safety measures are in place and the city is well-policed. There are some areas you should avoid late at night, but the majority of the city, particularly the tourist areas, are safe and welcoming. Local people are friendly and willing to help if needed. Hospitals and police are responsive and trustworthy.

Safety rating

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How safe is Lyon?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Overall, Lyon is reasonably safe during the night. Like any other city, Lyon has areas that are very safe and others that are less so. It's always important to stay in well-lit areas and avoid deserted streets. Of course, it pays to keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings and maintain typical urban precautions. Public transportation runs late into the night and it's always a good idea to use it when possible, especially on weeknights when the streets aren't as populated.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Lyon comprises of Metro, Tramways, Buses and Bikes which are all well-maintained, timely, and efficient, hence making it an extremely safe city for solo female travelers to navigate. The city has extensive and convenient public transport networks that offer a sense of security and confidence to commuters. Also, Lyon's transportation system is well monitored and citizens are generally respectful and law-abiding. However, like any city, it's always important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In general, Lyon is a city that is friendly towards solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are relatively low compared to other major cities, with the majority of locals being respectful and courteous. That said, like in any city worldwide, there may be isolated incidents, mostly in less crowded or poorly lit areas; hence necessary precautions are advised. As always, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and stay vigilant of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

While Lyon is generally considered a safe city to travel solo, it's not entirely free from petty crime. Visitors may occasionally encounter theft, especially in crowded tourist areas, and pickpocketing on public transportation. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in crowded and tourist-heavy areas.

Is Lyon worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 8 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.4/5

Safety

3.6/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Danielle

Danielle

Canada

Solo travel

Felt really safe, especially in vieux lyon and along the river. I felt safe walking around alone, even with headphones in. However, be aware of pickpockets on the subway. The food was amazing, fresh food everywhere and inexpensive. Le musée des confluences is an absolute must! The river rhône is beautiful. Vieux Lyon and the roman ruins are fascinating

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
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Solo travel

It is overall a nice city, I was living there for a year. But it is very unsafe, specially the area of the Guilliotiere. I would highly recommend that you go with someone else in the city and not alone as a girl. We had a lot of cases of sexual assaults and harassment.

Posted: June 30, 2024
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Group travel

Lyon feels safe and warm , it‘s one of the most beautiful places i have ever visited . There are plenty of good restaurants , so it‘s a good destination for a culinary excursion . Public transport is not expensive and there are a lot of museums that you can visit

Posted: June 9, 2024
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Renata

Renata

Brazil

Couple travel

We went to France in 2010, in Lyon. We had a Very good experiente there. While my husband worked as an invited university teacher, I was walking around the city. Lion is a very interesting city, with so many good atractions as you had a good time to explore It... I loved to visit the greco romano places Just like the museun , the coliseu and the ancient theatre ... It's amazing. I walked around 7 floors and neither realized It! Very close there IS the famous ancient Iglise de Fourviere.. The city has the famous "trabuilles" just like a Net between the medium age constructions... I visited too the museum of Gobellain, a tapestry museum, the puppet museum and the house of Lumiere brothers... Even the charmosos Bouchons, little restaurantes, with very generous portions of food, in a Very acessible prices, are precious!... Walk by the rivers is a very nice experience with many frenchs caffes... I loved this experiencie ...Lyon is a wonderful city... I Will put pictures, as soon as I can...

Posted: April 30, 2024
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Solo travel

Beautiful city!! I met people at my hostel (Le Flaneur) and was able to adventure through the city with them. Spent a lot of time on my feet, but every road had something beautiful to see. Would not recommend Walking alone at night - encountered several aggressive drunk people.

Posted: June 9, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
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Solo travel

A very interesting city, especially if you are interested in food. I encountered some of the most diverse menus there. I liked the pubs and sightseeing walks.

Posted: March 6, 2023
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Is Lyon safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Romane

Romane

this is a big city so there are places safer than others, i would say the presqu’île neighborhoods are pretty safe as they are the most crowded ones at night. I would recommend avoiding neighborhoods like la guillotière or villeurbanne if you are alone especially at night. But the bars and clubs are usually not around those neighborhoods so it’s fine. Overall, there will probably be annoying men that will try to talk to you or catcall you, but most of them are inoffensive. If you feel like you’re in danger, you can check the Umay app that will show you places you can go nearby to be safe, i know that most buses are a part of those places in Lyon, maybe some bars and shops too!

Posted: December 25, 2024
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By day, public transportation and the city center is very safe. I leaved here for 7 years now and never get hurt by day neither my friends. By night it can be more dangerous even in the most famous places in the town. But you just have to be a little vigilant and not be alone to be safe.

Posted: December 24, 2024
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Meet locals in Lyon

Romane

Romane

About Me

Hi! My name is Romane, I’m a psychology student in Lyon this year. I am passionate about psychology but i also love to meet new people, music, going out, art and culture in general :) I would love to give some advice and show some local places to the girlies traveling in Lyon ! <3

Speaking

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Ka-honi

Ka-honi

About Me

Hi! I'm studying Chinese in Lyon since 2023. I'm not able to offer hospitality, but I can show you around and give you good tips with pleasure.

Speaking

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Safety in France