The Best of Lyon's entertainment & nightlife
In Lyon, your day doesn’t end when class does. Once the notebooks close, the city lights up, with rooftop parties, riverbank hangouts, and endless ways to unwind, vibe, and live it up like a local.
Bar-hopping, student style
Start your night in Guillotière, the beating heart of student social life. It’s packed with wallet-friendly bars where happy hour lasts longer than your lectures. Places like Le Farmer, Taverne Gutenberg, or La Fourmilière are always full of students grabbing cheap pints, trying local wines, or just hanging out after class. Want something more alternative? Head up to Croix-Rousse, where the artistic crowd gathers in tucked-away bars with vinyl playlists, neon signs, and an unbeatable view of the city.
The sound of the city
Lyon has a serious music scene. If you're into electro, techno, or live indie bands, you’ll love Le Sucre, a rooftop club that’s become an icon for electronic parties and creative events. Looking for grungier or underground vibes? Le Sonic, floating on a barge, and Le Marché Gare, in a former market hall, offer raw energy and unforgettable lineups. There are also dozens of pop-up events, student DJ battles, and even silent discos in hidden courtyards. No two nights are ever the same.
Culture after dark
Not every evening needs a bass drop. Lyon is also a city for night owls who love books, film, and art. Cinéma Comœdia and Institut Lumière show cult classics and indie films, often in original language versions. And if you're into museums, La Nuit des Étudiants is a must, once a year, cultural venues across the city open their doors for free student-only events with music, workshops, and food. Trust us, it’s not your average museum night.
Chill, recharge, repeat
Not every plan needs a dress code. Some of the best nights in Lyon happen spontaneously, on the quais du Rhône, where students gather with snacks, speakers, and long conversations under the stars. Want something a bit more structured? Most schools (especially Galileo ones!) organize student parties, international potlucks, karaoke nights, and weekend getaways. These events are where you meet people from all over the world and make memories that last beyond your degree.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow local student associations and event pages on Instagram or Facebook. Apps like Lylo, Le Petit Bulletin, and Mapstr are your best friends for finding concerts, open mics, exhibitions, and last-minute plans.
Lyon offers a student lifestyle you’ll remember forever. Study hard by day, live free by night, and enjoy a city that gets what it means to be young, creative, and ready for anything.