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France/Things to Do in Lyon, solo trip

Opera National de Lyon (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Opera National de Lyon?

80%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: A solo guest can buy a €10 seat, follow surtitles, join small English tours, network at rooftop bar, yet must handle formal dress code and late finish alone.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 3,734 reviews)

Positives:

  • Surtitled shows: Most performances have surtitles in French and English to follow the story.
  • Free digital prep: Virtual tours and podcasts let you explore the opera from anywhere at no cost.

Challenges:

  • Advanced booking needed: Popular tours and Opera Underground events sell out—reserve online early.
  • Mixed language: Performances are in French, so rely on surtitles if you don’t speak it.
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🏖️ Explore Opera National de Lyon with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Opera National de Lyon. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Opera National de Lyon?

  • A national opera house in Lyon devoted to opera, ballet and orchestral repertoire
  • A landmark theatre that merges a 19th-century classical façade with a modern glass-and-steel canopy by Jean Nouvel
  • The complex comprises a 1,100-seat Grand Théâtre alongside a 200-seat Amphitheatre

What is so special about Opera National de Lyon for solo trip?

  1. Small-group English tours unveil hidden backstage secrets
  2. Rooftop bar offers city views and solo-friendly seating
  3. Free summer concerts under the opera’s glass dome
  4. Late-night Opera Underground shows for offbeat performances
  5. Podcasts and virtual visits prep you at home

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a guided tour, rooftop bar stop and a snack or free concert

(View Opera National de Lyon on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Opera National de Lyon

Join an individual guided tour:

Learn the opera’s history and architecture with a small English-language group.

Tip: Book online at least a day in advance to secure your €14 spot.

Relax at Les Muses rooftop bar:

Sip a drink on the 7th floor terrace overlooking Fourvière hill.

Tip: Arrive Wednesday–Saturday evenings; order early to get a window perch.

Catch a Festival Péristyle free concert:

Enjoy open‐air music under the glass dome in summer months.

Tip: Shows run July–August; no booking needed—come 15 minutes early for good seats.

Explore Opera Underground events:

Attend late-night gigs in the Amphitheatre for non-classical acts.

Tip: Check the online calendar and reserve tickets ahead to meet locals.

Listen to Opera Lyon podcasts:

Download free episodes on SoundCloud for background on each work.

Tip: Play a 7-minute episode before your visit to follow the storyline.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Opera National de Lyon

  1. Buy tickets via the official site: Avoid service fees and get immediate confirmation by booking on opera-lyon.com.
  2. Combine free and paid: Pair a free Festival Péristyle concert with a rooftop drink for a budget-friendly evening.
🏖️ Tour Opera National de Lyon like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Opera National de Lyon. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Opera National de Lyon

Powered by Google
Menur Astuti

Menur Astuti

Jan 2025

Went for a free concert from the students of the conservatoire. It was splendid. 45 minutes of percussions and just a music splurge , adding the warmth in the winter, cannot wait to return. Receptions are friendly, toilets are clean. While waiting we went to the cafe opposite to get a good look on the beautiful building on a winter evening.

Mohsen Sarakbi

Mohsen Sarakbi

Jul 2024

Wonderful place, great architecture and design. Had the chance to attend an opera inside too, prices were a bit high but the experience worths it. You can buy online or at the place. Balcony seats were just fine if you got the best angle!

hahparis

hahparis

Sep 2023

I have been to Lyon a few times and can never imagine the interior of this building from outside. In addition, this is another work by Jean Nouvel (difficult to tell from the outside). Black and red set up a club feel under historical facets. It's quite small so it's OK to have a seat on the balcony. The foyer is very pleasant and you can have a drink. The staff is exceptionally nice.

christelle sfeir

christelle sfeir

Aug 2022

I find the extension on the top of the building very ugly and just an alien feature that's crowning a splendid architecture. Here especially in August you can witness free music shows and meet other peopl who gather here day and night.

Ingrid ALLOU

Ingrid ALLOU

Sep 2019

You have to queue to enter the lift and reach the place. The Terrasse is small and getting a the view seats is a hustle . So if you're going for the pictures or the view, make sure you go a bit earlier than opening time. The place is nice. Service is alright. The appetizers are basic. But overall the place is great...

When is the best time to visit Opera National de Lyon (Lyon, France)?

July–August: drop in for free Festival Péristyle concerts. Winter: warm up in the heated Grand Foyer bar before an evening show. Check Opera Underground schedule in spring and autumn for pop-up events.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Lyon on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Individual guided tourEUR 14
Opera Underground ticketEUR 20
Drink at Les Muses rooftop barEUR 7
Interval snack or drinkEUR 10
Total EstimatedEUR 51

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Opera National de Lyon

Address: 1 Pl. de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon, France

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Opera National de Lyon (Lyon)?

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About Opera National de Lyon

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+33 4 69 85 54 54

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