Arrange your travel to Lyon. If already are in France, consider taking the high-speed train (TGV). From Paris, Lyon is only a two-hour train ride away, and for passengers between the ages of 12 and 25, a special reduced fare card can secure you automatic discounts on all French train tickets. If you are arriving via plane, there is a convenient and inexpensive shuttle bus connecting Lyon and the airport, approximately 45 minutes from downtown.
Find a place to stay. Lyon has a wealth of friendly people willing to offer travelers a free spot to sleep. Check the Couch Surfing website for options. Lyon also has a relatively central youth hostel, Auberge de Jeunesse, with reasonable rates.
Schedule museum visits to minimize admission fees. For instance, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon offers free admission every Thursday, whereas the Lyon Fine Arts Museum is free for anyone under 18 and all students under 26 with a valid student I.D. card.
Visit outdoor food markets. Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France and these markets offer locally grown produce, freshly baked bread, artisanal jams and preserves and more at reasonable prices. Stock up on picnic supplies here for a cheap and unforgettable lunch.
Find appealing fixed-price restaurant menus. Wander through Lyon's Presqu'ile and Vieux-Lyon neighborhoods and take advantage of the "prix-fixe" menus. You'll know ahead of time how much the entire meal will cost, and who can refuse dessert when it's included in the price?
Get a Lyon City Card, a discount card sold in one-, two- and three-day options. This card will get you into 21 museums, join guided tours, get into some shows, and let you ride on the bus, underground and tramway lines for free. It also offers discounted rates to other attractions.
