Top Bars in Lyon – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked away at 22 Rue Professeur Weill in Lyon’s 6ᵉ arrondissement, L’Artchimiste opened in 2017 and has become a well-regarded spot in Lyon’s cocktail scene. The founders, both with serious credentials in mixology, envisioned a bar where craftsmanship, quality ingredients and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere would converge. The décor supports that vision — raw materials like wood and stone, lush greenery, and industrial touches create an ambiance that is simultaneously warm and modern. The drink menu is focused yet creative. Visitors praise the originality of the cocktails, the balance of flavours, and the friendly, skilled staff. While classics are served with precision, there’s also room for invention and custom orders. One review noted: “the most important — very good, well-measured and creative cocktails.” Tapas and light bites accompany the drinks; while the food is not the sole attraction, it complements the bar experience well. On top of that, L’Artchimiste appears in roundups of Lyon’s best cocktail bars: for instance, a local list calls out the venue for its fascinating selection of cocktails and jungle-style décor. In short: L’Artchimiste is for people who want a well-crafted drink in an environment that isn’t purely trendy or wild but rather comfortable, stylish and quietly refined. Whether you’re starting the night or capping it off, it offers a solid destination in Lyon.

Located on the 8th floor of the Sofitel Lyon Bellecour at 20 Quai Gailleton, Le Melhor is a standout for Lyon’s nightlife. From its vantage point above the Rhône River, the bar offers sweeping views over the water and across the city’s skyline — a perfect backdrop for an upscale night out. Inside, the ambience is refined yet relaxed: plush velvet armchairs, dim lighting, and a sophisticated design that whispers luxe rather than shouts it. As the Sofitel says: “In the Lyon dialect, melhor means ‘best’ — a fitting name for the craft and creativity on display.” The cocktail program is centred on bespoke service. The bartenders are described as “connoisseurs” — ready to craft a signature drink based on your flavour preferences or serve one of their seasonal, house-curated specials. You’ll also find a well-considered list of champagnes, fine spirits and non-alcoholic options. On Friday and Saturday nights the live jazz stage adds an extra layer of atmosphere, making it more lounge-club hybrid than purely bar. While the food offering is light (bar snacks, small plates) the focus remains drink-first with view-and-mood second. One reviewer notes: “Take a seat at one of the tables … creative cocktails and stunning panoramic views of the Rhône.” Le Melhor is ideal for a date, a pre-dinner drink with view, or a refined night out in Lyon rather than a rowdy party bar. Think elegance, scenic backdrop, and quality over volume.

Situated at the heart of Lyon on the Presqu’île, Le Dôme occupies an extraordinary architectural space — the former chapel of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, built by architect Jacques‑Germain Soufflot, with a keystone height of 32 metres. This historic grandeur provides the stage for a bar experience that is both elegant and international. The venue is part of the 5-star InterContinental Lyon ‑ Hôtel‑Dieu, yet the bar stands on its own as a destination. Inside, expect classic cocktail craftsmanship — the drink menu blends local French/regional ingredients with global spirits: gins, tequilas, vodkas, rums, whiskies and bourbons from around the world. Accompanying the drinks are high-quality snack, tea-time patisserie and light dish options curated by the bar’s kitchen. Le Dôme isn’t just visually striking — it’s been internationally recognised. Notably it was awarded Best Hotel Bar in the World in the 2020-2021 Villégiature Awards for its combination of architecture, mixology and service. In terms of atmosphere: by afternoon the space suits tea-time or an elegant drink; by evening it shifts to softly lit sophistication with attentive, refined service. While guests may include hotel visitors, locals also frequent the bar — making it a meeting point between Lyonnais and cosmopolitan crowds. One may also attend mixology or wine-tasting workshops held under the dome on scheduled nights, which adds an interactive dimension to a standard bar visit. Overall: Le Dôme is a perfect choice if you’re after a memorable cocktail in a setting that evokes grandeur and craftsmanship, rather than a loud, party-bar. It’s ideal for a refined after-dinner drink or a special outing.

Located at 5 Cours de Verdun Gensoul in Lyon’s 2ᵉ arrondissement, Wanderlust Lyon is a lively cocktail bar that blends the spirit of adventure with a relaxed, social ambiance. The founders, passionate about travel and meeting people, designed the space as more than just a drinking spot: it’s a place for connection, games, and good times. Inside you’ll find boards, cushions, postcards and travel-inspired décor that set the tone. The cocktail list is creative — you’ll find originals, interesting flavour combinations and often a “house” twist on classics. Behind that, there’s a selection of beers and wines from around the world. What also makes Wanderlust stand out are its event nights. For example: Every Wednesday: Board games / social games evening. Every Friday: Karaoke night starting around 21:00. Every Saturday: ‘90s/2000s themed party nights (with shots if you dress the part). The crowd tends toward young, outgoing, social — ideal for after-work drinks, celebrations (birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette), and casual nights out. The bar is flexible: they welcome groups and offer reservation/privatisation options for up to about 60 people. In terms of vibe: the décor feels cosy but fun, lively but not chaotic — you can chat easily (especially in the mezzanine or quieter areas) and still feel in the pulse of the action. According to reviews, service is friendly and the place gets good marks for friendliness and atmosphere. If you’re looking for a bar in Lyon where you can grab a well-made cocktail, join in games or themed nights, and feel comfortable whether you’re solo or in a group — Wanderlust Lyon is a strong pick.

Tucked into 20 Rue Hippolyte Flandrin in the heart of Lyon’s 1ᵉʳ arrondissement, L’Antiquaire is widely regarded as one of the city’s benchmark cocktail bars. Since its opening around 2010, it has built a reputation for elegant, classic-cocktail craft delivered with style and precision. Inside, the atmosphere evokes the look and feel of a mid-20th-century American bar: dark wood panelling, leather banquettes, vintage banister lighting, discreet jazz or blues in the background, and bartenders dressed in waistcoats and ties. Reviews emphasise the intimacy of the light level, the attention to detail in service, and the feel of being transported. The drink menu is anchored in classic cocktails—think Negroni, Sazerac, Martini—but the team also presents refined contemporary twists and occasional signature creations. For example, one review notes a “Peanut Sazerac” or a brandy-crusta variant among their creative offerings. The bar emphasises balance and craftsmanship rather than gimmicks: L’Antiquaire presents itself as “le temple des cocktails ‘old fashioned’”. While not large, the space offers enough seating to linger, and there's a small terrace for the warmer seasons. Reservations or early arrival are recommended on weekends, as the bar can fill up. In short: If you’re looking for a bar in Lyon with serious cocktail credentials, old-world ambiance, and a style that stands out from louder, more boisterous bars, L’Antiquaire is a top choice.