This cosmopolitan hub offers many entertainment and culture options. At any newsstand, pick up a copy of the weekly guide Lyon-Poche, which lists happenings and venues around town, from bars to classical concerts.
For the theater or opera buff, Lyon's Théâtre des Célestins, place Célestins (tel. 04-72-77-40-00), is the premier venue for comedy and drama; and the Opéra, place de la Comédie (tel. 08-26-30-53-25), always has a lively and diverse season. Halle Tony Garnier, 20 place Antonin Perrin (tel. 04-72-76-85-85), originated as a 19th-century food market. The immense space with excellent acoustics is known for concerts, trade fairs, and temporary art exhibitions.
The best pub in town is the Smoking Dog, 16 rue Lainerie (tel. 04-78-28-38-27), a happy neighborhood bar with a mixed-age crowd.
Rock 'n' rollers head to the old train station to Le Boudoir, 13 place J.-Ferry (tel. 04-72-74-04-41), with an up-and-coming yuppie crowd. Another club to check out is Le Box-Office, 30 bd. Eugène-Deruelle (tel. 04-78-95-12-93), with its brash techno crew. The cover at these clubs ranges from 12€ to 16€ ($16-$21). Jazz enthusiasts gravitate toward a Lyon tradition, Le Hot Club, 26 rue Lanterne (tel. 04-78-39-54-74).
As you may have expected in a city the size of Lyon, there are a scattering of busy and popular gay bars. Popular spots for men include La Ruche, 22 rue Gentil, 2e (tel. 04-78-37-42-26; Métro: Cordelier), and Le Forum, 15 rue des Quatres Chapeaux, 2e (tel. 04-78-37-19-74; Métro: Cordelier), located in the city's historic core. Lesbian women tend to gravitate toward Bar Le Marais, 4 rue Thomassin, 2e (tel. 04-78-92-80-89; Métro: Cordelier).
