Two days in Dijon is plenty of time to see the main sights without it turning into a gruelling marathon. Group your visits by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway in case of bad weather, and don’t plan any important excursions straight after an overnight coach journey.
Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on the official tourism website: these details change more often than the sights themselves.
Day one: the historic centre
From the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, follow the ‘owl’ route through the medieval streets, past Notre-Dame Cathedral and the half-timbered houses. Markings on the cobblestones help you stay on track.
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Day two: museums and other neighbourhoods
On the second day, choose between the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin. Allow plenty of time for tastings and don’t plan them before a long journey.
How to set a realistic pace
Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and spend the rest of the time exploring the streets, the quays and making short stops. If you need to book in advance, take into account the journey from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to scale back your itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Early or late arrival
Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from your exact drop-off point. Start your morning itinerary with open spaces rather than a museum with fixed opening hours. For evening arrivals, save public transport timetables and the hotel’s contact details offline.
Transport and navigation
Download an offline map, mark the coach station, your accommodation and your return departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a remote museum or a hill may require transport. Compare single and day tickets using the current fares from the local operator.
Budget and meals
Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and any unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head away from the most touristy square and check the menu before ordering. Water and a light snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.
Preparing for a coach journey
Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. Check out our tips on offline maps and preparing your phone for a trip abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a city tourist card?
It isn’t automatically worth it. Work out exactly which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.
What should I do if it rains?
Keep one museum alternative in mind, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.