Things To Do
in Lausanne
Lausanne sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, framed by the Alps in the distance. The city blends a medieval Old Town with a lively waterfront and world-class museums. It is a hub for education and research, home to EPFL and the Olympic Museum.
The scenery ranges from vineyard-covered hills to the sparkling lake, making it ideal for culture and outdoor lovers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Lausanne's Old Town, where you can admire the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame, climbing its tower for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Geneva. Stop by a local café for a traditional Swiss breakfast of croissants and coffee, soaking in the morning sun.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Olympic Museum, where you'll learn about the history of the Olympic Games through interactive exhibits and beautiful gardens. Take a peaceful walk along the Ouchy waterfront, enjoying the views of the lake and the Alps in the distance. Grab lunch at a lakeside restaurant, indulging in fresh fish dishes paired with local wines.
As the sun sets, head to the Flon district, where you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Lausanne. Explore trendy bars and eateries, sampling local craft beers and delicious Swiss cuisine. Conclude your evening by attending a live music show or performance at one of the local venues.
Wake up early and head to Ouchy for a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque shoreline. Enjoy the fresh air and tranquility as you glide across the water, perhaps spotting swans and other local wildlife. After your boat ride, relax at one of the lakeside parks with a picnic breakfast.
Spend your afternoon exploring the charming town of Montreux, just a short train ride away. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, visiting the famous Chillon Castle, which offers fascinating insights into Switzerland's medieval history. Enjoy lunch at a local café, with stunning lake views and a selection of Swiss specialties.
Return to Lausanne and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant. Experience fondue or raclette while seated in a cozy, rustic setting. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the lake, admiring the illuminated city skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $60-120 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $10-16 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🎬Cinema ticket | $12-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life and safety
- Beautiful lake and mountain scenery
- Excellent public transport and walkability
- Strong cultural and culinary scene
- Higher prices compared to many neighboring destinations
- Hills and stairs can be tiring
- Smaller nightlife compared to larger cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Lausanne
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic facade with stone detailing; capture the façade in the morning light and the square activity nearby.
Narrow lanes, arches, and stately stairways provide atmospheric, timeless shots.
Lakeside promenade with boats against a backdrop of the Alps; ideal for sunset photography.
Terraces and views over the lake and mountains; great for panoramic shots.
Golden-hour light on terraced hillsides; iconic hillside wine terraces along the lake.
Neoclassical architecture with grand interiors and museums nearby.
Food in Lausanne
Lausanne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh perch from Lake Geneva, often served pan-fried with beurre blanc and potatoes or rice.
Must-Try!
A classic Vaud dish of leeks and potatoes with a sausage (Saucisse au Choux).
Crispy potato pancake, commonly enjoyed as a side or base for breakfast and brunch.
Traditional cheese fondue made with Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois, perfect for colder evenings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market in the city center with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Punctuality is valued; arriving on time for appointments and trains is appreciated.
A handshake is common; greet with 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' in French; polite forms and 's'il vous plaît' go a long way.
French is the local language; learning a few phrases is helpful when interacting with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Lausanne
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is often included; tipping is optional; rounding up or giving 5–10% for excellent service is common.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, TWINT) are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long evenings; outdoor dining and boat rentals are popular; occasional thunderstorms.
Pleasant temperatures; harvest season in Lavaux; wine festivals and colorful foliage.
Cold with possible snow; festive markets and fondue season; shorter daylight hours.
Mild weather with blooming gardens; frequent showers; patios reopen and city comes alive after winter.
Lausanne at Night
Hiking in Lausanne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes through UNESCO-listed vineyards with lake views.
Moderate hike offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Urban-accessible forest and tower with cityscape viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Lausanne by plane.
Major international gateway about 60-70 km from Lausanne; train connections are fast (Genève-Cornavin to Lausanne).
Smaller airport with regional flights; about 150-180 km away by road or rail.
Switzerland's largest airport; about 230 km away; excellent rail links for onward travel.
Regional airport serving the Valais region; reachable by car or train in under 2 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Home to EPFL and UNIL, with a large student and academic population.
A diverse mix of families and long-term residents in a bilingual region.
International residents and visitors seeking culture, cuisine, and lake life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular activity in warmer months with clubs and boat rentals.
Scenic routes with vineyards and lake views, suitable for various levels.
Nearby resorts (Villars, Leysin, Gstaad) offer skiing and sledding in the season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lausanne.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for salads, vegetable-based mains, and cheese-focused dishes; consider asking for dishes like rösti with vegetables or fondue without meat.