Things To Do
in Prilly
Prilly is a tranquil municipality just west of Lausanne in the Vaud canton, known for its leafy streets and quiet residential charm. It offers quick access to Lake Geneva and the nearby Alpine scenery, making day trips and outdoor activities easy. From Prilly, you can reach Lausanne’s cultural treasures, markets, and riverside walks in minutes by public transit or bike.
The surrounding Vaud countryside with vineyards and forests invites relaxed exploration and scenic views year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Prilly and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the quaint town to acclimate and enjoy a warm Swiss breakfast at a local café. The fresh mountain air and stunning vistas will invigorate you for the days ahead.
Visit the nearby Olympic Museum in Lausanne, just a short public transport ride away. Spend the afternoon exploring its interactive exhibits that celebrate the spirit of the games and the athletes. Don’t miss the stunning views of Lake Geneva from the museum terrace.
Return to Prilly and indulge in a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy specialties such as fondue or raclette, paired with some excellent regional wines. Cap off the day with a relaxed walk under the charming streetlights.
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Ouchy waterfront in Lausanne. Enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking Lake Geneva, where you can watch the sailboats drift by. This idyllic setting will set the tone for an exciting day ahead.
Explore the old town of Lausanne, wandering through its narrow streets lined with shops and cafés. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame and discover the history of the city at the Lausanne Museum of Fine Arts. Take some time to relax in the nearby Parc de Mon Repos.
Savor a delightful dinner at a rooftop restaurant for breathtaking views of the sunset over the lake. Enjoy the engaging ambiance as you try more local delicacies. After dinner, join a cultural event or live music performance at a local venue.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍝Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $60-100 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $3-6 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Lausanne and Lake Geneva for easy day trips
- High standard of healthcare and safety
- Beautiful vineyard scenery and easy access to outdoors
- Efficient public transportation and walkable towns
- Relatively higher costs compared to some neighboring regions
- Limited nightlife directly in Prilly; more options in Lausanne
- Smaller town feel may feel quiet for some travelers
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est… ?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Prilly
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour on the lake with views of the Alps across the water; ideal for sunset silhouettes and reflective water shots.
Gothic spires and narrow cobblestone streets offer atmospheric architecture and street photography opportunities.
Elegant park with tree-lined paths, ponds, and charming angles for portraits and still-life photography.
Terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva; dramatic landscapes, especially at golden hour, with the lake as a backdrop.
Contemporary urban vibe with street art, modern architecture, and bustling nightlife—great for dynamic city shots.
Food in Prilly
Prilly Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried perch fillets from Lake Geneva served with beurre blanc, lemon, and seasonal vegetables; widely available at lakeside restaurants around Lausanne.
Must-Try!
Traditional Vaud chicken simmered with white wine, leeks, and potatoes; a comforting staple found in many bistros.
Leek-and-potato stew with sausage, a regional specialty often enjoyed in winter markets and rustic eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and street snacks; great for tasting local flavors and picking picnic items.
Historic market square with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties; perfect for a midday bite or to stock a picnic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Bonjour (French) or salut in casual settings; a handshake is common in formal meetings.
Punctuality is valued in professional contexts and social gatherings; plan ahead for meetings and trains.
Residents value discretion and quiet in public spaces; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas, especially evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Prilly
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are typically included in the bill in Switzerland; extra tipping is optional and usually modest (rounding up or 5-10% for exceptional service).
Cards (credit/debit) widely accepted; cash is always useful for markets and small shops. Contactless payments are common, and ATMs are abundant.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and long evenings; enjoy lake activities, hillside hikes, and outdoor dining. Afternoon showers are possible, so carry a light layer and an umbrella.
Comfortable temperatures with harvest season in Lavaux vineyards. Great for vineyards, markets, and color-filled scenery; layers recommended.
Mild to cool with the possibility of snow in nearby mountains. Cozy cafés, indoor museums, and festive markets are popular; waterproof footwear helps for city strolls.
Blooming gardens and longer daylight hours; ideal for walks along the lake and in parks, with variable rain showers.
Prilly at Night
Hiking in Prilly
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle loops through woods near Lausanne with forest views, a short climb to a lookout, and suitable paths for most levels.
Extensive network of shaded trails in the Jorat forest area near Prilly, offering serene landscapes and wildlife.
Scenic ridge hikes along the Lavaux terraces with vineyard views and Lake Geneva panoramas; choose easy to moderate routes.
Airports
How to reach Prilly by plane.
Major international hub about 60-75 minutes by train from Lausanne; convenient for international travelers and long-haul connections.
Small regional airport offering seasonal and charter flights; accessible by road or rail with a short transfer from the Lausanne area.
Switzerland’s largest airport with extensive connections; typically a longer rail journey from Lausanne but useful for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, professionals commuting to Lausanne, and an increasing number of expatriates drawn to the region's quality of life and proximity to Lake Geneva.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular amateur and professional sport in the region; local clubs and stadiums host matches on weekends.
Nearby Alpine resorts offer winter sports within a short drive or rail trip from the Vaud region.
Lake Geneva provides ample opportunities for water sports enthusiasts during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Prilly.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes focus on cheese, vegetables, and grains. Look for mushroom risottos, seasonal vegetable plates, raclette without meat, and consider asking for egg or dairy-free options when available.