Things To Do In Lausanne

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Things To Do In Lausanne

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1. The Old Town

The Old Town

0 km
from city center
1 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Old Town is the cultural and political hub of Lausanne. It is a street that is always bustling. It has a carefully planned structure. It is full of shops, cafes, and boutiques. It also has several beautiful places that have cultural importance. The Cathedral is one of the most visited locations, here.

2. Palud Square

Palud Square
Top Attraction 3.8 /5

0 km
from city center
2 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Palud Square is a charming historic square located in the city's old town. Known for its animated clock, which performs hourly scenes from Vaud's history, the square also hosts a popular weekly farmers' market. Surrounded by colorful, medieval-style buildings, it is a pedestrian-friendly hub for shopping, dining, and exploring local culture. The iconic Lausanne Town Hall is also situated here, making it a focal point for visitors.

3. Lausanne Cathedral

Lausanne Cathedral
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

0 km
from city center
3 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Lausanne Cathedral is a stunning Gothic structure located in the heart of Lausanne’s Old Town, overlooking the city and Lake Geneva. Built in the 13th century, it is known for its intricate architecture, vibrant stained-glass windows, and a majestic organ. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Lausanne and the surrounding region.

4. Market Stairs Lausanne

Market Stairs Lausanne

0 km
from city center
4 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Market Stairs is a historic wooden-covered staircase connecting Place de la Palud to Lausanne’s iconic Cathedral. Nestled in the heart of the old town, the stairs date back to the 13th century and offer a charming path lined with picturesque views of medieval architecture. It is a popular route for pedestrians. The climb offers a charming view of the market on the east side of the stairway.

5. Ouchy

Ouchy
Instagram Worthy 3.7 /5

2 km
from city center
5 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Ouchy is a picturesque lakeside district in Lausanne, located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, just a few minutes by metro from the city center. Known for its scenic promenade, it offers stunning views of the Alps, lush parks, and opportunities for leisure activities like boating and lakeside dining. Home to attractions like the Olympic Museum and Château d’Ouchy, it is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to relax by the water.

6. Take a Lake Geneva Cruise

Take a Lake Geneva Cruise
Top Things To Do

2 km
from city center
6 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

A Lake Geneva Cruise from Lausanne offers a unique way to experience the lake’s stunning beauty, with departures from Ouchy Pier. Cruises range from short scenic trips to longer journeys to nearby towns like Montreux and Evian. Highlights include panoramic views of the Alps, picturesque vineyards of Lavaux, and the elegant waterfront architecture. Available year-round, these cruises often feature themed experiences, such as gourmet dining or historical tours.

7. Olympic Museum

Olympic Museum
4.2 /5

1 km
from city center
7 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is located in Ouchy, overlooking Lake Geneva, and serves as the global hub of Olympic history and culture. It features interactive exhibits, memorabilia from past games, and multimedia displays that celebrate the spirit of the Olympics. With its modern architecture and surrounding Olympic Park, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the Games' history and evolution.

8. Sauvabelin tower

Sauvabelin tower

2 km
from city center
8 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Sauvabelin Tower, located within the Sauvabelin Forest near Lausanne, Switzerland, offers visitors panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The tower stands prominently in a lovely park with hiking trails, picnic areas, a small lake, and playground equipment.

9. Esplanade de Montbenon

Esplanade de Montbenon

1 km
from city center
9 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Esplanade de Montbenon is a central park in Lausanne, offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Located near the train station, it is home to the iconic Palais de Justice and surrounded by manicured gardens and walking paths. The area is a popular spot for relaxing, picnics, and enjoying outdoor events, with nearby cafés and restaurants adding to its charm.

10. Lavaux Vineyards

Lavaux Vineyards
Day Trip 3.7 /5

7 km
from city center
10 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a stunning terraced wine region stretching along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, just a short train ride or drive from Lausanne. Renowned for their breathtaking views of the lake and Alps, the vineyards produce exceptional Swiss wines, particularly Chasselas. Visitors can explore the region through scenic hiking trails, wine-tasting tours, or leisurely boat rides along the lake.

11. Palais de Rumine

Palais de Rumine
4.5 /5

0 km
from city center
11 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Palais de Rumine is a historic building located in Place de la Riponne in the heart of Lausanne. This Renaissance Revival-style palace houses multiple museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Archaeology and History. Known for its grand architecture and diverse exhibits, it is a cultural hub offering insights into art, science, and regional history.

12. Elysee Museum

Elysee Museum
3.8 /5

1 km
from city center
12 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Elysée Museum, located near Lausanne’s Olympic Park, is a world-renowned museum dedicated to photography. Housed in a charming 18th-century mansion, it features an extensive collection of historical and contemporary photographic works. Situated in a peaceful park overlooking Lake Geneva, it combines art, culture, and stunning surroundings for an enriching experience.

13. Parc de Mon Repos

Parc de Mon Repos

1 km
from city center
13 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Parc de Mon Repos is a beautiful park and offers spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. It comprises various collections of flowers, trees, and plants. It also has several walking paths and trails. These paths make it a perfect spot for jogging, walking, and cycling.

14. Rolex Learning Center

Rolex Learning Center

5 km
from city center
14 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Rolex Learning Center operates as a laboratory for learning, a library, and an international cultural hub. It is located on the campus of Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. It is open to students as well as the general public. Its main source of attraction is the massive library.

15. Gastlosen

Gastlosen
Day Trip

51 km
from city center
15 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Surrounding the region of Jaun are the majestic peaks of the Gastlosen mountain ranges. They offer an enchanting view of the Alps that cannot be seen from any other part of the world. You can laze around while relishing this view, but people visit here mainly because of the hiking trail.

16. Day Trip to Chillon Castle

Day Trip to Chillon Castle

25 km
from city center
16 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

Located on the banks of the Geneva Lake and in the lap of the Alps, is the Chillon Castle. The castle is one of the most visited sites in Switzerland. It is considered unique because of its oval shape and the views of the lake the city from the castle.

17. Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts

 Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts

1 km
from city center
17 out of 17
Things To Do in Lausanne

The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts, or MUDAC is situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, and it opened in 2000. It is a museum of contemporary design and applied arts. The main attraction in this museum is a group of three outstanding museums named as Plateforme 10.

FAQs on Lausanne

What are the top sightseeing places in Lausanne?

The top sightseeing places in Lausanne are Palais de Rumine, Cathedrale de Notre Dame, Musee Olympique, Place de la Palud, Musee de L'Elysees, Ouchy.

How can I commute within Lausanne?

All the hotels in Lausanne provide guests with the Lausanne Transport Card when you check in, allowing unlimited and free travel throughout your stay You could also be a daredevil and try to walk up those gently sloping cobbled paths! People mostly travel by the Metro, with its two main lines meeting at Flon station. M1 or the Metro-Ouest line takes you from Flon to the University of Lausanne plus Renens. M2 serves the Ouchy lakeside area, the busy city centre and the borders of Epalinges. Buses are also another option and they have a great frequency. You could also ride around the city on a bicycle. You can rent one for yourself from Aloc Bike or Rent a Bike, both rent services, located at Main Station. You can download the city map or the Carte Velo from Lausanne's official website, which will give you details about the best routes to take if you're riding a bicycle.
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