Discover Lausanne | A Visitor's Introduction to Lausanne

Why is Lausanne Worth a Visit?

Lausanne is worth visiting for its unique combination of lakeside beauty, historic depth, cultural richness, and easy access to surrounding countryside. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Geneva, but with a strong personality, thanks to its hilltop Old Town, its vibrant student population, and its status as a cultural and sporting hub.

The city is full of contrasts: you can be wandering medieval lanes one moment, then visiting a sleek, interactive museum the next. Its public transport is excellent, the views over the lake and Alps are stunning, and it's one of Switzerland's most walkable and photogenic cities — although be prepared for hills!

Lausanne also makes a superb base for exploring the Lake Geneva region, including the Lavaux Vineyards, Montreux, Vevey, and even Geneva and Gruyères, all within easy reach by train.

Lausanne Highlights: Things to See and Do in Lausanne

Lausanne Cathedral

The Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, perched at the highest point of the Old Town, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Switzerland.

• Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, with stunning stained glass windows and a grand rose window.

• Climb the 200+ steps of the belfry for panoramic views over the city and Lake Geneva.

• Don't miss the nightly tradition of the cathedral watchman, who still calls out the hours from the tower every night between 10 pm and 2 am — a tradition dating back to 1405.

The cathedral square is also a lovely spot to relax and take in the view.

Olympic Museum and Olympic Park

Lausanne is the Olympic Capital, and the Olympic Museum in Ouchy is one of the city’s top attractions — even if you’re not a sports fanatic.

• Interactive exhibitions cover the history of the Olympic Games, from Ancient Greece to modern times.

• See athletes’ gear, Olympic torches, medals, and immersive media installations.

• Set in beautiful lakeside gardens, the museum offers great views and space to wander.

It’s one of Lausanne’s most innovative and engaging museums.

Old Town and Escaliers du Marché

Lausanne’s Old Town (La Cité) is a maze of steep, cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, independent shops, and weekly markets.

• Climb the Escaliers du Marché, a picturesque wooden staircase connecting the lower city to the cathedral.

• Visit the Place de la Palud, home to the town hall, a historic animated clock, and a lively market.

• Enjoy a coffee in one of the area’s many terrace cafés and soak up the authentic Swiss-French atmosphere.

It’s a compact but characterful part of the city, perfect for wandering.

Ouchy and the Lakefront

The lakeside district of Ouchy offers a completely different vibe from the city centre — flat, breezy, and perfect for strolling or relaxing by the water.

• Walk the Promenade d’Ouchy, lined with palm trees, sculptures, and flowerbeds.

• Take a dip in Lake Geneva at Bellerive Plage during summer.

• Catch a paddle steamer for a cruise to Montreux, Vevey, or across the lake to Évian-les-Bains (France).

• Watch sailboats, feed the swans, or simply enjoy a drink by the marina.

Ouchy is ideal for families, couples, and anyone wanting a scenic break from the hills.

Collection de l’Art Brut

This extraordinary museum showcases Art Brut, or “outsider art” — works by self-taught artists, often created in isolation or unconventional settings.

• Founded by French painter Jean Dubuffet, who donated his personal collection.

• Features strange, fascinating, and often deeply moving pieces from around the world.

• Housed in the Château de Beaulieu, an 18th-century mansion.

It’s unlike any other museum in Switzerland — a hidden gem for art lovers.

Plateforme 10 – Lausanne's New Arts District

A major cultural addition, Plateforme 10 is a sleek arts complex near Lausanne’s main train station.

• Home to the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), Musée de l’Elysée (photography), and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (mudac).

• Hosts rotating exhibitions, installations, and events in a beautifully designed space.

This is Lausanne’s answer to a major European cultural quarter — ambitious, modern, and definitely worth visiting.

Sauvabelin Tower and Park

If you’re looking for greenery and great views, head to the Parc de Sauvabelin, just north of the city centre.

• Climb the Sauvabelin Tower, a 35-metre-high wooden spiral tower with 360° views of Lausanne, the lake, and the Alps.

• Walk around the Lake Sauvabelin, visit the animal park, or enjoy a forest picnic.

• Free entry and ideal for children or those wanting a breath of fresh air.

It’s surprisingly peaceful for a spot so close to the city.

Market Days and Local Shopping

Lausanne has excellent open-air markets, particularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the Old Town.

• Fresh fruit and veg, local cheeses, honey, flowers, and baked goods.

• Artisanal products, street food, and wine tasting pop-ups.

• Nearby streets like Rue de Bourg and Rue de l’Ale are great for boutique shopping, Swiss fashion, watches, and gifts.

Markets are a great way to mingle with locals and sample authentic Vaudois flavours.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

• By train: Lausanne is extremely well-connected, with direct trains from:

  • Geneva Airport – 45 mins

  • Zurich – 2 hours

  • Bern – 1 hour

  • Montreux – 25 mins

• By car: Accessible via the A1 and A9 motorways, though parking in the city centre is limited.

• By boat: From other Lake Geneva towns such as Montreux, Vevey, or Yvoire (France).

Getting Around

• Lausanne has a great public transport system, with buses and the only metro system in Switzerland.

• The Lausanne Transport Card is free when you stay in a hotel — gives unlimited travel on public transport for your stay.

• The steep terrain makes walking strenuous in some areas — use the metro when needed!

Parking

• Use underground car parks such as Parking Riponne, Parking Mon-Repos, or Parking Bellefontaine.

• Street parking is limited and paid.

• Consider using park-and-ride facilities if staying outside the centre.

Dining

Lausanne has an impressive food scene, ranging from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual lakefront bistros.

Must-try local dishes:

• Papet Vaudois – leeks and potatoes with saucisse aux choux (cabbage sausage)

• Malakoff – fried cheese balls from nearby Nyon

• Perch fillets from Lake Geneva, often served with lemon and fries

• Tarte à la raisinée – pear syrup tart, a traditional dessert

Top restaurants include:

• Brasserie de Montbenon – elegant food and stunning views.

• Café Romand – traditional Vaudois dishes in a timeless setting.

• Anne-Sophie Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace – world-class French cuisine with two Michelin stars.

• Le Nabi (at Plateforme 10) – refined bistro in a contemporary cultural space.

Shopping

• Rue de Bourg and Rue de la Madeleine – fashion, jewellery, and high-end Swiss brands.

• Local shops sell Tête de Moine cheese, Chasselas wine, Swiss chocolates, and handmade crafts.

• Weekly markets are great for picking up local honey, herbs, and cheeses.

When to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Blooming gardens, wine festivals, and pleasant weather.

• Summer (July–August): Lake swimming, outdoor concerts, and sunny terraces.

• Autumn (Sept–Oct): Vineyard harvests, golden hills, and food festivals.

• Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter, with Christmas markets and day trips to nearby ski resorts.

Lausanne enjoys a mild climate, especially around the lake, with lots of sunshine year-round.

Local Events

• Festival de la Cité (July): Free open-air performing arts and music in the Old Town.

• Athletissima (July): One of Europe’s top athletics meets, part of the Diamond League.

• Lausanne Lumières (Nov–Dec): Light installations around the city in winter.

• Fête de la Musique (June): Free concerts of all genres across Lausanne.

• Christmas Market in Place St-François and Ouchy: Cosy, festive, and atmospheric.

Exploring Beyond Lausanne

• Lavaux Vineyards: UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards — walk or take a train to Cully or Epesses.

• Montreux and Vevey: Elegant lakeside towns, easy by boat or train.

• Château de Chillon: Switzerland’s most romantic castle, near Montreux.

• Gruyères: Visit the medieval cheese village and nearby Maison Cailler chocolate factory.

• Geneva: Just 45 minutes away by train — ideal for a day trip.

Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most captivating cities — lively but relaxed, historic but innovative, and full of stunning lake and mountain views. Whether you come for the Olympic spirit, the Gothic cathedrals, the wine trails, or simply to sip a glass of local Chasselas in the sunshine, Lausanne will leave you charmed. It’s a city that encourages exploration, embraces its creative side, and always rewards those who take the time to discover its many layers.