Why Lausanne Is One of Our Favorite Cities on Lake Geneva
Lausanne surprised us the first time we visited. Since then, we have been returning again and again and discovering the city anew each time, especially since we have been living in Switzerland.
At first glance, it might just look like another pretty Swiss city on Lake Geneva. But once you start walking around, you realize Lausanne has its own personality. It’s a bit hilly (okay… very hilly), full of students, and somehow manages to feel both lively and relaxed at the same time.
What we really like about Lausanne is that it doesn’t feel overly touristy. Of course, there are famous sights like the Olympic Museum or the cathedral in the old town. But at the same time, it still feels like a place where people actually live their everyday lives. On sunny days, locals meet friends by the lake in Ouchy, go for a swim in the lake, or sit along the promenade eating ice cream and watching the boats go by.
Lausanne is also known as the Olympic Capital of the world and is home to the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic Museum is actually the most visited attraction in the city and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
But beyond the big sights, what makes Lausanne special is the mix of experiences you can have in a single day. You can wander through medieval streets in the morning, have lunch by the lake, climb a wooden tower in the forest for views of the Alps, and end the day with a glass of wine overlooking the famous Lavaux vineyards.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Lausanne – from the must-sees to the spots we’d personally prioritize, plus practical tips to help you plan your visit without wasting time.
For help with where to stay, how long to spend in the city, food, costs, and transport, our complete Lausanne travel guide covers the rest of the planning in more detail.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Lausanne
- Best Luxury: Beau-Rivage Palace (Ouchy)
- Best Mid-Range: Palmiers by Fassbind (Near the Station)
- Best for Lake Views: Château d’Ouchy (Ouchy)
Understanding the Layout of Lausanne, Switzerland
Before we dive into the list, it helps to understand how Lausanne is laid out.
The city stretches from the shores of Lake Geneva up to the historic old town and then further into residential neighborhoods and forests. Because Lausanne is built on several hills, the elevation changes are pretty noticeable. Walking from the lake up to the cathedral, for example, can feel like a mini workout.
Most of the main attractions in Lausanne are actually quite close to each other and fall into three main areas:
Old Town (Cité)
This is where you’ll find the historic heart of Lausanne, including the cathedral, the famous Escaliers du Marché, and several museums. It’s the most atmospheric part of the city with small streets, cafés, and viewpoints.
Ouchy & the Lakefront
Down by the water, the vibe completely changes. The lakeside area of Ouchy is where locals go to relax, walk along the promenade, rent paddleboards, or simply sit by the lake when the weather is nice. On sunny days, it becomes one of the liveliest spots in the city.
Northern Lausanne (Sauvabelin & Parks)
A bit further uphill, you’ll find quieter green areas, including forests and parks. One of our favorite places here is the wooden Sauvabelin Tower, which offers one of the best panoramic views over Lausanne, the lake, and even the Alps on a clear day.
The good news: despite the hills, Lausanne is surprisingly easy to explore. Many of the highlights are within walking distance, and the metro makes it simple to get back uphill when your legs start protesting.
The 19 Best Things to Do in Lausanne
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Lausanne before we dive into the details.
The top attractions in Lausanne are:
- Visit the Olympic Museum
- Walk along the Ouchy lakeside promenade
- Explore Lausanne Cathedral
- Wander through the Old Town
- Climb the Escaliers du Marché
- Stop by Place de la Palud
- Visit the Palais de Rumine
- Visit the Collection de l’Art Brut
- Explore Plateforme 10 (the arts district)
- Climb the Sauvabelin Tower
- Take a Boat Trip on Lake Geneva
- Go Swimming in Lake Geneva
- Explore the Flon District
- Grab a Donut at Krispy Kreme
- Relax in Parc de Mon Repos
- Visit the Hermitage Foundation
- Do a Wine Tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards
- Visit the Lakeside Village of Lutry
- Take a Day Trip to Montreux or Château de Chillon
We’ll go through each of these in more detail below.
1. Visit the Olympic Museum
If there’s one place that really puts Lausanne on the map, it’s the Olympic Museum.
Lausanne is known as the Olympic Capital of the world because the International Olympic Committee is based here. So it’s no surprise that the city’s most famous attraction is a museum dedicated entirely to the Olympic Games.
To be honest, we weren’t sure how interesting it would be before visiting. Museums about sports can sometimes feel a bit niche if you’re not a huge fan. But this one is surprisingly fun and interactive. Instead of just displaying old medals and equipment, the exhibitions walk you through the history of the Olympics, the stories behind the athletes, and how the games evolved over time.
There are also a lot of interactive exhibits – things like reaction tests, balance challenges, and short films from iconic Olympic moments. It makes the whole experience feel much more engaging than a typical museum visit.
And clearly, we’re not the only ones who enjoy it. The Olympic Museum is actually the most visited attraction in Lausanne, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
For prices, opening hours, and further information, check the official website.
But honestly, one of our favorite parts isn’t even inside the museum. Right in front of the building, there’s a beautiful park filled with Olympic-themed sculptures that stretches down toward the lake.
Every time we’ve been there, people have been sitting on the grass, taking photos with the Olympic rings, or simply enjoying the view.
Even if you skip the museum itself, the park and views outside are worth a stop.
Tip: Plan about 1.5-2 hours if you want to visit the exhibitions.
2. Walk Along the Ouchy Promenade
Just walk downhill from the museum for a few minutes, and you’ll end up right by the water. This is one of our favorite places to spend time in Lausanne, especially on a sunny day.
The Ouchy promenade runs along the shores of Lake Geneva and is one of the spots where you really see how locals enjoy the city. When the weather is nice, people come here to jog, cycle, rollerblade, or simply sit by the water with friends. It’s also a popular place to grab an ice cream or a coffee and just watch the boats on the lake.
One thing we always enjoy here is the view across Lake Geneva. On clear days, you can see the Alps in France in the distance, which makes the whole lakeside feel incredibly scenic.
There are also a few small highlights around Ouchy worth checking out while you’re here. The Château d’Ouchy, a historic castle that now works as a hotel, is one of the most recognizable buildings along the waterfront.
Ouchy is also one of the most convenient areas to base yourself, especially if you want lake views and evening walks along the waterfront. Our guide to where to stay in Lausanne compares Ouchy with the Old Town, Flon, and the station area.
Nearby, you’ll also find boat piers where ferries leave for places like Montreux, Vevey, and the Lavaux vineyards.
If you have time, we definitely recommend slowing down here for a bit instead of rushing to the next attraction. Grab a drink, sit by the lake, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s one of the moments that makes Lausanne feel so relaxed compared to some other Swiss cities.
3. Explore Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale de Notre-Dame)
After spending time by the lake, it’s time to head up to the historic heart of the city. And yes… this is where you’ll really notice how steep Lausanne actually is.
Tip: If your legs aren’t in the mood for another uphill walk, you can easily take the metro up toward the cathedral.
At the very top of the old town, you’ll find Lausanne Cathedral, the most impressive historic building in the city.
The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the most important Gothic buildings in Switzerland. Even from a distance, you can already see its towers rising above the rooftops of the old town.
Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive. The stained glass windows are probably the highlight, especially the famous rose window, which dates back to the 13th century. The interior is large and airy, with high ceilings and beautiful stone details that really show the scale of the building.
If you’re up for a bit more climbing, you can also go up the cathedral tower. The staircase is narrow and winding, but once you reach the top, you get one of the best views in Lausanne, over the old town rooftops, Lake Geneva, and on clear days even the Alps.
For prices, opening hours, and further information, check the official website.
Another small detail we found fascinating: Lausanne still has a night watch tradition connected to the cathedral. Every night, a watchman calls out the time from the cathedral tower between 10 pm and 2 am – a tradition that has existed for centuries.
Even if you’re not particularly into churches, we’d still recommend stopping here. The cathedral is not only the most important historic landmark in Lausanne, but also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding old town streets.
4. Wander through Lausanne’s Old Town
Right next to the cathedral, you’ll find Lausanne’s old town, which is easily one of the nicest areas to explore on foot.
This part of the city feels very different from the lakeside. Instead of promenades and parks, you’ll find narrow streets, small squares, historic buildings, and plenty of cafés.
One thing we always notice here is how lively the area feels, especially because Lausanne is a big student city. With the university nearby, you’ll often see students sitting on the cathedral steps, meeting friends in cafés, or wandering through the streets between classes. It gives the old town a really relaxed and local atmosphere.
Another nice thing about exploring the old town is that many of Lausanne’s main sights are located close to each other. Within just a few minutes’ walk, you can reach places like the Palais de Rumine, several museums, and one of the most photographed streets in the city – the famous Escaliers du Marché, which we’ll talk about next.
5. Climb the Escaliers du Marché
One of the most charming spots in Lausanne is the Escaliers du Marché, a historic staircase that connects the lower town with the cathedral square above.
If you’re exploring the old town, you’ll almost certainly pass through here at some point. The stairs sit right between Place de la Palud and the cathedral, so they naturally become part of the route when walking through the old city. We actually walked past these stairs twice before realizing they were the Escaliers du Marché everyone photographs.
The staircase dates back several centuries and was originally used by market traders who carried their goods up to the market in the old town, which is where the name comes from.
Today, it’s one of the most recognizable corners of Lausanne. The wooden roof, uneven stone steps, and colorful buildings around it give the whole place a really atmospheric feel.
6. Stop by Place de la Palud
While wandering through the old town, you’ll almost certainly pass through Place de la Palud, one of the main squares in Lausanne.
The square is surrounded by colorful historic buildings and cafés, and in the middle, you’ll find the Justice Fountain, which dates back to the 16th century.
Right next to it stands the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) with a small animated clock on its façade. Several times a day, the clock performs a short show with moving figures that tell scenes from Lausanne’s history, a fun little detail many people stop to watch.
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, you’ll catch the local market that regularly takes place on the square and in the surrounding streets. Farmers and vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce, bread, cheese, and flowers.
It’s a great way to see a more local side of the city, and the square feels especially lively during market hours. We recommend trying some local food, like Swiss cheese or Swiss chocolate.
7. Visit the Palais de Rumine
While exploring Lausanne, another building that’s hard to miss is the Palais de Rumine.
You’ll find it at Place de la Riponne, just a few minutes from the cathedral. The building itself is already impressive, a large Renaissance-style palace with grand staircases and high ceilings that feels more like a historic government building than a museum.
Inside, the Palais de Rumine actually houses several museums under one roof, including exhibitions on natural history, archaeology, and fine arts. Because there are multiple collections in the same building, it’s easy to just wander in and explore whatever catches your interest.
For prices, opening hours, and further information, check the official website.
What we like about the Palais de Rumine is that it doesn’t feel like a typical single-purpose museum. Instead, it’s more like a cultural hub where you can casually explore a few different exhibitions in one place.
Even if you don’t plan to spend a long time inside, it’s still worth stepping into the entrance hall for a quick look. The architecture alone makes it one of the more striking buildings in the city center.
8. Visit the Collection de l’Art Brut
If you’re looking for something a bit different in Lausanne, the Collection de l’Art Brut is a really interesting stop.
This art museum focuses on so-called Art Brut, art created by self-taught artists outside the traditional art world. Instead of polished gallery pieces, you’ll find very raw, expressive works that often feel a little unusual, sometimes even strange, but always fascinating.
Even if you’re not someone who usually plans multiple museums while traveling (like us), this one stands out because the collection feels so different from a typical art museum. And it’s even a nice bad weather alternative to add to your list.
The museum is located inside Château de Beaulieu, a historic building about a 15–20 minute walk from the old town.
For prices, opening hours, and further information, check the official website.
9. Explore Plateforme 10 (Lausanne’s Arts District)
A completely different side of Lausanne can be found at Plateforme 10, the city’s modern arts district.
Located right next to the main train station, this area used to be an old railway site. Today, it has been transformed into a cultural hub with several museums, open plazas, and cafés. What we like about it is that the whole space feels modern and creative, which makes it quite different from the historic atmosphere of the old town.
Plateforme 10 is home to three major museums: the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA), Photo Elysée (focused on photography), and mudac, a museum dedicated to contemporary design and applied arts. Even if you’re not planning to visit all of them, the area itself is worth walking through.
10. Climb the Sauvabelin Tower for One of the Best Views in Lausanne
If you’re looking for a great viewpoint in Lausanne, Sauvabelin Tower is hard to beat.
The tower sits a little outside the city center in Parc de Sauvabelin, a quiet green area that feels surprisingly peaceful compared to the busier parts of Lausanne. Getting here takes a bit of effort since it’s uphill, but the views at the top make it absolutely worth it.
Tip: You can also take the M2 to Sallaz and just walk the last 15 minutes to the park.
The tower itself is a 35-meter wooden structure with a spiral staircase leading to the top. In total, you’ll climb around 300 steps, but the reward is a fantastic 360-degree view over Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and the Alps in the distance.
One thing we really like about this spot is that it still feels a bit more local than some of the other viewpoints in the city. You’ll often see families walking in the nearby forest, locals jogging through the park, or people having a picnic by the small lake nearby.
If the weather is clear, this is easily one of the best places to get a breathtaking view of Lausanne, the lake, and the Alps in France in the distance.
11. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Geneva
If the weather is nice while you’re in Lausanne, one thing we’d definitely recommend is getting out on Lake Geneva for a bit.
You can catch boats directly from Ouchy harbor, and even a short ride gives you a completely different perspective of the city. From the water, you really see how Lausanne rises up the hills from the lake, with vineyards, rooftops, and the Alps in the distance.
It’s also just a really relaxing break from walking around the city. After climbing a few hills in Lausanne, sitting on the deck of a boat with a view of the lake feels like a pretty good reward.
Some of the boats are historic Belle Époque paddle steamers, which makes the ride feel a bit special. Instead of a simple ferry crossing, it feels more like a small scenic cruise across the lake.
You can also use the boats to combine Lausanne with nearby places like Vevey or Montreux. It’s actually a really nice way to explore the region. For example, you could take the boat to Montreux, visit Château de Chillon, and then return to Lausanne by train.
But even if you don’t plan a full-day trip, we still think it’s worth hopping on a boat for an hour or so. On a clear day, the views across Lake Geneva toward the Alps are honestly hard to beat.
12. Go Swimming in Lake Geneva
If you’re visiting Lausanne in summer, one thing you’ll notice pretty quickly is that people actually use the lake a lot.
On warm days, locals head down to the water to swim, sunbathe, or just cool off for a while. And honestly, after walking up and down Lausanne’s hills for a few hours, jumping into water is a pretty great idea.
One of the easiest places to swim is around Ouchy, where you’ll find small swimming areas and platforms along the lake. There are also parks nearby where people relax on the grass, read, or meet friends for a picnic.
What we like about swimming here is that it feels very normal and local. It’s not a tourist activity; it’s just something people do on a sunny afternoon. If the weather is good, you’ll see students, families, and locals all enjoying the lake.
The water can still be a bit refreshing depending on the season, but on hot days, it’s one of the best ways to cool down. Even if you’re not planning to swim yourself, it’s still nice to spend some time by the lake, watching the boats and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
13. Explore the Flon District
For a completely different vibe, head to Flon.
This area used to be an industrial warehouse district, but today it’s one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lausanne. Instead of historic streets and old buildings, you’ll find modern architecture, colorful facades, street art, and lots of cafés and restaurants.
What we like about Flon is the contrast. After wandering through the old town, suddenly you’re in a very modern part of the city with a much more urban feel.
If you’re looking for a place to grab a coffee, have dinner, or just take a break, Flon is a good stop while exploring the city.
14. Grab a Donut at Krispy Kreme (A Surprisingly Fun Stop)
This might sound like a slightly unexpected recommendation, but stopping at Krispy Kreme has become a small ritual for us whenever we pass through Lausanne.
The Swiss branch of Krispy Kreme opened a shop near the Lausanne train station, and it’s one of those places that always smells amazing the moment you walk by.
If you’ve never tried it before, their Original Glazed donut is the classic. Fresh and still slightly warm, it’s honestly a great little treat after walking around the city for a few hours. Lausanne’s hills can be surprisingly tiring, so a quick sugar boost isn’t the worst idea.
What makes this stop fun is that it feels a bit unexpected in Switzerland. Between historic cathedrals, vineyards, and lake views, suddenly grabbing an American-style donut somehow adds a funny contrast to the day.
We often end up stopping here either before catching a train or as a quick snack break while exploring the area around the station.
15. Relax in Parc de Mon Repos
If you need a quiet break while exploring Lausanne, Parc de Mon Repos is a really nice place to slow down for a bit.
The park sits just a short walk from the city center but feels surprisingly peaceful. You’ll find shady paths, small ponds, sculptures, and plenty of benches where people sit and read or enjoy a coffee.
What we like about this park is that it feels very local. It’s not really a tourist attraction; it’s simply a place where people from Lausanne come to relax, walk their dogs, or escape the busy streets for a while.
If you’re exploring the nearby museums or the old town, it’s an easy place to stop for a short break before continuing your day.
16. Visit the Hermitage Foundation
If you enjoy art museums with a beautiful setting, the Hermitage Foundation is worth a stop.
The museum is located in a historic villa just above the city and focuses on rotating art exhibitions, often featuring well-known international artists. But honestly, even if you’re not planning a full museum visit, the location alone makes this place special.
The villa sits inside a peaceful park (Parc de l’Hermitage) overlooking Lausanne and Lake Geneva. On clear days, the terrace offers great views toward the lake and the Alps in the distance.
We really loved this place, even though we’re not really into museums. The setting is absolutely beautiful and offers stunning views as well.
17. Do a Wine Tasting in the Lavaux Vineyards
If you have a little extra time while visiting Lausanne, we’d definitely recommend taking a short trip to the Lavaux vineyards.
Just a few minutes from the city by train, this region is famous for its terraced vineyards that stretch along the hills above Lake Geneva. The landscape is so unique that it’s even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even if you don’t want to do a full wine tasting, one of the nicest things to do here is simply walk through the vineyards. Small paths run between the terraces, and almost everywhere you look, you’ll have views of the lake and the mountains.
What we like about Lavaux is the contrast to the lively city. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy the scenery, and maybe stop at a small wine bar along the way.
The villages of Saint-Saphorin, Epesses, and Cully are especially charming and easy to reach from Lausanne.
18. Visit the Lakeside Village of Lutry
If you want to escape the city for a bit, Lutry is a lovely little village just a few minutes from Lausanne.
You can reach it in about 10 minutes by train, but the atmosphere feels completely different from the city. Lutry has a small harbor, narrow streets, and traditional houses that make it feel much more like a quiet lakeside village.
If you’re already planning to visit the Lavaux vineyards, Lutry is an easy stop along the way.
19. Take a Day Trip to Montreux or Château de Chillon
If you’re spending more than a day in Lausanne, it’s worth using the city as a base to explore more of the Lake Geneva region.
Two of the easiest and most popular day trips are Montreux and Château de Chillon, both located about 30–40 minutes away.
Montreux sits along the lake and is known for its scenic promenade lined with flowers, palm trees, and views of the Alps. It’s a nice place to walk along the waterfront, grab lunch, or simply enjoy the atmosphere by the lake.
Just a little further along the shore, you’ll find Château de Chillon, one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. The medieval castle sits directly on the edge of the lake and looks almost like it’s floating on the water. It’s one of those places that’s very photogenic and easy to explore in about an hour or two.
Both places are very easy to reach from Lausanne by train or boat, which makes them great additions to a longer stay.
Best Time to Visit Lausanne, Switzerland
In our opinion, late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit Lausanne. The lakefront is lively, outdoor cafés are open, and it’s the perfect season to explore the nearby vineyards.
Find detailed information about the best time to visit Lausanne, including temperatures and festivals, in our blog post on the topic.
That said, Lausanne is a year-round destination with museums, cafés, and cozy old town streets to explore even in winter.
If Lausanne is only one stop on your trip, our guide to planning your first trip to Switzerland can help you compare the best regions, seasons, transport options, and typical costs.
Best Things to Do in Lausanne in Summer
If you visit Lausanne in summer, a lot of the city’s life naturally moves toward the lake. On warm days, the area around Ouchy is full of people swimming, relaxing in the parks, or simply sitting by Lake Geneva with friends.
One of our favorite things to do is just walk along the promenade, grab an ice cream, and watch the boats on the lake. If it’s really hot, many locals jump straight into the water, so bringing a swimsuit isn’t a bad idea.
Summer is also the perfect time to explore the Lavaux vineyards, go paddleboarding on the lake, or take a boat trip to places like Montreux or Vevey.
Our favorite summer activities in Lausanne:
- Swimming in Lake Geneva
- Walking or cycling along the Ouchy promenade
- Paddleboarding or renting a boat
- Visiting the Lavaux vineyards
- Taking a scenic boat trip on the lake
- Watching the sunset by the water
Honestly, if the weather is good, the lake is where we’d spend most of our time in Lausanne.
Best Things to Do in Lausanne in Winter
Winter in Lausanne feels a bit calmer, but it’s still a really nice time to visit the city.
When it’s cold outside, we usually spend more time exploring museums like the Olympic Museum or the Collection de l’Art Brut. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon when the weather isn’t ideal for long walks.
If the sun comes out, it’s still worth heading down to Ouchy for a walk with a hot chocolate along Lake Geneva. The lake looks completely different in winter: quieter, a little moody, and often with snow-covered mountains visible across the water.
Another thing we like about winter is how easy it is to combine Lausanne with a day trip to the mountains. Several ski areas in the Swiss Alps can be reached within about an hour.
Our favorite winter activities in Lausanne
- Visiting museums like the Olympic Museum
- Walking along the lake in Ouchy
- Exploring the old town and cafés
- Visiting Christmas markets in December
- Taking a day trip to the nearby Alps for skiing or snowboarding
1-Day Lausanne Itinerary
If you only have one day in Lausanne, don’t worry; the city is compact enough that you can see many of the highlights in a single day.
This is roughly the route we’d recommend if you want a good mix of historic sights, lake views, and a few relaxed stops along the way.
We usually take the M2 metro up to La Sallaz and start exploring from there.
Morning: Sauvabelin Tower & Park
From La Sallaz, walk about 15–20 minutes to Sauvabelin Tower.
Climbing the tower is a great way to start the day. After about 300 steps, you’ll get stunning views.
The surrounding Sauvabelin Park is also really peaceful in the morning and feels a bit like a small forest escape just outside the city.
Late Morning: Parc de l’Hermitage & Hermitage Foundation
From Sauvabelin, continue walking downhill toward the Hermitage Foundation.
The park around the museum is one of our favorite viewpoints in Lausanne. From the terrace, you get a beautiful panoramic view over the city and the lake. If you’re interested in art, you can also step inside the museum.
Midday: Explore the Old Town
Next, head toward Lausanne Cathedral and explore the surrounding old town.
Here you can wander through historic streets, stop by Place de la Palud, and walk the famous Escaliers du Marché.
This area is also a good place to grab lunch or a coffee before continuing your day.
Afternoon: Relax in Ouchy by the Lake
Afterward, take the metro or walk down to Ouchy to spend some time by the water.
Walk along the promenade, sit by the water, or grab a drink with a view. If the weather is nice, this is one of the most relaxed places in the city, especially around sunset.
It’s the perfect way to finish a day exploring Lausanne.
Evening: Dinner in the Flon District
To end the day, head back toward the city center and have dinner in the Flon district.
Flon is one of the trendiest areas in Lausanne with lots of restaurants, cafés, and bars. In the evening, the terraces fill up with locals meeting friends after work, and the atmosphere is lively but still relaxed.
It’s a great place to grab dinner, have a drink, and reflect on the day before heading back to your hotel.
Lausanne generally feels comfortable in the evening, but our Lausanne safety guide explains what to expect around Flon, the train station, and public transport after dark.
How to Get Around Lausanne, Switzerland
Getting around Lausanne is actually pretty easy, even though the city is quite hilly.
Most of the main sights are fairly close to each other, so you’ll likely do a lot of exploring on foot, especially in the old town. Just keep in mind that walking here often means going up or down hills, which is why the public transport system can be very helpful.
Use the Metro (It’s Very Convenient)
One thing that surprises many visitors is that Lausanne has its own metro system, which is quite rare for a city of this size in Switzerland.
The most useful line for visitors is the Lausanne Metro Line M2, which runs from the lake in Ouchy all the way up through the city center and toward the northern neighborhoods.
We end up using the M2 quite often because it’s the easiest way to move between the lakefront, the old town, and the upper parts of the city without climbing all the hills.
Buses and Trains
In addition to the metro, Lausanne has a very reliable bus network that connects different neighborhoods and parks around the city.
The Lausanne railway station is also well connected to nearby places like Montreux, Vevey, and the Lavaux vineyards.
Lausanne Transport Card
Many hotels in Lausanne provide a free public transport card for the duration of your stay. It allows you to use buses and the metro within the city at no extra cost, which makes getting around even easier.
For ticket types, the SBB app, regional zones, and tourist passes, our guide to using public transport in Switzerland explains the system step by step.
Best Day Trips from Lausanne, Switzerland
One of the best things about staying in Lausanne is how easy it is to explore the surrounding region. Within a short train or boat ride, you can reach charming lakeside towns, vineyards, and even the mountains.
These are a few day trips we’d personally recommend from Lausanne.
Our favorite day trips from Lausanne
- The Lavaux vineyards for scenic walks and wine tastings
- Montreux for more lakeside views
- Château de Chillon for a fairytale castle
- Vevey for a relaxed lakeside town
- Gruyères for cheese and medieval charm
All of these places are less than an hour from Lausanne, which makes the city a great base for exploring the Lake Geneva region.
Lavaux Vineyards
Just a few minutes from Lausanne, you’ll find the Lavaux vineyards. The terraced vineyards stretch along the hills above Lake Geneva and offer some of the most beautiful views in the region.
Walking through the vineyards between villages like Epesses or Saint-Saphorin is one of our favorite short trips from Lausanne.
Montreux
About 30 minutes away, Montreux is known for its beautiful lakeside promenade lined with flowers and palm trees.
It’s a great place for a relaxed walk along the water and a nice stop if you’re exploring the eastern side of Lake Geneva.
Château de Chillon
Just outside Montreux, you’ll find Château de Chillon, one of the most famous castles in Switzerland.
The castle sits right on the edge of the lake and is incredibly photogenic. You can easily visit it together with Montreux on the same day.
Vevey
Another lovely lakeside town nearby is Vevey.
The town has a beautiful promenade, a charming old center, and a relaxed atmosphere. One fun detail is the giant fork sculpture standing in the lake in front of the Alimentarium.
Gruyères
If you’re interested in Swiss culture and food, Gruyères is another great day trip.
The small medieval village is famous for Gruyère cheese, and you can visit the nearby cheese factory or walk up to the historic Château de Gruyères.
FAQ
Is Lausanne worth visiting?
Yes, definitely. Lausanne is one of the most interesting cities around Lake Geneva because it combines historic sights, a lively student atmosphere, and beautiful lake views. You can explore the old town, relax by the water in Ouchy, and visit museums like the Olympic Museum, all in one day.
It also feels a bit less touristy than some other Swiss destinations, which we really like.
Find the detailed answer to the question of whether Lausanne is worth visiting in our blog post on the topic.
How many days do you need in Lausanne?
You can see the main highlights of Lausanne in one day, especially if you follow a route through the old town and down to the lake.
If you want to explore the nearby Lavaux vineyards or take day trips to places like Montreux, staying 2–3 days is ideal.
If you’re planning a longer Switzerland itinerary, our 10-day route includes Lausanne, Lavaux, Montreux, and Château de Chillon without making the Lake Geneva section feel rushed.
Is Lausanne expensive?
Like most Swiss cities, Lausanne isn’t cheap, and our breakdown of how expensive Switzerland is to visit can help you estimate accommodation, food, and transport costs.
That said, there are still plenty of free things to do, like walking through the old town, enjoying the views from Sauvabelin Tower, or relaxing by the lake.
Is Lausanne walkable?
Yes, Lausanne is very walkable, but it’s also quite hilly.
Many attractions are close together in the old town, but moving between the lake and the upper city often involves steep streets or staircases. That’s why the Lausanne Metro Line M2 can be very helpful.
What is Lausanne known for?
Lausanne is best known as the Olympic Capital of the world because the International Olympic Committee is headquartered here.
The city is also famous for its historic old town, lakeside promenade, vineyards nearby, and cultural museums.
When is the best time to visit Lausanne?
The best time to visit Lausanne is usually late spring through early autumn.
During summer, the lakefront around Ouchy becomes very lively, and it’s the perfect time for swimming, boat trips, and exploring the nearby vineyards.
