Introduction
Lausanne is one of those cities that you will remember long after you have visited it. Built on hills above Lake Geneva in Switzerland, it combines historic streets, green parks, and waterfront walks with a very laid-back vibe.
We came to Lausanne to visit Andrea, one of Tina’s childhood friends, who was studying there at the time. Instead of ticking off every Lausanne attraction, we followed her rhythm. Slow mornings, long walks, parks with views, strolls by the lake, and easy day-trips to places like Vevey and Montreux. On the way back home, we made a spontaneous stop in Gruyères, which turned out to be one of our favorite moments of the trip.
This article focuses on the best things to do in Lausanne over two to four days. Think city strolls, lake views, a few cultural stops, and some of the best day trips in this part of Europe.
We’ll also point you toward a few easy comparisons and nearby stops if you’re traveling around France, heading toward Lucerne, or even coming from places like Annecy.
If you’re wondering what to see in Lausanne, where to walk, where to eat, and how to do a simple itinerary without overthinking it, you’re in the right place.
How to get to Lausanne
Getting to Lausanne is super easy, especially if you’re already traveling around Switzerland or nearby France. The city sits right on the main rail lines, so there are no complicated connections or long transfers.
By train: Lausanne is very well connected, making it the easiest way to arrive. Swiss trains are fast, reliable, and surprisingly scenic.
From Geneva, it’s about 35 minutes. From Bern, around 1 hour. Coming from Lucerne, expect roughly 2 hours with a smooth connection. If you’re arriving from France, trains from Paris usually take just under 4 hours, often with a change in Geneva.
The main station, Gare de Lausanne, is right in the city. Be prepared for hills the second you step outside.
By car: If you’re road-tripping, Lausanne is easy to reach via the Swiss motorway network. Driving from Geneva takes about an hour, depending on traffic. From places like Annecy, it’s roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, making for a pretty nice cross-border drive.
Parking in the city can be a bit tricky and expensive, so unless you’re planning day trips around the region, you won’t really need a car once you’re there.
By plane: The closest airport is Geneva International Airport. From there, you can hop on a direct train to Lausanne without even leaving the airport terminal. It’s simple, efficient, and very Swiss.
Once you arrive, everything in Lausanne is relatively close, even if your legs might disagree at first.
Moving Around Lausanne
Lausanne is compact, but don’t let the map fool you. The city is built on several steep hills, which means distances are short but vertical. The good news? Public transport here is excellent, and you really don’t need a car.
Public transport: Lausanne’s metro and bus network makes getting around super easy. The M2 metro line is the real hero. It connects the lakeside area of Ouchy all the way up to the city center and beyond, climbing fast and saving your legs in the process.
If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll usually receive a free transport card for the duration of your stay. It covers buses, metros, and trams within the city. It’s one of those small Swiss details that make travel in Switzerland so great.
On foot: Walking is still one of the best ways to experience Lausanne, especially in the old town, around the cathedral, and along the lake. Just plan your walks a bit smartly. Go downhill when you can, and use public transport to get back up.
We spent a lot of time just wandering without a plan. From parks to viewpoints to lake promenades, Lausanne rewards slow walks and spontaneous detours.
By bike: There are bike lanes in parts of the city, and cycling works well along the lakeside. In the upper parts of town, it’s more for confident riders unless you enjoy a workout.
Day trips by train: One of the best things about Lausanne is how easy it is to leave it for a few hours. Trains along Lake Geneva are frequent and scenic, making places like Vevey, Montreux, and the Lavaux vineyards simple half-day trips.
Day trip by boat: Lausanne sits on Lake Geneva, if you want a more unique way to move around, you can definitely catch one of the old-fashion ferry.
Once you’ve figured out how to move around, Lausanne starts to feel very relaxed.
Check all your transportation options online — from buses to trains and ferries — it makes planning so much easier.
When to Visit Lausanne
You can visit Lausanne all year-round, but the experience will not be the same in every season. Lake time, vineyard walks, and day trips are the best when the weather is nice and sunny.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Lausanne. The city slowly comes to life, parks turn green again, and café terraces start filling up. Temperatures usually range between 10–18°C (50–64°F). The weather is still a bit unpredictable, but it is much less crowded.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is peak season in Lausanne, and for good reason. The lake is the perfect spot to cool down during the day, while walking along the promenade is the best way to start or end the day. Expect temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Early autumn is one of the best times to visit Lausanne. September is one of the best months to visit Lausanne. Temperatures range from 12–22°C (54–72°F). The Lavaux vineyards are especially beautiful during the harvest season, and you can still swim in the lake.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Lausanne is another story. Temperatures usually sit between 0–7°C (32–45°F), and you can expect grey, moody weather with rarely a bit of snow. It is a great time to visit if you are into museums, as they are among the best things to do in Lausanne.
If you want the best balance of good weather, outdoor time, and a relaxed atmosphere, late spring and early autumn are hard to beat.
Where to Stay in Lausanne
Lausanne offers a mix of modern hotels, boutique stays, and more upscale options, depending on how much comfort you want after a day of walking up hills. The city is small enough that location matters more than distance; staying near public transport will make your life easier.
Moxy Lausanne City: Moxy is a solid choice if you want something modern and central. Rooms are compact but well designed, and the overall vibe is relaxed and youthful. It’s a good base if you plan to explore the city on foot and by metro without spending too much time in your room.
Carlton Lausanne Boutique Hôtel: Located near Ouchy, this boutique hotel is ideal if you want to be close to the lake. The rooms are comfortable, some with partial lake views, and the area is calmer than the upper city. You’ll be right by the promenade, swimming spots, and lake cruises, with easy access to the metro to reach the city center.
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa: If you’re looking for a more refined stay, Royal Savoy is one of the most elegant hotels in Lausanne. Spacious rooms, a proper spa, and a beautiful terrace make it a destination in itself. It’s still close enough to the lake and well-connected to the rest of the city.
No matter where you stay, Lausanne is safe, easy to navigate, and well-organized.
Here are all your accommodation options in Lausanne
What to Eat
Lausanne’s food scene is more interesting than you might expect. Yes, you’ll find fondue and raclette, but the city also leans young, international, and surprisingly plant-friendly. We ate really well here without much planning, just following local tips and our hunger.
RACINES – plant-based café, a great stop for breakfast or lunch if you are into fresh and plant-based food. They serve amazing bowls, pastries, and delicious coffee.
Man’Ouchy is casual, friendly, and ideal after a walk by the lake. The menu leans Mediterranean, with good portions and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you sit longer than planned, especially on warm evenings.
The Green Van Company does excellent homemade burgers, including solid veggie options. It’s informal, tasty, and a good reminder that Lausanne isn’t just about traditional Swiss food.
Tibits is a vegetarian buffet-style restaurant that works well for lunch or early dinner. You pay by weight, so you can try a bit of everything. It’s practical, central, and popular for a reason.
Traditional Swiss dishes
If it’s your first time in Switzerland, it’s still worth trying fondue, raclette, or a rösti at least once. Many restaurants in the city center and old town serve those classic dishes.
If you are looking for a map of this complete article and all the spots we have been in Switzerland, our local Google Map includes all you need in one place.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Things to do in Lausanne
Visit Lausanne Cathedral
Lausanne Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark, and chances are you’ll spot it long before you actually reach it. Sitting at the top of the old town, it dominates the skyline and gives you a good idea of what Lausanne is all about: history, views, and a bit of effort to get there.
The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most important Gothic buildings in Switzerland.
We passed by the cathedral several times during our stay, usually without planning to. It’s one of those places that naturally becomes part of your route as you wander through the city.
If you’re up for a few more steps, you can also climb the tower for an even wider view, but even from ground level, the setting alone makes this one of the top things to see in Lausanne.
Get lost in the Old Town
Lausanne’s old town is where the city really shows its character. Built on steep slopes around the cathedral, it’s a mix of narrow streets, hidden squares, colorful façades, and staircases that seem to go on forever. This is one of the best places to see Lausanne at its most local.
Start around the cathedral and slowly work your way down. You’ll pass small cafés, independent shops, and quiet corners that feel far from the lake, even though it’s not that far away. One of the most iconic spots here is the Escaliers du Marché, a covered wooden staircase that connects the upper old town to the lower part of the city. It’s practical, historic, and very photogenic.
This area is perfect for wandering without a plan. Some streets are lively, others are almost silent, especially early in the morning or later in the evening. We spent a lot of time here just walking, stopping when something caught our eye, and letting the city set the pace.
Pass by Place de la Palud
Place de la Palud is one of those places you’ll probably cross without planning to, then end up stopping longer than expected. Tucked into the lower part of the old town, it’s small, lively, and very much part of everyday life in Lausanne.
The square is best known for its animated clock, which tells stories from local history on the hour. It’s a fun detail, a bit touristy, but still charming enough to make people pause and look up. Around the square, you’ll find cafés, terraces, and small shops that make it a good spot for a coffee break.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Lausanne that feel natural and lived-in, Place de la Palud fits perfectly
Relax at Esplanade de Montbenon
If you want a proper pause without leaving the city, Esplanade de Montbenon is the place. Sitting just above the city center, this wide-open terrace offers one of the best views over Lake Geneva, with the Alps lined up in the background on clear days.
It’s a popular spot, but it never feels cramped. There’s space to sit, walk, read, or just stare at the view for a while. Locals come here for lunch breaks, sunset walks, or to meet friends, and the atmosphere stays calm even when it’s busy.
The Palais de Justice adds a slightly grand feel to the place, but the vibe remains relaxed. We ended up here a couple of times without really planning to, usually after wandering through the city center and realizing we needed a bench and a view.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Stroll around Esplanade du Flon
The Flon district is Lausanne’s modern side, and Esplanade du Flon sits right at the center of it. This area used to be industrial, and today it’s been completely transformed into a lively mix of architecture, shops, bars, restaurants, and open spaces.
It feels very different from the old town. Clean lines, wide pedestrian areas, street art, and a younger crowd give the neighborhood an almost Berlin-meets-Swiss vibe. During the day, it’s a good place to wander, shop, or grab lunch. In the evening, it becomes one of the city’s main social hubs.
Stop by Palais de Rumine
Palais de Rumine sits on Place de la Riponne and is one of those buildings you notice immediately, even before knowing what’s inside. Grand, a bit imposing, and very Swiss in its seriousness, it’s home to several museums and cultural spaces under one roof.
What makes it interesting is the variety. Inside, you’ll find the Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and History, and the Natural History Museum. You don’t need to visit everything. Even choosing one section is enough to break up a day of walking and add a cultural pause to your itinerary.
The location also makes it practical. You’re right between the old town and more modern parts of the city, so it fits naturally into a day of exploring. As far as Lausanne attractions go, this one is worth visiting if you have time
Swim at Bellerive-Plage & Walk along Ouchy Promenade
When the weather is nice, this is where Lausanne really comes alive. Bellerive-Plage sits along the lake in the Ouchy area and feels more like a summer resort than part of a city. Locals come here to swim, sunbathe, picnic, or just hang out by the water after work.
Bellerive-Plage is one of the best places to cool off in summer. There is a proper swimming area, lawns, diving boards, and space to lay a towel. Even if you’re not planning to swim, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the lake atmosphere.
From there, you can walk along the Ouchy promenade, one of the most pleasant walks in Lausanne. The path runs along Lake Geneva with views across the water, boats coming and going, and the Alps in the background. It’s flat, easy, and a welcome break from the city’s hills.
Discover the Pyramides de Vidy
The Pyramides de Vidy are one of those places that you don’t expect to see in Switzerland. Sitting right by the lake, these concrete pyramid-shaped sculptures look a bit strange at first, especially with Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background.
Built for the Swiss National Exhibition in 1964, they’ve since become a quiet landmark and a favorite hangout spot. People sit on them, around them, and between them, especially on warm days. It’s not a must-see in the classic sense, but it’s a very Lausanne kind of place.
If you’re looking for unusual things to see in Lausanne or just want a peaceful break by the lake, this is a good stop. It also pairs well with a walk toward the nearby parks.
Relax at Vidy Beach
Vidy Beach is a more local beach compared to Bellerive-Plage. It’s a mix of grassy areas, small pebbly beaches, and direct access to the lake, popular with people who just want to swim, picnic, or lie in the sun.
There’s no big setup here. It’s quieter, more spread out, and perfect if you want a low-key lake experience.
Walk in Parc Louis Bourget
Parc Louis Bourget is one of the nicest green spaces in Lausanne, especially if you want something calm and local by the lake. It stretches along the Vidy area and feels more like a big open garden than a formal park.
This is where people come to picnic, read, nap in the shade, or just sit facing the water. The views over Lake Geneva are wide and open, and there’s always a quiet corner to settle into, even on warm summer days. It’s flat, spacious, and perfect if you need a break from city streets.
If you’re planning a relaxed itinerary or traveling with kids, this is one of those Lausanne places to see that fits easily into your day without effort.
Admire the Éole Sculpture
The Éole Sculpture is an easy stop along the lake. The sculpture is made of metal elements that move with the wind, so it never looks quite the same twice.
It’s not something you build a whole plan around, but if you’re walking near Ouchy or the Olympic district, it’s worth a short pause.
Stroll Through the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Lausanne is a great green escape just above the city. Set on a hillside near the train station, it’s small but beautifully maintained, with themed sections, shaded paths, and quiet corners.
It is a good place for a change of scenery. Andrea brought us there, and we loved wandering for a bit before heading back into the city.
Explore the Parc Olympique & The Olympic Museum
Sitting right by the lake in Ouchy, the Parc Olympique is a long, landscaped promenade dotted with sculptures, wide paths, and views across Lake Geneva. Even if you don’t care much about sports, it’s a really pleasant place to walk.
Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee, and this area celebrates its identity without being over-the-top. You’ll see the Olympic rings by the water, people jogging, families strolling, and plenty of benches facing the lake.
The Olympic Museum is right next to the park and is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Inside, it’s interactive, well-designed, and surprisingly engaging. It covers the history of the Olympic Games, iconic athletes, and the values behind the movement. You don’t need to be a sports fan to enjoy it, it’s more about stories and moments than medals.
As far as things to do in Lausanne go, this one works well if you want culture, views, and space all in one place.
Road trip to the Terrasses viticoles de Lavaux
The Lavaux vineyards are one of the absolute highlights near Lausanne, and honestly, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. Just a short train ride away, these terraced vineyards cascade down toward Lake Geneva, with water on one side and mountains on the other.
Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it doesn’t feel like a museum. It’s very much alive. Small villages, wine cellars, narrow paths between vines, and viewpoints that make you stop every five minutes. Walking here is easy, well-marked, and incredibly scenic.
We did this as a road trip from Lausanne, and it fit perfectly. A bit of walking, a glass of local wine, and plenty of time to just enjoy the views.
If you’re looking for a place to visit in Lausanne’s surroundings that feels special without being complicated, this is it.
Visit Vevey
Vevey is an easy and very enjoyable day trip from Lausanne. Just a short train ride along the lake, it is calmer, more intimate, and slightly more traditional.
The old town is small but charming, with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a relaxed vibe. Walking along the lakeside promenade is the real highlight here. Flowers, benches, mountain views, and the lake right at your feet make it an ideal place to slow down.
If you’re there on a Saturday, try to time your visit with the flea market. It usually takes place near the lakeside and brings together vintage objects, old books, records, clothes, and plenty of random finds you didn’t know you needed.
If you’re building a flexible itinerary and want easy things to see near Lausanne, Vevey is a great choice.
Visit Montreux
Montreux feels a bit more polished than Vevey, with a classic Riviera vibe that’s hard to miss. Palm trees line the lakeside, the promenade is long and elegant, and the mountains rise sharply just behind the town.
The lakeside walk is the main reason to come. It stretches for several kilometers and is perfect for an easy stroll, with constant views over Lake Geneva. Along the way, you’ll pass flower beds, sculptures, cafés, and plenty of spots to sit and take it all in.
Montreux is also known for its music scene, especially the Montreux Jazz Festival in summer, which brings a completely different energy to the town. Outside of festival season, it feels calm and refined, but never boring.
One thing we didn’t know at the time was that Montreux is also the starting point of the Belle Époque train. This historic train climbs into the mountains toward Rochers-de-Naye and is supposed to be an incredible ride, with panoramic views over the lake and the Alps. If we had known, we probably would have planned our day a bit differently.
Explore Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle is one of those places that really lives up to the hype. Sitting right on the edge of Lake Geneva, just outside Montreux, it looks straight out of a postcard, with water on one side and mountains rising behind it.
You can reach the castle easily by train, bus, boat, or even on foot from Montreux if you feel like a longer lakeside walk. Approaching it from the path by the lake is especially nice; the castle slowly appears, and for a moment, it feels almost unreal.
Inside, the visit takes you through medieval rooms, towers, courtyards, and underground cellars. It’s well laid out and easy to explore at your own pace. Even if you’re not usually into castles, the setting alone makes it worth it. Windows open directly onto the lake, and every angle offers a different view.
Visit Gruyères
Gruyères was a bit of a last-minute stop for us, and it turned out to be one of our favorite places on the whole trip. Tucked into the green hills of the Fribourg region, this small medieval town feels like a postcard you can actually walk through.
Gruyères is compact, car-free, and incredibly well-preserved. One main cobbled street runs through the village, lined with old houses, small shops, and cafés. At the top sits the castle, watching over the countryside. It doesn’t take long to explore, which makes it perfect as a half-day trip.
What made the stop even better was visiting the Gruyères cheese factory just outside the village. Seeing how the cheese is made, learning about the process, and then tasting it right there adds a fun, hands-on element to the visit. Even if you’re not a big cheese person, it’s still interesting and very much part of the local culture.
We took our time in Gruyères. Strolled, sat in a restaurant for lunch in the medieval village, visited the castle and enjoyed the performers present in town.
Lausanne Itinerary
Day 1: Old Town & City Views
- Visit Lausanne Cathedral in the morning
- Wander through the old town streets
- Coffee stop at Place de la Palud
- Walk to Esplanade de Montbenon for lake views
- Explore the Flon district
- Optional visit to Palais de Rumine
Day 2: Lake & Olympic District
- Start in Ouchy by the lake
- Walk along the lakeside promenade
- Swim or relax at Bellerive-Plage (summer)
- Continue toward Pyramides de Vidy
- Relax at Parc Louis Bourget
- Stroll through Parc Olympique
- Visit the Olympic Museum if interested
Day 3 – Day Trip Options
- Road trip the Lavaux region
- Walk through the vineyard terraces
- Optional wine tasting
- Continue to Vevey (flea market on Saturdays)
- Walk along the lakeside promenade
- Continue to Montreux
- Stroll the Montreux lakeside
- Optional visit to Chillon Castle
Day 4 – Extra Day if You Have Time
- Day trip to Gruyères
- Walk through the medieval old town
- Visit the Gruyères cheese factory
About the authors
We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.
We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.
Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.
We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.
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