Lausanne combines the historic charm of a medieval Swiss hill town with the scenic elegance of a Lake Geneva resort. As the official Olympic Capital and the commercial hub of the Canton of Vaud, the city cascades down steep hillsides toward lakeside promenades, offering panoramic views of the French Alps. Whether you are exploring centuries-old Gothic architecture, sailing across alpine waters, or immersing yourself in world-class art, Lausanne delivers a rich blend of urban sophistication and natural outdoor beauty.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Lausanne include touring the interactive Olympic Museum, wandering the medieval Old Town (Vieille Ville), admiring the 13th-century Cathedral, exploring the contemporary Plateforme 10 arts district, taking a Lake Geneva boat cruise from Ouchy, and sampling regional cheeses at the Place de la Palud open-air markets.
Key Takeaways
- Olympic Capital: Lausanne has served as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee since 1915, commemorated by the lakeside Olympic Museum.
- Medieval Heritage: The Old Town is anchored by Switzerland’s finest Gothic cathedral, where the historic night watchman still calls the hours.
- Modern Art Hub: Plateforme 10 consolidates three major cantonal museums into a single cultural district next to the main train station.
- Free Transit: Overnight hotel guests receive a complimentary Lausanne Transport Card covering all buses, trains, and the m2 metro line.
Explore the Historic Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is the historical heart of Lausanne. This pedestrian-friendly district invites visitors to wander through cobblestone alleyways framed by preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. At the center lies the vibrant Place de la Palud, home to Lausanne’s 17th-century Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) with its traditional Renaissance facade. Every hour between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, the animated mechanical clock above the square puts on a charming historical show recounting local folklore.
A short walk leads to the impressive Palais de Rumine on Place de la Riponne. Built at the turn of the 20th century in Florentine Renaissance style, this grand palace houses the Naturéum (cantonal museums of zoology, geology, and botany) along with the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology and History. To connect between the upper and lower sections of Old Town, climb the picturesque Escaliers du Marché—a covered wooden stairway dating from the 13th century that leads directly to the cathedral terrace.
Discover Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame)
Dominating the city’s skyline, Lausanne Cathedral is widely regarded as one of Switzerland’s most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture. Consecrated in 1275 in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Rudolf of Habsburg, the cathedral features an intricately sculpted Painted Portal and an extraordinary 13th-century Rose Window containing 105 medallions that depict the medieval cosmos, elements, and seasons.
The cathedral also houses a monumental organ equipped with nearly 7,000 pipes, designed by American organ builder C.B. Fisk. Visitors can climb 224 steps up the bell tower to reach the belfry and open-air lookout, where expansive views stretch across Lausanne’s terracotta rooftops, Lake Geneva, and the Savoy Alps.
Pro Tip: Experience one of Europe’s last remaining night watchman traditions. Every night of the year between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, the cathedral watchman (Le Guet) stands atop the belfry and shouts the current hour to the four points of the compass: “C’est le guet, il a sonné l’heure!”
Immerse Yourself in Arts at Plateforme 10
Located just steps from the central Lausanne railway station on the site of former locomotive sheds, Plateforme 10 is the city’s contemporary arts district. This innovative cultural hub spans 25,000 square meters and brings three major cultural institutions into a single unified campus:
- MCBA (Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts): Showcases fine arts collections ranging from Old Masters to contemporary Swiss icons like Félix Vallotton and Louis Soutter.
- Photo Elysée: One of the world’s leading museums dedicated entirely to photography and visual storytelling, housing the extensive archives of Charlie Chaplin and Sabine Weiss.
- mudac (Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts): Highlights groundbreaking glass art, ceramics, graphic design, and contemporary jewelry.
Visit The Olympic Museum
Lausanne has held the title of Olympic Capital for over a century. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Ouchy district, The Olympic Museum honors the history, athletes, and global ideals of the modern Olympic Games. The museum’s sleek, modern design integrates three exhibition levels featuring multimedia installations, interactive athletic challenges, and historic memorabilia—including iconic Olympic torches, competition equipment, and authentic medals from past games.
“The Olympic Games are not just about athletic performance; they represent a philosophy of life that unites sport, culture, and education in the pursuit of peace and human dignity.”
After touring the indoor galleries, take time to explore the Olympic Park. This landscaped green space slopes downward toward Lake Geneva, dotted with bronze sculptures by artists such as Auguste Rodin and Niki de Saint Phalle, alongside a 100-meter running track where visitors can test their sprint times.
Enjoy Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Léman, forms the dramatic centerpiece of leisure life in Lausanne. Spanning over 580 square kilometers, it is the largest natural freshwater lake in Western Europe. The lake’s shoreline offers an ideal setting for active watersports, relaxing boat cruises, or quiet lakeside picnics framed by views of the French Savoy Alps across the water.
The iconic Belle Époque paddle steamboats operated by the General Navigation Company (CGN) depart regularly from the Ouchy docks. These historic vessels offer scenic commuter cruises to nearby destinations like Vevey, Montreux, and the medieval French village of Yvoire. During warmer months, rental facilities along the shore provide stand-up paddleboards, sailing dinghies, and kayaks for active adventures on the water.
Take a Stroll Along Ouchy Promenade
The Ouchy Promenade is a flat, scenic pedestrian path tracing the shoreline of Lake Geneva. Lined with exotic flowerbeds, mature plane trees, and palm species that thrive in the lake’s mild microclimate, it provides a peaceful escape from the bustling upper city. The promenade connects historic landmarks such as the 12th-century Château d’Ouchy—now a luxury hotel—with quiet parks, harbors, and outdoor terraces.
Ouchy Promenade at a Glance
| Length | 1.5 kilometers (Ouchy Port to Haldimand Tower) |
| Scenic Views | Lake Geneva, French Chablais Alps, and Mont Blanc on clear days |
| Key Landmarks | Château d’Ouchy, CGN Boat Piers, Olympic Museum Park, Denantou Park |
| Transit Access | Metro line m2 (Ouchy-Olympique terminus) |
| Activities | Walking, cycling, inline skating, boat departures, lakeside dining |
Sample Local Cuisine at the Market
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, Lausanne’s Old Town transforms into an open-air market spanning Place de la Palud, Place de la Riponne, and the surrounding pedestrian streets. Regional farmers, butchers, cheesemongers, and bakers assemble to sell fresh seasonal produce, cured meats, and artisan breads.
Food lovers should sample signature Vaudois culinary specialties:
- Artisanal Cheeses: Try local Gruyère AOP, sharp Vacherin Mont-d’Or from the Jura hills, and rich Tomme Vaudoise.
- Saucisson Vaudois: A traditional smoked pork sausage often cooked over leeks and potatoes in the classic dish Papet Vaudois.
- Taillé aux Greubons: A savory flaky pastry made with pork cracklings, perfect as a mid-morning market snack.
- Regional Wines: Crisp, mineral-driven dry white wines produced from Chasselas grapes grown in the neighboring Lavaux vineyards.
Wander Through Sauvabelin Forest and Tower
Situated on the northern heights of Lausanne, Sauvabelin Forest provides an urban forest sanctuary. The woodland features peaceful walking paths beneath towering oak and beech trees, surrounding an artificial lake where families can rent small wooden rowboats or observe native animals in small wildlife enclosures.
The centerpiece of the forest is the Sauvabelin Tower (Tour de Sauvabelin), a 35-meter-high observation tower constructed entirely from local timber (spruce and Douglas fir). Visitors climb a spiraling double-helix wooden staircase of 151 steps to reach the sheltered observation deck. From the top, you gain 360-degree views overlooking the city of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, the Jura mountain range, and Mont Blanc.
Day Trip to the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
Just east of Lausanne lies one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking cultural landscapes: the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. First cultivated by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the 11th century, these steep stone-walled terraces plunge dramatically toward Lake Geneva, benefiting from three distinct heat sources: direct sunshine, heat reflected off the lake, and warmth retained by the stone terrace walls.
Visitors can take a 10-minute regional train from Lausanne to Cully, Lutry, or Grandvaux, then hike along clearly marked vineyard trails. Along the route, stop at local family-owned wine cellars (caveaux) to sample regional Chasselas wines paired with local cured meats.
Explore Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium
Easily accessible via Lausanne’s m2 metro line (Vennes station), Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium is the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe. Spanning two floors and 3,500 square meters, this immersive science museum takes visitors on an educational journey across five continents, showcasing 10,000 freshwater fish and over 100 reptiles and amphibians in naturalistic biotopes.
Highlights include a massive Amazonian greenhouse featuring pirarucus and red-bellied piranhas, specialized conservation exhibits for endangered species like the Komodo dragon, and interactive digital projections that illustrate the ecological importance of preserving global freshwater ecosystems.
Attend a Music or Arts Festival
Lausanne hosts a lively array of annual festivals spanning contemporary music, experimental cinema, and street performances:
- Festival de la Cité (July): A week-long celebration that transforms the medieval Old Town and cathedral squares into open-air stages for theater, dance, modern circus, and live concerts. All performances are free to the public.
- Lausanne Underground Film & Music Festival – LUFF (October): A boundary-pushing event dedicated to avant-garde cinema, experimental noise, and independent music.
- Bô Noël & Lausanne Lumières (December): A magical winter market that blankets the city center with seasonal food chalets, illuminated art installations, and ice-skating rings.
Note: Anyone staying overnight in recognized accommodation in Lausanne receives the complimentary Lausanne Transport Card upon check-in. It grants free, unlimited travel on all local public transport (Mobilis network zones 11, 12, 15, 16, and 19), including the m2 metro line down to Ouchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top must-see attractions in Lausanne for first-time visitors?
The top must-see attractions for first-time visitors are the interactive Olympic Museum, Lausanne Cathedral in the medieval Old Town, the Ouchy Promenade along Lake Geneva, the contemporary Plateforme 10 arts district, and the panoramic Sauvabelin Tower.
What outdoor activities can you do around Lausanne?
Popular outdoor activities include hiking through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces, cruising Lake Geneva on historic CGN Belle Époque paddle steamboats, paddleboarding and swimming at Bellerive Plage, and walking through Sauvabelin Forest.
What cultural experiences and museums are best in Lausanne?
Key cultural highlights include the Plateforme 10 arts district (uniting MCBA, Photo Elysée, and mudac), the world-renowned Collection de l’Art Brut, the Hermitage Foundation art museum, and classical performances by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra and the Béjart Ballet.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Lausanne?
Top family activities include exploring Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium (Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium), participating in hands-on science workshops at the Espace des Inventions in Montriond Park, climbing Sauvabelin Tower, and taking a cruise on Lake Geneva.
How do you get around Lausanne easily?
Lausanne features an efficient public transit network, including the driverless m2 metro line (the steepest rubber-tired metro in the world). Visitors staying at registered accommodations receive a free Lausanne Transport Card, granting unlimited access to local buses, trains, and the metro.
Sources
- Lausanne Tourisme — Official destination authority for heritage sites, transit cards, and seasonal attractions.
- The Olympic Museum (Official Site) — Exhibition details, Olympic archives, and visitor guidelines.
- Plateforme 10 Arts District — Collections, exhibitions, and architectural specifications for MCBA, Photo Elysée, and mudac.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official historical criteria and boundaries for the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.
- Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium — Facility specifications, biological collections, and conservation programs.
