Top Attractions in Lausanne: A Vibrant Lakeside City on Lake Geneva

Perched on the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), the city of Lausanne blends historic charm with youthful energy and cosmopolitan culture. Known as the Olympic Capital, Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee, world-class museums, picturesque vineyards, and one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfronts.
 

As the fourth-largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne offers a perfect balance between art, architecture, alpine views, and lakefront living.

📍 Where is Lausanne?

Region: Canton of Vaud, western Switzerland

Language: French

Population: ~140,000

Altitude: ~495 meters (1,624 feet) above sea level

Located on: Northern shore of Lake Geneva, between Geneva and Montreux

Lausanne is easily reachable by train, and its terraced hills rising from the lake give it a natural amphitheater feel, with panoramic views of the Alps across the water.

🏆 Why Visit Lausanne?

🏛️ Home of the Olympic Museum and IOC headquarters

🎨 Excellent museums and cultural venues

🍷 Nearby Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

🌅 Stunning lake views and sunset promenades

🏙️ Beautiful historic Old Town with Gothic architecture

🎓 Young, energetic vibe due to its large student population

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Lausanne

1. 🏛️ Visit the Olympic Museum

Location: Ouchy (lakeside district)

Opened: 1993

Highlights: Over 1,500 exhibits on Olympic history, torches, medals, multimedia displays

This is the most visited museum in Lausanne, celebrating the spirit, history, and evolution of the Olympic Games. The museum is interactive, multilingual, and family-friendly.

2. ⛪ Explore Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale de Lausanne)

Built: 12th–13th century

Style: Gothic

Features: Rose window, pipe organ, hilltop views

One of the finest Gothic buildings in Switzerland. Climb the tower for panoramic views, and don’t miss the historic night watchman, who still announces the hours from the belfry.

3. 🌅 Stroll Around Ouchy and the Lake Promenade

What to do: Walk along the waterfront, rent a boat, enjoy gelato, or take a steamer cruise

Ouchy is Lausanne’s picturesque lakeside district, with public gardens, sculptures, and cafes lining the shore. It’s perfect for relaxing, people-watching, or catching a sunset.

4. 🍇 Day Trip to Lavaux Vineyards

UNESCO-listed: Since 2007

Distance from Lausanne: ~15 minutes by train or boat

Experience: Wine tasting, hiking between vineyard terraces, breathtaking lake views

Stretching along 30 km of terraced hillsides above Lake Geneva, the Lavaux wine region produces crisp whites like Chasselas. Enjoy scenic trails between villages like Cully, Epesses, and St-Saphorin.

5. 🖼️ Discover Art at Collection de l’Art Brut

Founded by: Jean Dubuffet

Focus: Outsider art by self-taught artists and patients

Location: Château de Beaulieu

A unique and thought-provoking museum that challenges conventional art boundaries.

6. 🏛️ Tour Palais de Rumine

Style: Florentine Renaissance

Purpose: Houses several museums (Fine Arts, Archaeology, Geology, Zoology)

Located in Place de la Riponne, this grand 19th-century building is a cultural gem, especially for history and art lovers.

7. 🚋 Ride the Lausanne Metro

Did you know Lausanne has the world’s smallest metro system in a city of its size? It's the only metro in Switzerland, and connects the steep hills from the lakefront to the upper city, making sightseeing easy.

🏨 Where to Stay in Lausanne

🌟 Luxury

Beau-Rivage Palace (5⭐): Lakeside elegance with Michelin dining and spa

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa (5⭐): A historic, stylish option near Ouchy

🛏️ Mid-range

Hotel de la Paix: Centrally located, with cathedral and lake views

Alpha-Palmiers Hotel by Fassbind: Modern, comfortable, near the train station

💰 Budget

Lausanne Guesthouse & Backpacker: Affordable, with kitchen and garden

Hotel du Port: Simple rooms near Ouchy and the lakeside

🥘 What to Eat in Lausanne

🧀 Swiss Classics

Fondue: Enjoy a communal pot of melted cheese with bread

Rösti: Crispy potato pancake, often served with sausage or eggs

🐟 Lakeside Delicacies

Perch fillets (filets de perche): A Lake Geneva specialty, often served with lemon and butter

🍷 Drink

Chasselas wine: A dry white wine from Lavaux

Swiss chocolate and pastries available in boutique shops

🥐 Best Restaurants

Café Romand: Classic brasserie fare in a charming setting

Le Chalet Suisse: Alpine dishes and warm atmosphere in Sauvabelin

Brasserie de Montbenon: Elegant, with views over the lake

🚆 How to Get to Lausanne

By Train

From Geneva: 35–40 minutes

From Zurich: ~2.5 hours

From Bern: ~1 hour

From Montreux: ~25 minutes

Lausanne is a major rail hub and is served by frequent, fast Swiss trains.

By Plane

Geneva International Airport (GVA): The nearest major airport, with direct train connections.

🧭 Best Time to Visit Lausanne

🎭 Don’t miss Festival de la Cité in summer — an open-air celebration of music, dance, and performance in Lausanne’s historic center.

🧳 Suggested 1-Day Itinerary

Morning:

Visit the Olympic Museum

Stroll along Lake Geneva in Ouchy

Midday:

Take the metro or walk uphill to the Old Town

Have lunch at Café Romand

Afternoon:

Visit the Lausanne Cathedral

Browse the Collection de l’Art Brut

Evening:

Enjoy dinner with lake views at Brasserie de Montbenon

Watch the sun set over the Alps

📸 Best Photography Spots

📍 Ouchy Pier with Lake Geneva and the Alps behind

📍 Tower of Lausanne Cathedral overlooking the city rooftops

📍 Lavaux Vineyards during golden hour

📍 The Olympic Flame sculpture in front of the museum

🏙️ Lausanne vs. Geneva or Montreux – Why Choose Lausanne?

💡 Lausanne offers a perfect mix of cultural richness, scenic beauty, and a walkable urban core — ideal for travelers who want both activity and ambiance.

💡 Travel Tips for Lausanne

💳 Buy a Lausanne Transport Card — free with hotel stays — for unlimited public transport

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes for walking uphill

📱 Use SBB Mobile to check train and bus schedules

🌤️ Bring layers — weather can change quickly near the lake

📚 Did You Know?

Lausanne has been the Olympic Capital since 1915

It was a Roman military settlement called Lousonna

French novelist Voltaire and British poet Byron both spent time here

CERN is only a short train ride away from Lausanne

✨ Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Lausanne

Lausanne is not just a stopover — it’s a vibrant destination in its own right. Whether you're sipping wine in Lavaux, walking through centuries of history in the Old Town, or enjoying world-class art and sport at the Olympic Museum, Lausanne captures the essence of Switzerland: natural beauty, cultural depth, and a modern, welcoming spirit.

It’s a city that deserves to be seen, tasted, and remembered.