Top 11 Activities to Enjoy in Lausanne

The charming French-speaking city of Lausanne often gets overshadowed by its larger, more renowned neighbor, Geneva, but skipping it would be a mistake.

Brimming with art and culture, Lausanne boasts a youthful energy and stunning lakeside views. Though it may be small, this city has plenty to offer. From its beaches and boat excursions to vineyards and trendy bars, these top attractions will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Stroll through Lausanne from top to bottom – and take the metro back up

One of the first things you’ll notice about Lausanne is its hilly terrain. Founded in Roman times as Lousanna along the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), the city grew around a fortified camp on a hill, about 500m (1640ft) above the lake. Today, Lausanne spans both elevated and lower areas, and you can experience it all with a relaxing downhill walk.

Begin your journey in the Cité, where you can admire the stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral and wander through the serene cobbled streets that surround it. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lausanne from the terrace adjacent to the cathedral (which can be enhanced by climbing the 153 steps of the bell tower). From here, descend via the medieval wooden market steps to the bustling town center and the Town Hall located at Place de la Palud. Continue your descent past the train station, through Grancy, and down to the lakeshore at Ouchy. Treat yourself to an ice cream from Glaces Veneta before taking the convenient M2 metro line back to town.

Local tip: Grab a sandwich, panini, or a sweet treat from Ässbar on Rue du Petit Chêne (they offer yesterday’s bakery items at a discount) and enjoy a picnic at Parc de Milan.

2. Discover local goods at the weekly market

Saturday mornings in Lausanne buzz with activity as the market sets up shop. Stalls line the streets of the Vielle Ville (Old Town), offering an array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, flowers, spices, breads, pastries, fresh ginger juice, and much more. Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, it’s a delightful way to spend your morning. However, don’t miss the chance to indulge in a salée (a cheese tart) from the bakery stall in Place de la Riponne—look for the queue to find it easily. A smaller market takes place on Wednesday mornings, while Thursdays feature a flea market at Riponne.

3. Explore historic sports memorabilia dating back to 1896 at the Olympic Museum

Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Olympic Games, established the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne in 1915, and it remains there today in a stylish building by the lakeshore at Vidy. While tourists can't visit that location, they can head to the Olympic Museum in Ouchy, a vibrant tribute to the Games that showcases Lausanne's pride as the 'Olympic Capital.'

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the museum’s extensive collection, which explores the history and values of the Olympic Games. Discover programs, medals, flags, torches, clothing, and equipment spanning over a century, watch videos of opening ceremonies and iconic moments, and engage with the Olympic spirit through interactive audiovisual displays. For a coffee with a scenic view over the lake, check out the TOM Café, and kids will enjoy the park featuring a running track and sculptures of Olympic sports.

4. Experience hiking and wine tasting in the Lavaux

If you weren’t aware that Switzerland produces wine, prepare to be surprised. The vineyards of the Lavaux, stretching along the slopes above Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux, have been cultivated since the 12th century and are recognized on Unesco’s World Heritage List for their economic and cultural significance.

Discover the vineyards by walking or cycling, starting with a regional train to your chosen point. The 11km (7 mile) path connecting the villages of Lutry and St Saphorin offers a delightful day hike. The winding trails meander through the vineyards, providing stunning views of the lake and the French Alps in the distance. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming, small villages with wine cellars offering dégustations (tastings), and you might even find a stall right in the vineyards. Be sure to try a Chasselas, the region's signature white wine.

Planning tip: The Lavaux is enchanting throughout the year, but the vines are particularly stunning in summer and fall. The paths have limited shade, and the sun can be intense, so remember to bring ample water, sunscreen, and a hat. If you prefer a guided experience, the tourist office in Cully provides walking tours on Sundays from May to October.

5. Take a ferry ride along the lakeshore from Ouchy—or even across to France

While it's convenient to catch a train along the lake to explore other gems of the so-called Swiss Riviera, like Vevey, Montreux, or Château de Chillon, traveling by boat is far more enjoyable. The CGN operates ferries from Lausanne’s Ouchy port year-round, with expanded schedules and routes during the summer. You can hop from one charming lakeside village to another or take a scenic six-hour ride all the way to Geneva. There are even regular ferries to France, including Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains, as well as the picturesque medieval village of Yvoire, adorned with flowers.

Planning tip: You can purchase tickets online ahead of time or at the booth at Ouchy port on the day of your journey. Transport passes like the Swiss Travel Pass and Day Pass are also valid on the ferries.

6. Enjoy the beach life in Lutry or Vidy

Though Switzerland is landlocked, its many lakes provide plenty of beach opportunities. During summer weekends, Lausanne’s city center clears out as residents flock to the mountains or the lakeside. The sandy beach in Vidy is a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, and barbecuing, often bustling with families who bring tables, chairs, grills, coolers, and sound systems for a full day of fun. For a more serene experience, the grassy lakeside at Lutry is a great alternative and an ideal location to rent a paddleboard for a leisurely glide on the water.

Detour: You can stroll along the lakeshore in either direction. From Vidy, head towards Ouchy and encounter several seasonal pop-up bars, including the very popular Jetée de la Compagnie. If you continue from Ouchy towards Pully, you’ll find another pop-up bar called La Générale. It’s a lovely 20-minute walk from there to Lutry.

7. Experience the bar scene on a Friday night (or any night, really)

With a vibrant student population that includes a university, music school, art school, hospitality school, and federal polytechnic, Lausanne comes alive most nights of the week. A popular spot is Place Benjamin-Constant, where a cluster of bar-restaurants creates a lively atmosphere that spills onto the sidewalks, especially on warm evenings. In the Grancy district below the station, you’ll find a favorite after-work hangout—enjoy some Lavaux wines at Ta Cave or pair your apéro with dinner at the bustling Café du Simplon or Café de Grancy. During summer, pop-up bars take over Lausanne’s unique outdoor spaces, like the Terrasse des Grands Roches under Bessières bridge and La Grenette in Riponne. Finally, the Great Escape pub, affectionately known as 'the Great,' features a large sun-drenched terrace that draws crowds on sunny days.

8. Explore Lausanne’s new arts district, Plateforme 10

Lausanne excels in its array of museums and cultural venues, and the newly opened Plateforme 10—established in 2019—is the latest addition. This former train yard near the main station now houses three of the city’s museums that were once scattered throughout town: the MCBA (Museum of Contemporary Fine Arts), mudac (Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts), and Photo Elysée (Photography Museum). Each museum now enjoys its own spacious, minimalist area to showcase its collections, while the nearby railway arches feature cafes and artisanal shops.

Planning tip: If you're in Lausanne in September, keep an eye out for the night of the museums, when most cultural venues in the city are open late for one special night. For a small, one-time fee, you can purchase a pass that grants access to all participating institutions.

9. Savor the city’s cafe culture

These days, finding excellent coffee in Lausanne is a breeze. Once ruled by traditional tea rooms, the city now teems with trendy coffee bars, modern cafes, and inventive food trucks that treat coffee as an artform. This trend is partly driven by the presence of EHL, a prestigious hospitality school, whose graduates continuously inject fresh ideas and energy into the local food scene. For an excellent cappuccino or a renversé (milky coffee), don’t miss popular spots like Le Pointu, the Italian-inspired cafe Non Solo, or the specialty coffee shop Ça Passe Crème.

Local tip: If you're a fan of hot chocolate, make your way to Le Barbare, a beloved Lausanne spot located on the market steps beneath the cathedral, known for its rich and creamy hot chocolate named after Marta, the former owner.

10. Experience unique art at the Collection de l’Art Brut

Art brut, or ‘raw art,’ refers to creations by self-taught artists who often exist outside the mainstream art world and do not adhere to traditional artistic conventions. The term was coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet, who donated his entire collection of this kind of art to Lausanne in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of the Collection de l’Art Brut. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting individual artists or specific themes. Visit with an open mind, ready to encounter artworks that express a unique perspective on life.

Planning tip: Your entry ticket is valid for three days and allows access to two additional museums: the Musée Historique Lausanne near the cathedral and the Musée Roman de Lausanne-Vidy.

11. Take in stunning views from Lausanne’s parks and gardens

One of the advantages of Lausanne’s hillside setting is the stunning views it offers, particularly from serene, green spots perfect for soaking up the sun and reflecting. Head to the terrace above the botanical garden in Parc de Milan, enjoy a picnic at the charming Esplanade de Montbenon, or conquer the 302 steps of the viewing tower in Sauvabelin forest for breathtaking vistas of the city, Lake Geneva, and the surrounding mountains.

Detour: While in Sauvabelin, it’s just a short walk downhill to the Fondation de l’Hermitage, another excellent art museum in Lausanne, known for its outstanding temporary exhibitions featuring prominent Swiss and international artists.