Things to do in Lausanne

Activities, attractions and tours
Lausanne showing street scenes

Lausanne Attractions

Not sure what to do in Lausanne? No need to worry. We've put together some terrific recommendations for you. Fine restaurants, enticing shops and impressive attractions — this cool city offers them all.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Lausanne, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our fun activities in Lausanne are also worth looking into.

Top things to do in Lausanne

Image for Medieval Lausanne: Tour this historic city & its architecture on an audio walk

Medieval Lausanne: Tour this historic city & its architecture on an audio walk

$5
Per adult
Medieval Lausanne: Tour this historic city & its architecture on an audio walk
Image for Gruyères,Chocolate & Cheese taste - Panoramic train

Gruyères,Chocolate & Cheese taste - Panoramic train

$269
Per adult
Gruyères,Chocolate & Cheese taste - Panoramic train
Image for Gruyères, Chocolate & Cheese Tasting

Gruyères, Chocolate & Cheese Tasting

$191
Per adult
Gruyères, Chocolate & Cheese Tasting
Image for Chillon Castle, Chaplin's world by Grevin & Swiss Riviera

Chillon Castle, Chaplin's world by Grevin & Swiss Riviera

$208
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Chillon Castle, Chaplin's world by Grevin & Swiss Riviera
Image for Glacier 3000 & Montreux

Glacier 3000 & Montreux

$196
Per adult
Glacier 3000 & Montreux
Image for Glacier 3000 & Montreux Exclusive

Glacier 3000 & Montreux Exclusive

$284
Per adult
Glacier 3000 & Montreux Exclusive
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Most popular experiences in Lausanne

Private & custom tours

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Cruises & boat tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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What to do in Lausanne

Free Things to Do in Lausanne

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Lausanne:

Musée Cantonal des Beaux Arts - Crammed with artifacts and displays, this place is a paradise for minds that burn with curiosity.

Hôtel de Ville - Stop at this historic landmark and discover a few things about the region's cultural heritage.

Place of Riponne - This is a lively place where you can absorb the ambiance and feel the rhythm of local life.

University Hospital of Lausanne - Well known among local residents, this place is worth visiting.

Lausanne Cathedral - Do some soul searching or just take in the peaceful ambiance at this sacred place.

Esplanade de Montbenon - Nurture your green thumb and enjoy admiring the glorious plants on display.

Things to Do in Lausanne with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Lausanne. Here are a few family friendly experiences to do together that are certain to make your escape unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Lausanne? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Lausanne

Summer city breaks in Switzerland

Summer city breaks in Switzerland

City breaks are a welcome escape from everyday life
Summer city breaks in Switzerland
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Golden Tulip Hospitality Signs Global Agreement With Expedia.com and Hotels.com

AMERSFOORT, Netherlands, LAUSANNE, Switzerland and LONDON, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Golden Tulip Hospitality and Expedia have entered a global agreement …
Golden Tulip Hospitality Signs Global Agreement With Expedia.com and Hotels.com

Frequently asked questions

Popular places to visit in Lausanne

Image for AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium

AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium

Take the kids to visit the sea life you'll find at AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium during your visit to Lausanne. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
Image for Lausanne Cathedral

Lausanne Cathedral

4.5/5(71 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Lausanne with a trip to Lausanne Cathedral. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Lausanne Cathedral
Image for Olympic Museum

Olympic Museum

4.5/5(41 reviews)

You may never stand on the winner’s podium at the Olympic Games, but exploring this beautiful museum in Lausanne is the next best thing.

Olympic Museum
Image for Ouchy Port

Ouchy Port

Explore the waterfront in Lausanne with a trip to Ouchy Port. Amble around this family-friendly area's lakeside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Ouchy Port
Image for MUDAC

MUDAC

You can browse the exhibits at MUDAC, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Lausanne. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

MUDAC
Image for Musée de l’Elysée

Musée de l’Elysée

You can browse the exhibits at Musée de l’Elysée, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Lausanne. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Musée de l’Elysée
Image for Sauvabelin Tower

Sauvabelin Tower

You can learn about the history of Lausanne with a trip to Sauvabelin Tower. Stroll along the lakeside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Sauvabelin Tower

Areas of Lausanne

Olympic Museum which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Ouchy

Visitors often come to Ouchy for its lake views, but many stay to explore sights like Ouchy Port and Alpine Panorama Path. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Ouchy-Olympique Station.

Ouchy
Lausanne showing a square or plaza and a pond as well as a large group of people

Lausanne Center

4.5/5Wonderful!(77 area reviews)

Lausanne Center is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Lausanne Historical Museum and Lausanne Cathedral while in the area.

Lausanne Center
Amazing spiral staircase inside the building of the “La Vaudoise Assurances”. The building was finished in the early 1950s and includes several interesting artworks. #architecture #troveontuesday

Montriond-Cour

Visitors to Montriond-Cour appreciate its lake views. A visit to Ouchy Port and Alpine Panorama Path might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Montriond-Cour
Vidy beach, on Lake Geneva, is located just minutes from downtown Lausanne. All services are nearby, from BBQ spots to beach volleyball, basketball etc. There’s also an adjacent campground and a youth hostel is about a 5min walk. Very relaxing atmosphere. #beachtips #LikeALocal

Montoie-Bourdonnette

Montoie-Bourdonnette is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like International Olympic Committee and Parc Bourget.

Montoie-Bourdonnette
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations from Lausanne

Photo by Dominik Gehl

Saint-Sulpice

Photo by FromSwitzerlandToWorld

Crissier

Photo by Dominik Gehl

Epalinges

Photo by Dominik Gehl

Ecublens

Photo by James Wilkinson

Belmont-sur-Lausanne

Photo by Dominik Gehl

Prilly

Photo by Shui Ling Chu

Chavannes-près-Renens