Gothic cathedral, Ouchy waterfront, Olympic Museum, old town and good addresses: the complete guide to what to do in Lausanne, the Olympic capital.
Lausanne, the Olympic capital on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a lively, cultural city tiered between hills and waterfront. With its Gothic cathedral, renowned museums and the bustling quays of Ouchy, it offers enough to fill one or two days. Here is what to do in Lausanne and the highlights to discover.
Lausanne's highlights at a glance
- The Notre-Dame cathedral: the finest Gothic monument in Switzerland.
- The old town: cobbled lanes, the Market stairs and Place de la Palud.
- Ouchy and the quays: a lakeside walk, marinas and terraces.
- The Olympic Museum: the history of the Games, Lausanne being the Olympic capital.
- Plateforme 10: the new arts district, near the station.
The cathedral and the old town
Perched on the Cité hill, Notre-Dame cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece offering a magnificent view over the city and the lake. In the evening, Lausanne keeps a rare tradition alive: the night watchman calls out the hours from the belfry. Below, the old town unfolds its lanes, the covered Market stairs and Place de la Palud with its Fountain of Justice.
Ouchy and the lakeside
Linked to the centre by the M2 metro (Switzerland's only metro), Ouchy is Lausanne's lakeside district. Its flowery quays invite a stroll among marinas, terraces and views of the Savoy Alps. It is the ideal departure point for a cruise on Lake Geneva or an excursion to the Lavaux.
Museums and culture
- The Olympic Museum: interactive and spectacular, above Ouchy.
- Plateforme 10: the arts district gathering MCBA, mudac and Photo Elysée.
- The Collection de l'Art Brut: a museum unique in the world.
The Lavaux vineyards nearby
East of Lausanne, the terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO site, descend towards Lake Geneva. Train, walks or a small tourist train let you explore this spectacular landscape and taste the local wines in the villages of Lutry, Saint-Saphorin or Epesses.
Where to eat in Lausanne?
From market cuisine to fine dining, Lausanne has a dynamic food scene. Try lake fish (perch, whitefish) on the Ouchy quays. To choose, browse the restaurants category or book directly via the Reservation page.
When to visit Lausanne?
Spring and summer are perfect for the quays, terraces and the Lavaux. Autumn, the harvest season, offers splendid colours over the vineyards, while winter highlights museums and cultural life.
Plan your visit with TOP SUISSE
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Frequently asked questions
What to do in Lausanne in one day?
Visit the cathedral and old town in the morning, take the M2 metro down to Ouchy for a lakeside walk and the Olympic Museum in the afternoon, then finish at the Plateforme 10 arts district. A full day's worth.
Why is Lausanne the Olympic capital?
Lausanne has hosted the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1915. The city officially holds the title of Olympic capital and is home to the Olympic Museum above Ouchy.
How do you get around Lausanne?
Lausanne is very hilly; the M2 metro, unique in Switzerland, links the upper town to Ouchy in a few minutes. Buses complete the network, and the centre is easy to explore on foot.
What to see around Lausanne?
The terraced Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) to the east, the town of Montreux and Chillon Castle further along the shore, as well as a cruise on Lake Geneva departing from Ouchy.
