Lausanne is not your average tourist city — it is the official Olympic Capital of the world, home to several leading universities, and perched on steep hillsides above a Lake Geneva that looks straight off a postcard. The finest Gothic cathedral in Switzerland crowns the city's highest ridge, while the Ouchy waterfront district at the bottom is perfect for an evening stroll. Lausanne is small enough to explore in two days, yet layered enough to hide a beautiful corner around every turn.
#1 Lausanne Cathedral
Widely considered the finest Gothic cathedral in Switzerland, built in the 12th and 13th centuries from pale grey sandstone. Inside, an 800-year-old rose window fills the nave with colour, and a massive pipe organ still plays regular concerts. It is one of the most important Protestant cathedrals in the world. Climb 153 steps up the bell tower for a panoramic view over Lake Geneva and the Alps — and take note: Lausanne Cathedral is the only place in Europe that has maintained a night watchman ringing the bell as a fire warning every evening since 1405.
- The cathedral itself is free to enter; there is a small fee to climb the bell tower — buy tickets at the tower entrance.
- Come at 10 pm to hear the Guet — the night watchman calling the hour from the tower, a tradition kept alive for over 600 years.
- The old-town lanes and stone staircases around the cathedral are worth an extra 30-45 minutes on foot.
#2 Olympic Museum
The most comprehensive sports museum in the world. Lausanne is the global headquarters of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and this museum holds the full history of every Olympic Games from 1896 to the present — through interactive exhibits, video archives, and real artefacts from legendary athletes: shoes, competition suits, gold medals, and Olympic torches. Even visitors with little interest in sport often spend well over 2 hours here.
- Adult admission is CHF 20; children under 16 enter free. Buy tickets online in advance during peak season.
- The lakeside sculpture garden in front of the museum is free to enter at any time — a pleasant stop even without buying a ticket.
- The museum restaurant has views over the lake and works well for lunch before or after your visit.
#3 Ouchy
The most beautiful lakefront district in Lausanne, a favourite for walking, cycling, and sitting with a coffee by the water. The promenade runs the full length of the shore with seasonal flowers, pleasure boats, and an unbroken view of the French Alps. The elegant Victorian-era Beau-Rivage hotel, which has hosted European royalty, stands right here. On a clear day, Mont Blanc is visible from the water's edge.
- Rent an e-bike (CHF 20-30 per day) and follow the lakeside path 17 km to Vevey — one of the most scenic rides in the region.
- The CGN ferry (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) crosses to Evian-les-Bains on the French side in 35 minutes and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
- At dusk the Alps turn pink and gold — a phenomenon called Alpenglühen. It is most vivid between 6-7 pm in summer.
#4 Place de la Palud
The most lively square in Lausanne's old town, ringed by multi-coloured Renaissance and Baroque buildings. A stone fountain dating back over 500 years stands at the centre. Every Wednesday and Saturday it becomes a fresh market where locals sell vegetables, fruit, cheese, and regional produce. A mechanical clock on the wall runs a puppet show on the hour from 9 am to 7 pm. The stone staircases and narrow alleys around the square lead to corners of the old town that rarely appear on tourist maps.
- The Wednesday and Saturday market runs 8 am-1 pm — try the local Vaud cheese or wines from small-farm stalls.
- The clock's puppet figures also perform on public holidays; check the schedule on the sign at the square entrance.
- Cafes and restaurants directly on the square charge a slight premium — one alley back you'll find better options at fairer prices.
#5 Collection de l'Art Brut
A museum unlike anywhere else in the world. The French artist Jean Dubuffet began collecting Art Brut — works by people with no formal training, including psychiatric patients, prisoners, and people on the margins of society — and over 70,000 pieces are now held here. Many carry a raw energy and individuality that mainstream galleries rarely achieve. It is particularly rewarding for anyone who wants to see art from a genuinely different angle.
- Admission is CHF 12. Open daily 11 am-6 pm, closed Mondays except public holidays.
- The Lausanne Museum Pass (CHF 20) covers all city museums for one day — good value if you plan to visit more than two.
- Part of the collection rotates; check the current exhibition at artbrut.ch before visiting.
#6 Sauvabelin Forest and Tower
A public pine forest above the city that Lausanne residents have used as a retreat since the 19th century. A small lake sits at the centre of the woods, and a 35-metre wooden observation tower built in 2003 gives a 360-degree view over the city, Lake Geneva, and the Alps after 302 steps. On clear days Mont Blanc is sharp on the horizon. There is also a small petting zoo where children can meet goats, deer, and local animals. A solid half-day escape from the city.
- The observation tower is free to climb and open every day with no closing time — ideal for summer sunsets.
- The forest trail around Lake Sauvabelin is 1 km long and takes 30-40 minutes at an easy pace, suitable for all ages.
- Walking up from the old town takes 25-30 minutes on a signed path, or take bus 16 from the city centre.
Where to stay in Lausanne for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Lausanne — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Beau-Rivage Palace
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Château d'Ouchy
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Lausanne Guesthouse & Backpacker
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Elite Hotel Lausanne
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Tours, tickets & activities in Lausanne
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Lausanne — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Lausanne is at its finest in spring (April-June) when the lakeside flowers are in bloom, and again in autumn (September-October) when the sky is clear and the Alps are at their sharpest. Allow at least 2 full days to cover the upper city, the Olympic district, and the waterfront properly. One practical note: Lausanne is a hilly city — comfortable walking shoes are essential.