Lausanne.

What to do in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

Lausanne steps sharply down from the medieval Cité hill to the waterfront at Ouchy. Your day naturally balances steep ascents via funicular-style metro with lazy lakefront walks and café stops. It suits independent walkers, museumgoers, and anyone who appreciates a cold glass of Chasselas after climbing three flights of ancient stone stairs.

24 hours in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

Start early at the Notre-Dame cathedral, then descend the covered timber steps of Escalier du Marché for an espresso on Place de la Palud. Take the M2 metro down to Ouchy for pan-fried lake perch by the water, finishing with modern galleries at Plateforme 10. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

Devote day two to the Lavaux slopes. Board a local train to Cully, walk the hillside vineyard paths between stone walls, and stop at a caveau for wine and saucisson vaudois. Head back into the Flon district for dinner in a repurposed brick warehouse. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

A third day gives you room to catch a Belle Époque paddle steamer across to the French shore or ride the train east to inspect the lakeside dungeons of Château de Chillon. Wind down with an evening bowl of moitié-moitié fondue in the old town.

Lausanne Vaud Switzerland itineraries by interest

• Local Seafood in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Eat tender fillets of perch or omble chevalier pan-fried in butter at lakeside bistros in Ouchy, served with crisp fries and lemon.

• Wine & Vineyards in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Sample mineral Chasselas and light Pinot Noir in the stone cellars of nearby Cully and Epesses along the steep Lavaux vineyard trails.

• Sacred Architecture in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Climb the tower of the 13th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame to see the rose window and hear the night watch call out the hours from ten to two.

• Modern Art in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Browse the contemporary galleries of Plateforme 10 by the rail tracks and explore the raw, visionary works at the Collection de l'Art Brut.

• Markets & Produce in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Rummage the Wednesday and Saturday morning market stalls on Place de la Riponne for Gruyère AOP, saucisson vaudois, and crusty taillé aux greubons.

• Lake Cruises in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Board a historic Belle Époque paddle steamer at Ouchy pier for a gentle crossing across Lake Geneva toward Évian-les-Bains or Vevey.

• Historic Districts in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Wander the wooden Escalier du Marché staircase between the medieval Cité hill and the lively outdoor café terraces along Place de la Palud.

• Urban Walking in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Trace the converted industrial warehouses of the Flon district and cross the high arches of the Grand Pont for clear views across the valley.

• Traditional Dining in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Order molten moitié-moitié fondue spiked with garlic and kirsch or papet vaudois with leek and cabbage sausage at Café du Grütli.

• Botanical Gardens in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Stroll the terraced alpine beds and quiet shaded greenhouses of the Musée et Jardins Botaniques Cantonaux on the slope of Montriond hill.

• Sports History in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Walk the Olympic Museum park beside the water to trace Olympic torches, interactive running tracks, and the legacy of Pierre de Coubertin.

• Day Trips in Lausanne Vaud Switzerland

  Ride the local train ten minutes east to walk the walled medieval ramparts of Lutry or explore Château de Chillon on the edge of Montreux.