Lausanne: A City to Roam and Fall in Love With
Roam around Lausanne, and you’ll be sure to fall in love with this gorgeous city. Not only does it have beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, but its many cafés, chocolatiers, and museums will delight your senses every step of the way. It’s easy to get to from any major city in Europe, so there’s no excuse not to make your way here! If you’re planning on visiting Lausanne soon, here are some useful tips that will make your trip more enjoyable.
Olympic Museum
The Olympic Museum is one of the top destinations in Lausanne. The museum celebrates the history of the Olympic Games and showcases art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can learn about the athletes, countries, and stories behind the games. The museum is also a great place to take in the natural beauty of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Nearby are many other cultural destinations including the Les Docks art district, as well as old-fashioned shopping streets like Rue de Sainte Croix. There are plenty of things to do around town for visitors, whether they’re looking for museums or natural beauty. Head over to the Natural History Museum (Musée Cantonal) for exhibitions on evolution, anthropology, and zoology.
If you’re more interested in nature head over to Lavaux Vineyard Terraces where you’ll find acres of wine vines with spectacular views across Lake Geneva.
See Lake Geneva by Boat
Enjoy Lake Geneva by boat. You can take a tour of the lake, or even rent your own boat for the day. There are plenty of things to do on the water, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more. Plus, the views of the city from the water are simply stunning. If you’re looking for a romantic activity, this is definitely it!
Renting your own boat will allow you to spend as much time as you want exploring the different areas around the lake. You’ll find that each area has its own unique charm that can’t be found anywhere else – but no matter where you go, there’s always something incredible to experience. For example, many people enjoy hiking around Chateau de Tourbillon.
There are countless cafes and shops to explore here, not to mention some historic landmarks like Cathedral Saint Pierre-et-Saint Paul and Castle de Prangins.
Chateau d’Ouchy and Promenade
Lausanne is a city that will make you fall in love with it. From the Chateau d’Ouchy to the Promenade, there’s so much beauty to explore. Plus, the food here is amazing. If you’re looking for a city to roam around and fall in love with, Lausanne is it. There are many beautiful sites like the Chateau d’Ouchy and Promenade, but I think my favorite thing about this city is its food. The restaurants all serve high-quality cuisine at very reasonable prices.
One of my favorite things about this restaurant was their breakfast special – I ordered scrambled eggs with bacon and they were cooked perfectly!
If you’re ever planning on visiting Lausanne, be sure to stop by Chez Mireille! It has been a tradition since 1854 and serves traditional Swiss dishes. Be sure to try their cordon bleu dish. It sounds simple, but trust me when I say it is delicious! You can also find great crepes at Les Crepes Gourmandes (they offer both sweet and savory crepes). And lastly, don’t forget about dessert!
Chateau de Chillon
On the shores of Lake Geneva, the Chateau de Chillon is a beautiful castle. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, and for good reason! Over 900 years old, the castle has a rich history. Visitors can explore the different rooms of the castle, including the Great Hall, where many important events took place. The views from the castle are stunning, and there is also a small museum on site. If you’re visiting Lausanne, be sure to add the Chateau de Chillon to your list of places to see! You’ll get amazing views of Lake Geneva as well as glimpses into Lausanne’s rich history.
If you’re visiting Lausanne, a stop at Chillon Castle is a must. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location in all of Switzerland. The entire area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Chillon Castle is just one of the highlights.
It’s also worth exploring some of the nearby towns that dot Lake Geneva, such as Vevey and Montreux (home to another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lavaux Vineyard Terraces). There are plenty of things to do in Lausanne!
Place de la Palud
Surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, the square is also home to the Lausanne Cathedral. The cathedral is a beautiful Gothic building with intricate details both inside and out. The Place de la Palud is the perfect place to start exploring Lausanne!
Located just outside the train station, it is easy to find. From there you can walk around the city center or go into one of the many nearby museums. There are so many things to do in Lausanne that are easily accessible from this central location! Eglise Saint-François d’Assise: Located right next door to the cathedral, this church has an ornate façade and stunning interior.
It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different than a typical tourist attraction. I found myself wandering through the park near the Church Saint-Francois D’Assise which was surprisingly quiet on a Sunday afternoon. As I walked past benches, old buildings, and manicured gardens I felt like I had stumbled onto a secret garden away from the bustling world.
Ride the Rochers-de-Naye Railway
The Rochers-de-Naye Railway is the best way to see the city of Lausanne and its surrounds. The train takes you on a 20 minute journey up to the top of Montreux, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Geneva, the city below, and the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Once you’re at the top, take some time to explore the hiking trails or have a picnic before catching the train back down. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the most famous signs from Swiss road signs!
If it’s too cold outside for a hike, head into town for one of the many restaurants. Lausanne is known for having over 300 restaurants – which will make it easy to find something delicious no matter what your taste!
But if you want an authentic Swiss experience, try out any one of these great options. One of my favorites is the Restaurant Le Rechaud D’argent, located in Place Flon. It specializes in Swiss classics like raclette, fondue bourguignonne, tartiflette, gratin dauphinois, among others. Just don’t forget to bring your appetite!
St. Francois Church
Lausanne’s St. Francois Church is a Romanesque-style cathedral that was built in the 12th century. It’s located in the Old Town area of Lausanne and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The church has a beautiful interior with intricate details, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Lausanne. I recommend going on a sunny day so you can enjoy the stained glass windows!
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lausanne is another popular attraction in the city. Built in 1964, this Gothic style cathedral overlooks Lake Geneva and is situated on the outskirts of town, next to Mont Blanc Park.
The exterior is beautifully decorated with sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass panels. You can also visit the museum inside the cathedral which exhibits religious artifacts from Switzerland and around Europe.
Sauvabelin Tower
Standing at 72m tall, Sauvabelin Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lausanne. From the top of the tower, you can see breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the cityscape. The tower is also surrounded by a lush forest, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Sauvabelin Tower is definitely worth a visit!
It’s open for guided tours all year round, so if you have time on your hands then make sure to schedule an hour out of your day to explore this stunning location. There are many great places to eat near the tower as well, including Café de la Tour with its delicious gourmet breakfast options and trendy bar, Les Terasses de l’Ombrière with their rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Geneva, and Nespresso Coffee Shop with their upscale café-style ambiance.
If you want to explore some more outside of the city center but still want amazing views, I recommend climbing up Mount Béal for panoramic vistas of Lausanne!
