Location: Lausanne
Top Things to do in Lausanne
10 Things to Do in Lausanne That You Shouldn't Miss
Lausanne was once an intellectual capital, attracting great thinkers such as Rousseau and Voltaire. Today it is a haven for those who love water skiing, swimming and sailing. The International Olympic Committee is even headquartered here. The town's history is evident, though, in its medieval cathedral, the museums of the Palais de Rumine, and Ouchy, the port where Lord Byron wrote "The Prisoner of Chillon" and the Treaty of Lausanne was ratified. For great views, hike up to the Signal de Sauvabelin.
Restaurants in Lausanne
1. Collection de l'Art Brut
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By Elana G - Far Rockaway, New York
I came on Rick Steves recommendation and was glad I did, its worth the visit, as you do see art in a different form. The artists are from societies fringe with unfortunate childhood stories, criminal backgrounds, mental health challenges. Their artwork benefited both them and society , I am glad the curator had the foresight to collect their works and the presentation was well done and added to our appreciation of their works. I especially enjoyed the works of nature on the upperfloors. I understand the works are rotated and you might see something else entirely on each visit. If you go early they only charge half price. I was disappointed in their choice for pictures on posters sold as I felt they chose the craziest, work rather than the prettiest work, Some of the artwork looks like it could have been drawn by a first grader and some was truly outstanding. In all well presented, thought provoking and well done. No wifi, You have to put bags into lockers, there are clean bathrooms, staff was helpful and friendly
2. La Suisse Steam paddle boat.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Anna H - Chicago, IL
Century old paddleboat, with First class Seating having table service and the best views on Lake Geneva.
The second class accommodations are ok. with the best views being on the left side of the boat. There is also a small pub.
Travel is fairly smooth, and you can see the paddle in action.
Lovely way to travel around the Swiss portions of Lake Geneva, especially the views of Chateau de Chillon.
3. Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By velk19976 - San Diego
Pre the 2018 Winter Olympics we visited the Musee Olympique. What a terrific way to spend an afternoon. The grounds are spectacular and the exhibits inside will certainly bring you down memory lane as well as educate on what you didn't know before. Fun for all.
4. Fondation de l'Hermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Top-notch art museum with impressive Exhibitions from master painters from the Renaissance to the 21th century.
Reviewed By RA_Traveler - California
Could not believe the incredible paintings that were housed in this location. Saw some paintings from famous artists that I have never seen in books. You can still get close to some of these paintings and artwork to see the artists strokes. Beautiful location and grounds.
5. Le Port d'Ouchy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 917 reviews
Reviewed By Anna911 - Washington DC
The views from here were just gorgeous. I didn't want to leave even as I was freezing. You definitely get some good breezes here in the winter. Well worth the long walk from the heart of old town.
6. Cathedrale de Lausanne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Bunty8 - North Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Very impressive Cathedral, didn't get to see as much as we would have liked, there was an orchestra playing when we visited. We listened to them for a while but didn't want to walk around and be a distraction, but what we did see was beautiful, maybe another time will get to see more of this magnificent Cathedral.
7. Rolex Learning Center EPFL
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Jean Pierre B - Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Mexico
we don't call any more library but learning centre and this 88.000 m2 very original edifice contain more than 500.000 books, and printed elements making the most important in Europe and in the world of EPFL technical university of Lausanne. there are rooms for 860 students and the sponcer is ROLEX which finance the construction made by two Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nichizawa
8. Sauvabelin Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By b5u - Switzerland
Besides the view over Lausanne and Lake Geneva, being at the top of the tower also allows identifying some of the prominent peaks from the Alps on the French side.
I only wish the warning/instruction signs would also be in English rather than just French. It would be a 5-rating in that case.
9. Place de la Palud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By OneWayVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
Place de la Palud is centrally located in a pedestrian-only zone. It is noted for its animated clock that was constructed for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition, and completely restored in 2005. Every hour, a parade of figurines representing historical figures marches around the wall. The Fontaine de la Justice situated in front of the clock is especially popular on hot days!
The square itself, and cobbled streets radiating from it, host a farmer’s market twice a week that features musicians and other entertainers as well as covered stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and crafts.
A fun place to visit!
10. Esplanade de Montbenon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Ralf K - Wurzburg, Germany
The green grass floor of the Esplanade de Montbenon is a perfect place to enjoy the panoramic view over the Lake Geneva and the summits of the alps behind. The western part houses the Casino de Montbenon a building in Florentine style built in 1908. Today its housed by a center of social and culture.
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