Location: Lausanne
Top Things to do in Lausanne
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lausanne, Canton of Vaud
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. The Key
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 355 reviews
The KEY is a real life escape game in Lausanne. You and your team will be locked in a room and the countdown will begin. You have one hour to collaborate and use your logical mind to solve all the puzzles and mysteries which will lead you to the exit.... Will you find the Key?
Reviewed By nguimaraes - Lausanne, Switzerland
Really nice escape room experience! We chose Finding Einstein, the room was well elaborated, smart, and the girl helping us during the process was really cool! Recommend it, and we'll be back to try the other one (Illuminatis)!
2. Collection de l'Art Brut
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
Reviewed By JudeG139
The unexpected, the unusual, a home for outsider art before there was even such a category. Naive, regional and outsider artists convene in one outstanding collection of truly rarified art. Don't miss the tattoo collection (yes actual skin) dating from the 19th century. If you like strange exotic and esoteric art, this is the place for you!
3. The Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,591 reviews
Would you like to relive great Olympic moments? Feel the pulse of the champions? The world of the Games with its many facets will open up to you! The Museum has 3000 m2 of exhibition space, over 1500 exhibits, 150 screens and our passion, combining to create the ultimate experience and give you some great stories to tell.
Reviewed By LunaNina-P - Athens, Greece
There is not a single corner of this museum that will make you feel bored! Amazing exhibits from all over the world, the guests can find interactive activities in every room, video walls, an amazing archive of all the history of the Olympic Games. A great choice for visitors of all ages!
4. Cathedrale de Lausanne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,845 reviews
Reviewed By Crvan - Weston, United States
After our tour of the Parc de Mon Repos, we hiked our way uphill to the cathedral; it is quite the workout the way we came as it was all uphill and we had to take a couple breathers before we made it to the top by the cathedral. The cathedral was dedicated in 1275 and is situated in the higher portions of Lausanne; from different vantage points around the cathedral, you have splendid views of Old Town Lausanne and of Lake Geneva. The architecture and the detailed carvings by the main entryway are outstanding and gorgeous. This is definitely one of the more beautiful churches inside and out in Switzerland. The interior is also well appointed and well worth a tour inside to see it and learn more of its history. This is one of the top three must see destinations in Lausanne.
5. Eglise de Saint-Sulpice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By BeckyTinsley - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Saint Suplice is a gorgeous village near Lausanne, with a delightful walk along the lake with stunning views. It also boasts a 12th century church, well maintained and without the clutter you often find, ruining the architectural lines of the building. On the ceiling are the extremely old remnants of paintings of the Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. It gives you an idea of what churches looked like originally. It’s a small, charming gem. Being Swiss, it has been so carefully kept up that it looks new.
6. Sauvabelin Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By 532ramar - London, United Kingdom
This place was 10 min drive away from where we were staying so we decided to visit. It was the first place we visited in the day and it's built in a cute little wooded park. It's a tall tower built entirely in wood - not ticketed but only about 50 odd people can go at a time. It wasn't crowded at all first thing in the morning so it was very pleasant. The stairs are built like a double helix and there are 2 such stairways. The kids took one way and we took the other. There are 151 steps one way and it's a pretty easy climb for an average family. The views from the top are great - Lausanne town and green areas on one side and the mighty Alps on the other with Lake Geneva in the foreground. Not unmissable, but surely worth a visit if you are in the area.
7. Musee de l'Elysee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
8. Esplanade de Montbenon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By barbarae552 - Lausanne, Switzerland
A large park around the Tribunal Fédéral with plenty of grass for picnics or sunbathing, children's play area, fountains, sculpture, restaurants, and great views of the lake. It's after the big hotel Lausanne Palace when walking from St-François, and above a large car park. The Supreme Court building was designed by Benjamin Recordon and incorportes many kinds of stone quarried in Switzerland. In front is a statue of William Tell, and a couple of smaller ones by local artist Nikola Zaric whose sculptures combining humans and animals can be seen around town. Also in the area, at the southern end of Pont Chauderon (bridge) and close to the Cécil bus stop is a small sculpture park for children, with 18 "stations", bronze sculptures with texts recounting a legend (in French): Latin alphabet on one page and braille opposite (parc des légendes).
9. Rolex Learning Center EPFL
10. Le Port d'Ouchy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,175 reviews
Reviewed By Bird880
Our first visit to Lausanne, loved it! Stayed just up the hill from Ouchy, at the Royal Savoy, an excellent hotel. The port was our playground for four days, the scenic host to the run course and blue carpet finish for our world champs races, plus a great place to eat and socialise throughout the event. We hopped on a very clean and efficient ferry to Evian on the French side of Lake Geneva which was a superb day out, and loved the fabulous old buildings and character of Ouchy....a memorable break and would love to return!
