Location: Lausanne
Top Things to do in Lausanne
What to do and see in Lausanne, Canton of Vaud: The Best Free Things to do
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. Rolex Learning Center EPFL
6. 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!
7. Cimetiere du Bois-de-Vaux
8. Place de la Palud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By muzique1960 - Woodridge, United States
This charming plaza with the fountain and the town hall, is here in central Lausanne! The chimes and story that can be heard (through some kind of speaker!) is quite wonderful, as you watch the figures move on the clock in the plaza. (We heard the chimes from the cathedral, and followed the sound, down the Escalier du Marche, until we found the Place de la Palud!). A small and historical plaza!
9. Parc de Mon Repos
10. Escaliers du Marche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Travelcookiecat - Germany, null
It’s the fastest and the most pleasant way to come down from the majestic looking city cathedral Notre Dame to the Place de la Palud – one of the most interesting and magnificent historical squares of Lausanne.
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