Location: Lausanne
Top Things to do in Lausanne
What to do and see in Lausanne, Canton of Vaud: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon
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. 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).
3. La Suisse - Belle Epoque - paddle steamboat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By IsaDesOsiers - Lausanne, Switzerland
I cannot tell you how lovely and fun these collections of old boats are that are affiliated with the Swiss Rail System and take lovely short and long tours on the exquisite mountain lakes of Switzerland. Obviously, Lake Geneva, which is surrounded by both the Swiss Alps and the French Alps, has breathtaking panoramas and marvelous little and big villages clinging on the the steep cliffs filled with vineyards. There are restaurants on board with really really good French cuisine and wine. I like to take lunch on the boats if I take a longer trip. Lunch in Switzerland is the main meal of the day. I recommend the "Carte" or full menu for a fixed price. Then you get an entrée, main dish, and desert with drinks charged extra. The dining rooms are really pretty and you look out on the landscape as you share a meal and float along. You can also go sit on the decks outside and have a glass of wine or a good expresso and take in the clean air and sunshine. Go down and have a look at the engines in these old boats, full of polished brass fittings and cogs, they are in themselves works of art. There are short trips just going across the lake from Switzerland to France or the reverse and getting out in a quaint village to walk around, and that is a nice one with younger children, who get restless on long boat rides and start wanting to hang over the side and other terrifying normal kid antics. Evian is a lovely village, (yes! where the water comes from, they have a thermal source or something if you like taking the waters), or Yvoire, both in France, as is Montreux very lovely on the Swiss side, for a little walk about. Montreux has a nice little playground right on the lake on the esplanade where people stroll, full of cafés and shops. You buy a ticket for the round trip, get off where you like, and then catch the next boat that you wish to. Just look when you get off to know how much you have, just to make sure you don't miss the last boat or something. Sometimes they have events at night, like a concert with supper, or sophisticated jazz. The local tourist bureau or train station will have all the info, either on the websites or in person.
4. 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!
