Perched on the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), surrounded by rolling vineyards and majestic mountains, Lausanne is a delightful Swiss city often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Geneva.

Sure, it’s small and perhaps lacking the big famous attractions found in other cities like Lucerne & Basel, but for those who venture here and test their leg strength on the city’s many hills, Lausanne has quite a few surprises.

As headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, the city is home to a really cool Olympics Museum, plus a variety of unique structures and views all over. I don’t necessarily think Lausanne is a must-see in Switzerland if you’re short on time, but I enjoyed my time in the city while visiting its beautiful Christmas markets, so I’ll share some of my favourite things to do in Lausanne with you in the post!

So, if you’re interested in a quieter, more relaxed city break, read on for some of the top Lausanne attractions to put on your list.

First off – the big one. If there’s one touristy thing you do in Lausanne, it has to be a visit to the Olympic Museum.

Granted, I grew up obsessed with the Olympics, so this museum was right up my alley, but I think anybody familiar with the Olympic Games (and certainly those who have followed them over the years) would find this museum a lot of fun to explore.

Lausanne has been the home of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for 100 years, so it’s not surprising that they decided to found their official museum here. The museum was originally opened in 1993 and today is home to over 1500 objects, with 150 screens spread across three floors. It houses the largest collection of Olympic Games memorabilia in the world and even includes a surrounding garden filled with Olympic-themed sculptures.

Inside, you’ll find all sorts of cool Olympic-related displays that chronicle the history of the Games, from seeing all the medal designs and mascots in one place (a must) to even a HIGHLY moving montage of Olympic opening ceremonies over the years. Did I shed a tear? You bet! No shame here.

If you’re a fan of the Olympics, this one is a real Lausanne must-do.

2. Admire the Escaliers du Marché

Another fun thing to do in Lausanne is a walk up the beautiful Escaliers du Marché, which leads from Rue Mercerie near Place de la Palud to the Cathedral. This to me is one of the prettiest corners of the city, so if you’re hunting for the perfect Lausanne photo opp to commemorate your trip, don’t miss this!

One of the most unique features of Lausanne is how it’s built on multiple levels. These stairs are one of many sets that help visitors and locals alike navigate their way around. Originally built in the 13th century, the stairs as you see them now date back to the 1700s.

And if you’re curious about the name: up until the 14th century the city market was held on the square next to these stairs, which is how they got their name – Escaliers du Marché literally means Market Stairs. Now you know!

3. Lausanne Cathedral

Another Lausanne must-see is the stunning Gothic masterpiece that is Lausanne Cathedral.

Construction began in the 12th century, around 1170, and it took more than a century to complete. The cathedral was consecrated in 1275, and it has been a significant landmark in Lausanne ever since. Its Gothic style is characterized by tall, pointed arches, large windows, and intricate stone carvings. One of the most striking features is the rose window on the western façade, which is a masterpiece of medieval stained glass.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a spacious nave with high vaulted ceilings and beautiful light filtering through the stained glass windows. There’s also a unique organ here, the first one in the world that was created by a designer, the first to contain all four of the principal organ styles and the first one to be made by an American company for a European cathedral. It also took ten years to build so make sure you don’t miss it!

Another unique aspect of Lausanne Cathedral is its belfry. For centuries, it has housed a night watchman who calls out the hours between 10 PM and 2 AM, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and continues to this day.

4. Ouchy Promenade

A quieter, more relaxing thing to do in Lausanne is a stroll along the Ouchy Promenade, a lakeside path offering picturesque views and charming cafes where you can savour a coffee or gelato.

One highlight is the Château d’Ouchy, a lakeside castle that now houses a luxury hotel and restaurant. Other highlights as you wander along include some stunning waterside gardens (particularly the the rose garden of Place du Général Guisan and the Olympic Museum park), a replica of a ruined medieval tower, Lausanne’s port and a series of statues and fountains.

On Sundays this is a great spot to feel like a local, as it feels like half the city comes here to relax and enjoy the area!

5. Sauvabelin Tower

One of the more unique places I loved seeing in Lausanne was the mysterious Sauvabelin Tower, an iconic wooden structure affording breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

This tower was built in 2003 to celebrate the start of the new millennium. It’s made entirely of wood, which is pretty cool because it blends in beautifully with the surrounding forest. The design is really unique, too – it’s a spiral structure, so as you climb the stairs, you actually wind your way around the outside of the tower.

The best part of visiting Sauvabelin Tower is the view at the top. Once you reach the observation deck, you’re treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of Lausanne, Lake Geneva, and even the Alps on a clear day. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the combination of the serene forest setting, the unique wooden architecture, and the stunning views make it an unforgettable experience.

6. Hop on a Lake Geneva cruise

Of course, since Lausanne is located on the banks of Lake Geneva, you can’t pass up the opportunity to relax on a lake cruise to enjoy seeing the sights.

This Lake Geneva cruise from Lausanne will let you see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavoux vineyards as you relax with a glass of wine on the water. It’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours meandering along from Lausanne to Vevey and back, especially if you’re visiting during summer. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

7. Flon District

Of course, in addition to Lausanne’s charming Old Town, there’s a distinctly cosmopolitan side to the city that’s also well worth exploring. One excellent place to see this side of Lausanne is the Flon district, a vibrant area home to trendy boutiques, restaurants and buzzy nightlife opportunities.

Back in the day, the Flon area was actually a bustling industrial hub. There were warehouses, factories, and lots of heavy industry. Over time, though, it fell into disuse and became pretty rundown. Luckily the city decided to revitalize the area, so now it’s a very cool district that’s full of life. The transformation has been incredible. They kept a lot of the original industrial buildings but gave them a modern twist, so you get a cool blend of old and new.

One of the highlights of the Flon district is its cultural scene. There are art galleries, theaters, and even a cinema. The district often hosts events and festivals, so there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or just soak in the atmosphere, the Flon district is definitely worth a visit.

8. Explore some vineyards

The region around Lausanne, particularly the Lavaux area (between Lausanne and Montreux), is famous for its stunning vineyards that stretch along the slopes above Lake Geneva.

This whole area is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, as generations of vine-growers have shaped the beautiful vineyard terraces that line the banks of the lake in this region. You can explore a wine trail of these terraces between Lausanne and Montreux via walking, cycling, or a special tourist train – with plenty of stops to sample some of the country’s most delicious wines surrounded by spectacular scenery.

One of the must-visit vineyards is Domaine Bovy in Chexbres. It’s a family-run winery with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They offer tastings of their exceptional wines, and you can even take a tour of the vineyards to learn about the winemaking process. The views from their terrace are absolutely stunning – perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Another great spot is the Vinorama in Rivaz. It’s a bit different because it’s more of a wine discovery center. You can taste a variety of wines from all over the Lavaux region and learn about the different types of grapes and winemaking techniques. It’s a great way to get a comprehensive overview of what the area has to offer.

9. Espace Arlaud

For art lovers, another pick for fun Lausanne attractions is Espace Arlaud, a contemporary art gallery in a charming old townhouse.

When you step inside Espace Arlaud, you immediately get a sense of its rich history. The building itself is a work of art, with its elegant architecture and classic design. But what’s really exciting is the variety of exhibitions they host.

Unlike some museums that focus on a specific type of art or era, Espace Arlaud is all about diversity. You’ll find everything from contemporary art and photography to historical exhibits and cultural showcases. They change their exhibitions regularly, so there’s always something new and interesting to see.

10. Collection de l’Art Brut

Another option for cultural activities in Lausanne is the Collection de l’Art Brut, a unique museum displaying “outsider art” created by self-taught artists.

The collection was founded by French artist Jean Dubuffet, who was passionate about this type of art and amassed a significant collection of works from around the world. When you visit the museum, you’ll see an amazing array of artworks that are unlike anything you’d find in a traditional gallery. There are drawings, paintings, sculptures, and other creations made from all sorts of materials.

One of the highlights is the way the museum is organized. The exhibits are curated to provide a sense of the artists’ lives and the contexts in which they worked. You’ll find pieces by artists who lived in isolation, those who were institutionalized, and others who simply created art for their own joy, often using whatever materials they had at hand.

It’s not too big, so you can take your time exploring each room and really absorbing the incredible works on display. There’s also a lovely little bookstore where you can find books and souvenirs related to Art Brut.

11. Fondation de l’Hermitage

If you’re into art then you should also make some time to visit the Fondation de l’Hermitage while you’re in Lausanne, which is located in a gorgeous 19th-century mansion that overlooks the city. Just the setting alone is worth the visit – the mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens which offer stunning views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.

Inside, the foundation focuses on fine arts, and the exhibitions often include works by renowned artists from different periods. Whether you’re into impressionism, modern art, or anything in between, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that catches your eye. There are two or three exhibitions per year, which can be on anything, along with a permanent collection of Chinese porcelain.

Along with the art, there’s a restaurant on site which is also well worth a visit, with special “art and cuisine” events and a highly rated weekend brunch menu!

Okay, so it’s not quite in Lausanne, but it’s the freaking Little Mermaid Castle, so is it any wonder I included it on this list?

Located about an hour and 45 minute boat ride away from Lausanne (or about 35 minutes via train or car) is the medieval castle known as Château de Chillon, the (very obvious) inspiration for Prince Eric’s castle from the Little Mermaid.

The history of Château de Chillon dates back to at least the 12th century, though there were likely fortifications on the site even earlier. For many centuries, the castle was the residence of the Counts of Savoy. During their time, it was expanded and fortified to its current impressive state.

The castle is incredibly well-preserved, so when you visit you can explore its many rooms, including the grand halls, the bedrooms, and the chapel. One look and it’ll be easy to see why this castle has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets over the years, cementing its status as one of Switzerland’s most visited and beloved landmarks.

13. Enjoy a cool day trip

Finally, let’s not forget the many other attractions located nearby Lausanne, which all make equally enjoyable detours while you’re in the area!

• Montreux: known for its beautiful lakeside promenade, vibrant music scene, and the stunning Montreux Jazz Festival.
• Glacier 3000: offers breath-taking alpine views, thrilling activities like the Peak Walk, and year-round snow fun. This tour includes a visit to both Montreux and Glacier 3000.
• Geneva: renowned for its rich history, international flair, and iconic attractions like the headquarters of many parts of the United Nations.
• Gruyères: a charming town with medieval architecture, delicious cheese, and the fascinating HR Giger Museum.
• Evian: renowned for its elegant spa town ambiance, natural mineral water, and picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Geneva. You can take a boat excursion to easily visit Evian from Lausanne.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Lausanne?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Lausanne activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂