What to see in Lausanne in one day

Lausanne a charming city located on the banks of the Lake Geneva is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or a cultural adventure. This city, located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of history, culture and breathtaking scenery.

From strolling through the old town with its cobblestone alleyways to enjoy the panoramic views from the Notre-Dame Cathedral Lausanne has something for everyone. The city is also famous for being the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee.

This city has a special place in our hearts because one of us was an Erasmus student in Lausanne, living almost a year here. So we hope you find our recommendations and tips useful for touring the must-see sites Lausanne, eat at restaurants without spending a fortune and make the most of your visit.

How to get to Lausanne

Getting to Lausanne is very easy thanks to its excellent transport connections. If you are traveling from Spain, the Geneva International Airport is the closest option, located only 60 km away. From the airport, you can take a direct train that will take you to Lausanne in approximately 1 hour. The Swiss rail network is efficient and punctual, with frequent, if somewhat expensive, trains.

It is also possible to arrive by car following the A1 road, if what you are going to do is a route by car through Switzerland. By car it takes a little less time than by train although the difference is not very big, around 50 minutes. We recommend this option to save some money if you are traveling in a group.

What to see in Lausanne

Historic district

We begin our tour of Lausanne at its beautiful old town. Your cobblestone streets are full of medieval buildings, small squares and charming corners.

We recommend a leisurely stroll to discover the city, since the center is full of slopes and stairs We assure you that the effort is worth it for the views. Some of the main points of interest are:

• Place de la Riponne The square is a large square surrounded by bars and where you can also find the Rumine Palace, which today houses the Lausanne Historical Museum and the University Library.
• Place de la Palud small cobblestone square where is located the Source of Justice The fountain is a typical Swiss aesthetic fountain with a sculpture representing justice. There is also in this square a mechanical watch which has an animation with historical characters when the time comes. Also, if you are lucky enough to go on a Wednesday, you will be able to see the market that are set up in the plaza.

From the place de la Palud you can go up the stairs Escalier du Marche to get directly to the Lausanne Cathedral A must-see in Lausanne. This impressive gothic construction dominates the skyline of Lausanne and is well worth a visit as it is also free. In the following section we tell you the details.

Lausanne Cathedral

The Lausanne Cathedral also known as Notre-Dame de Lausanne, is one of the most recognizable emblems of the city and an obligatory stop on your tour. This gothic cathedral built in the 13th century, is considered one of the most beautiful in Switzerland and we think so.

As you approach, you will be impressed by its imposing facade and detailed architecture. Once inside, you will be able to admire the impressive stained-glass windows that fill the interior of the cathedral with light and color. Particularly impressive is the window of the rose which dates from the 13th century and represents the medieval vision of the world.

But for us, the coolest thing about the Cathedral is its bell tower of almost 70 meters height. We recommend you to climb the more than 200 steps up to the tower because the effort is worth it: from the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view panoramic views unparalleled Lausanne the Lake Geneva y the Alps.

Currently the visit to the Cathedral is free The only fee to climb the tower and the entrance are 5€.

Flon district

To see a part of the city with more modern architecture, walk along the Flon district. This former industrial district has been transformed into a lively contemporary area, ideal for those looking for a more urban environment. It is a clear example of Lausanne's ability to reinvent itself and offer the best of both worlds: history and modernity.

You can't miss the Esplanade du Flon The Flon area is a large square surrounded by stores and restaurants. In addition, the Flon area has a very good young atmosphere and is full of galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs It is therefore also perfect for enjoying the nocturnal environment in Lausanne.

Esplanade de Montbenon

Near the district of Flon you can reach La Esplanade de Montbenon which is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Lausanne. Situated in an elevated position, this park offers some of the most beautiful spectacular views of Lake Geneva y the Alps making it a perfect place to rest and enjoy the scenery.

This large park is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a picnic or simply a break on one of its benches. On sunny days, the esplanade fills up with locals and tourists who come to enjoy the good weather. Within this park there are also some highlights such as:

• Montbenon Courthouse an impressive neo-Renaissance building.
• Casino de Montbenon The building is a historic building that now serves as a cultural and conference center, including a restaurant.
• William Tell Statue the legendary crossbowman of Swiss independence.

In addition, in summer there are usually many activities in this esplanade, outdoor concerts, open-air cinema o cultural festivals.

Lake Geneva

The Lake Geneva is for us one of the places you can not miss on a tour of Lausanne. Also known as Lake Geneva, it is a natural jewel bordering Lausanne and one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. As it is located at the foot of the Alps, the views are breathtaking as it is surrounded by mountains in the background. For us it is the perfect place to enjoy nature and relax by the water.

We recommend that you start your tour with Ouchy the picturesque port of Lausanne, where you can even RENT BIKES to walk along the promenade. There is also the option of doing some lake cruise. The tour boats will take you across the crystal clear waters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the more adventurous, the lake also offers a variety of water sports like paddle surfing, kayaking and sailing. And if not, you can simply jump into the lawn or sit on one of the benches that border it and contemplate the views, there are activities for everyone. If you go in summer and the weather is good you will see how the locals take to the streets and everything is full of people having picnics or barbecues.

Olympic Museum

Already located in the Ouchy district if you have been following our route, the next essential stop for lovers of sports and history is the Olympic Museum of Lausanne.

This museum shows the history of the Olympic Games through a wide collection of historical objects. From Olympic torches and medals to sports equipment used by athletes in different eras. The museum is divided into several thematic sections ranging from the ancient Olympic Games in Greece to modern global competitions.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of the museum is that it is interactive. You will be able to test your skills in sports simulators or virtual reality activities, as well as watch inspiring documentaries about the most memorable moments of the Olympic Games.

Museums of Lausanne

If you spend several days in the city, it also has a wide cultural offer in terms of museums. We recommend the ones we think are most worthwhile, although it will also depend on your tastes:

• Mudac Museum of contemporary and avant-garde art near the Esplanade de Montbenon.
• Collection de l'Art Brut The exhibition will feature avant-garde works by independent and unknown artists, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and installations created by more than 200 artists from around the world.
• Élysée Museum Museum dedicated to the exhibition of photographs, with more than 100,000.

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

If you have time to spare and are curious, we recommend you visit the Polytechnic University of Lausanne (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and their avant-garde buildings that will not leave you indifferent. From our point of view, the Rolex Learning Center is one of the most impressive buildings on campus - if you look at it from above it looks like a Gruyère cheese!

In addition, you can always take advantage of the stop to regain strength in the poufs It's a must-see for those who are looking for a place to rest and relax lovers of the architecture modern!

What to see around Lausanne

To complete a tour of the canton of Vaud we recommend some of the best places to see near Lausanne We assure you that all of them are worth it:

• VeveyThe pearl of the Swiss Riviera and its connection with Charles Chaplin.
• Montreuxfamous for its Jazz festival, its Chillon castle and its relationship with Freddie Mercury.

Frequently asked questions about Lausanne

Best time of the year to visit Lausanne

Lausanne is an attractive destination all year round, so the best time to visit will depend on the activities you want to do in the city.

If what you want is to visit the city and the lake, our recommendation would be to go in summer (from June to September). In these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for enjoying walks along Lake Geneva and outdoor activities. In addition, the city is full of cultural events and festivals.

The spring and the autumn are also good options with mild temperatures, although there is a higher probability of bad weather. The visit in winter We especially recommend it to you if you come to Switzerland to ski or if you want to enjoy the Christmas mood Although personally for this second point we would choose a more Christmas destination.

Typical dishes of Lausanne

Swiss gastronomy is a reflection of its cultural diversity, and Lausanne offers an excellent example of this. Here are some dishes not to be missed:

• Cheese fondue a Swiss classic to share.
• Raclette melted cheese with potatoes and pickles.
• Saucisson Vaudoi s, a type of local sausage.
• Papet Vaudois a delicious mixture of leeks and potatoes that usually accompanies the sausage.
• Apricot tart a perfect sweet end to any meal.

What to see in Lausanne for free?

In Lausanne, you can enjoy many activities without spending a single franc. Stroll through the Lake Geneva explore the old town and its markets or visit some of its parks and museums which offer free admission on specific days. You can also visit the Cathedral free of charge.

The city is full of surprises and charming places that do not require large outlays to be enjoyed.

What language is spoken in Lausanne Switzerland?

In Lausanne, the official language is Lausanne French But in this city it is common to hear a variety of languages given its diverse population (Italian and German are also spoken in Switzerland) and international tourism. You will find it easy to speak English, German and Italian, among others.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What to see in Lausanne in one day you can visit our posts about Switzerland.