Things to do in
Lausanne

A charming Swiss city featuring stunning mountains, rolling vineyards, and Lake Geneva on its doorstep.

Our most recommended things to do in Lausanne

Full-Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000

1. Full-Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000

Discover the picturesque area of Les Diablerets (little devils) in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises at Col du Pillon. Made up of chalets, this village has an amazingly preserved heritage. Don't miss the majestic 3000–meter high glacier. Dominate the snowy peaks and take on the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. At 108 meters long, discover more than 24 peaks over 4000 meters on the walkway. Take advantage of the fun park where sleds are waiting for you. In summer, try a descent in the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest tracked toboggan run.  If you prefer to stay in the village of Diablerets, take a stroll along the river and explore the beautiful landscape. Around 3:00 PM, head back to the bus to return to Montreux, and enjoy some free time to explore this artistic city before returning to Geneva.

Lausanne: 2-Hour Lake Geneva Cruise Along Lavaux Vineyards

2. Lausanne: 2-Hour Lake Geneva Cruise Along Lavaux Vineyards

Join this cruise from Lausanne to Vevey to enjoy exceptional views of the Riviera region from the waters Lake Geneva. Take in views of several Swiss and French apline peaks and beautiful views of the Lavaux Vineyards. Board your cruise ship, sit back and relax as you spot charming villages clinging to the hillsides and take in views of the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax onboard with a glass of white or red wine from the region as you watch the scenery go by. Download the cruise app "CGN Tours" with all relevant information. Hear about every landmark you pass by and learn key facts about them through the audioguide

Lausanne: 3-Hour Riviera and Lavaux Region Cruise

3. Lausanne: 3-Hour Riviera and Lavaux Region Cruise

Depart from Lausanne Ouchy on a historic paddle steamer for a 3-hour circular cruise. As you travel, observe the most beautiful part of Lake Geneva on your left, which is complete with stunning views over the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards. Throughout your trip you can admire both the Swiss and French Alps, and your approach by boat to Chillon Castle provides you with a unique view over this landmark of the region. The boat will also make short stops in Montreux and Vevey to allow you to discover the Riviera region. At lunchtime you will be welcome to dine onboard (please book your table in advance), before you return back to Lausanne at the conclusion of your relaxing boat trip. Download the cruise app with all relevant information on the spot. Hear about every landmark you pass by and learn key facts about them through the audioguide

From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

4. From Geneva: Swiss Riviera Tour

This tour will give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Riviera at Lake Geneva (or Leman, as it is also known), while giving you the option to tailor the trip to your needs and interests.  Board the coach in Geneva and drive through the Vaud countryside, passing Lausanne and stopping at Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite wine production. During the spring and summer months, you will also have the chance to visit a vineyard where local wine will be served.  Leaving Lavaux, the next stop will be Vevey. Take an overall tour of the city, the Nestlé headquarters, and the covered market, and have some free time for lunch.  You can discover Chapin’s World — a site dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, and go on an extraordinary adventure across time and through the magical world of cinema. Know more about one of the surprising artists of the 20th century through the sets of his greatest films at a Hollywood-style studio. After visiting Vevey, if you have the lake cruise option on your tour, embark on a journey in an old steamer boat to the Castle of Chillon. Located on the bank of Lake Geneva, the castle is one of the most visited historical places in Switzerland, dating back to the 11th century.  If you decided on the option that includes the castle, you will have a guided tour through the building, and in case you did not choose the cruise option, you will be taken to the castle directly by bus.  Afterward, your last stop will be in Montreux, a glamorous tourist resort. Feel the atmosphere of great artists that visited this place, such as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Ray Charles. Wander through the streets full of fancy shops and landmarks of the famous jazz festival.

Lausanne: The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket

5. Lausanne: The Olympic Museum Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to Switzerland’s The Olympic Museum in Lausanne and feed your passion for sports and the Olympic Games. Explore thousands of exhibits in the museum, then visit the Olympic Park or the TOM Café. Enrich your trip with a complimentary audio guide. On the day of your visit, step into the museum’s 3000 square meters of exhibition space, featuring over 1500 exhibits and 150 screens to create the ultimate visitor experience. From the permanent exhibition to the Olympic Park and the TOM Café, you’ll leave with memorable stories to tell. The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is the essential storyteller for the Olympic idea. The Museum is not about a collection, it is about the idea of Olympism. The museum’s vocation is to let people discover the Olympic Movement, help them witness its essential contribution to society, and to transmit the Olympic values beyond the celebration of the games and competitions. History, culture, design, technology, and sociology are some of the themes addressed beyond sport, in turn reflecting the richness and diversity of Olympism.

From Lausanne: Glacier 3000 Experience Tour

6. From Lausanne: Glacier 3000 Experience Tour

Visit Switzerland and explore for yourself the picturesque image of a Swiss chalet village. See Les Diablerets, in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises. Spend free time here hiking at the Col, or take the cable car up to the glacier. If you take the option of the cable car, jump into the mountains with the Glacier 3000, on the only bridge in the world which connects 2 summits, known as Peak Walk. The glacier offers the Alpine Coaster during the summer season, allowing you to enjoy nature and the spectacular scenery of the Alps mountains around you. Take advantage of the fun park and the adventures of the snow as sleds are waiting for you. Around 3:00 PM, descend to board the bus to Montreux and enjoy free time to feel the good vibes of this artistic city. Take in the views of Lake Geneva before returning to Lausanne.

Lausanne Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour

7. Lausanne Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour

Get to know Lausanne at your own pace on this interactive scavenger hunt walking tour played on your phone. Decipher riddles, interact with the most important attractions of the city, and unlock interesting facts and legends. An ideal outdoor activity for first time visitors, couples, groups, families, and children. Can be used as a great team-building activity. Step into a train station that is over a century old at Lausanne railway station. View the modern architecture in Esplanade du Flon square. Use clues at each attraction to find your next destination. Feel the satisfaction of solving each riddle. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based riddle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the city sightseeing game. Have the freedom to start the tour when you want, and stop and go whenever you want. Admire the city at your own pace. Uncover interesting information and facts about the city. Take the time to snap photos at each location. Start your tour on the ground-breaking Lausanne Métro! Visit the iconic Esplanade de Montbenon that you can explore all day and get lost in the central Place de la Palud. Take a photo at Lausanne Cathedral, Switzerland's largest Gothic church, and marvel at the new Parliament of Vaud. Learn about the imposing Château Saint-Maire. You will also pass by the unique Palais de Rumine which will leave you in awe, don't forget to take a photo. See, admire, photograph and shudder with Notre-Dame du Valentin in the center of the city. Saint-Laurent in the city center with its stone facade awaits you while the authentic Esplanade du Flon, the symbol area, will be the icing on the cake of this unique tour.

Lausanne: Self-Guided Boat Excursion to Evian

8. Lausanne: Self-Guided Boat Excursion to Evian

Explore Evian and stunning lake Geneva on this excursion by boat. Begin your self-guided tour from Lausanne and cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva towards the little town of Evian.  Reach this gem on the shore of the lake in about 35 minutes. Once the boat docks, hop off and start exploring at your own pace. Walk through the small streets and little allies of the quiet town, stop at a cafe or visit some of the local shops. Discover the beautiful lake promenade and marvel at the breathtaking views of this stunning landscape. You can also take the historic funicular to enjoy a beautiful view on the shores of the lake. If you visit between May and September, you can see the art nouveau Source Cachat, the first Evian water source, and enjoy a free glass of the world-famous Evian water. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming place.

Switzerland eSIM | Enjoy High Speed data Plans for 30 Days

9. Switzerland eSIM | Enjoy High Speed data Plans for 30 Days

Discover Switzerland with a 5G/4G LTE eSIM data plan and keep in touch for 30 days. Scan a QR code to enjoy seamless mobile data, and pick a 30-day data plan that suits you. Use the eSIM for tablets too, and signing any contracts or changing physical SIM cards. Choose from a 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB 30-day data plan. Then, Buy the eSIM and get a QR code. Next, scan the QR code to begin using the data plan. Connect to the local mobile network and share your data via mobile hotspot if you need it. Use the data anywhere in Switzerland.

Zurich :eSIM Internet Data Plan Switzerland high-speed 4G/5G

10. Zurich :eSIM Internet Data Plan Switzerland high-speed 4G/5G

Embark on an adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and innovative spirit of Switzerland without missing a beat! Our eSIM ensures you stay connected with high-speed data, whether you're exploring the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, enjoying the pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps, or discovering the historic charm of Geneva. How It Works: 1. Purchase: Select the data package that fits your travel plans. 2. Scan & Activate: Upon purchase, you'll receive a QR code. Scan it with your eSIM-compatible device, and you're ready to go! 3. Stay Connected: Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout your Swiss journey. Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM. Check our compatibility list at https://esimfox.com/pages/compatible-devices for more details.

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Frequently asked questions about Lausanne

What top attractions are a must-see in Lausanne?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Lausanne?

The best day trips and excursions from Lausanne are:

Montreux

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Other Sightseeing Options in Lausanne

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What people are saying about Lausanne

Overall rating

4.4
(205 reviews)

Everything was wonderful! The guide was very, very kind and friendly, he helped us a lot! The tour is beautiful, with several stops including a picnic! We love it so much, it’s so worth it.

So informative. Lovely museum. When in Lausanne go to the Olympic Museum and then get the best fondue about a 7 minute walk towards the train across from the lake.

Great day trip & we had Thomas as our guide who was excellent! I would highly recommend if you’re in Geneva & would like to do a day trip to the Swiss alps!

Very good and everything is very professional and the timing is good. This is my second excursion with them and everything went well

The super friendly guide had a great time, the incredible views, my children, my husband and I enjoyed it very much!