Location: Lausanne
Top Things to do in Lausanne
Countries
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Lausanne, Canton of Vaud
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. Vierge du Lac
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Horloge de la Palud
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. Rolex Learning Center EPFL
9. Lausanne Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
With over 140 years of history, the Lausanne Opera continues to respond to the public’s growing demand for lyrical performances. Once known as a municipal theater, it has transformed into a world renowned opera house that produces and co-produces their own productions. With a stage renovation in 2012, the Lausanne Opera offers a wide variety of operas, from baroque to contemporary, along with concerts and ballets. Thanks to its bold programming and emphasis on quality vocals and stage production, the Lausanne Opera welcomes over 45'000 spectators a year and continues to make itself known internationally.
