What are the best things to do in Lausanne?
Top picks in Lausanne include Explore The Old Town, Enjoy the lakefront of Ouchy, Climb up the Cathedral Tower. See the full list and itinerary on this Lausanne travel guide.
Why visit Lausanne
Travel guide for Lausanne, Switzerland — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Lausanne is a stop in Switzerland, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 1 days. If time is short, prioritise Explore The Old Town, Enjoy the lakefront of Ouchy, Climb up the Cathedral Tower instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 180–350 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Lausanne
1
Explore The Old Town
2
Enjoy the lakefront of Ouchy
3
Climb up the Cathedral Tower
Budget travel
Free things to do in Lausanne
Explore The Old Town
Enjoy the lakefront of Ouchy
Climb up the Cathedral Tower
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Lausanne itinerary (1 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Explore The Old Town
- Visit Enjoy the lakefront of Ouchy
- Visit Climb up the Cathedral Tower
- Eat at P'tit Bar
Budget
Lausanne trip cost
Budget
USD 80–135
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 180–350
per person / day
Luxury
USD 400–665+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Lausanne, Switzerland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Lausanne
Estimated total (USD)
$3,965
≈ $1,983 per person · $566 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $265/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Lausanne mid-range ground costs (budget 80–135 · mid 180–350 · luxury 400–665+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
P'tit Bar
Tiny, as the name would indicate this place can accommodate around 12 people at a time, and that's with strangers seated together at the tin
Tibits
A fully vegetarian buffet with a few made-to-order fast food options (veggie burger), and excellent local wine in the classic setting of the
Crêperie de la Chandeleur
This cute little crêperie offers the crêpes in a homey Breton atmosphere. If you are travelling with children this is a great place for lunc
Holy Cow!
Possibly the best burgers in Lausanne. Their "Elvis Blue Cheese" burger is rated the best burger in Switzerland by gourmet blog theburgerblo
La Croquignole
A café in the old town on the street to the Ale tower with a variety of sandwiches and other freshly baked products.
Le Charlot
If you’re looking for a tasty sandwich this is where to go to. The sandwiches are a real pleasure to the eye and in the mouth. Wide selectio
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Regina
Desk open until 22:00. This cute little hotel is in a great location for exploring the old town and the Flon gallery and nightclub district.
Hotel Continental
A 10-minute walk from the historic quarter and the shopping area. The hotel has also the Grill Olympia where you will be able to taste authe
ADA-Logements
A good value bed and breakfast with 12 rooms, with a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
Jeunotel
This hotel near the university and sporting complexes offers 55 casual rooms aimed at younger travellers, with 6 rooms designed for the need
Lausanne GuestHouse
Near the CFF railway station, thus in easy range of the centre of Lausanne. It's in a nice 19th-century town house. Unfortunately the guest
Shopping
- Pompes Funèbres
- Coup de chapeau
- Bazar d'Ouchy
Nightlife
- Le Bourg
- La Bossette
- Black Luna
- Bar Tabac
- Café Couronne d'Or
- Café du Château
Museums & culture
- Climb up the Cathedral Tower
In pictures
Lausanne gallery
Good to know
Lausanne travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Lausanne?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Lausanne?
Plan at least 1 days in Lausanne for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Lausanne?
Popular stays in Lausanne include Hotel Regina, Hotel Continental, ADA-Logements. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Lausanne cost?
On the ground in Lausanne (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 80–135 per person per day, mid-range about 180–350, and luxury about 400–665+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Lausanne, Switzerland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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