With so much to see, do, eat, drink and experience in Lausanne, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that spending just 24 hours in this gorgeous city simply isn’t enough. But the good news is that if it’s all you have time for, you can make those 24 hours count by following our guide.
Below, we’ve mapped out a one-day itinerary filled with unmissable activities and experiences, from arts hotspots to historic marvels to first-rate restaurants. But be warned – you’ll be craving more time in Lausanne the minute you leave, so start planning your next trip (and make it a longer one) at Lausanne Tourism’s website, where you’ll find more carefully crafted city itineraries to suit all tastes.
Those seeking a summer of cultural enlightenment will find it in abundance at Plateforme 10, Lausanne’s arts district. Bringing together the Cantonal Fine Arts Museum, Photo Elysée and the Museum of Design and Contemporary Arts, Plateforme 10 showcases everything from classical art to cutting edge photography, and houses more than enough to keep culture vultures busy for days on end – but this is just the first stop, so soak up as much as you can and prepare to move on.
Perched atop a hill and built during the 12th and 13th centuries, Lausanne’s imposing Gothic cathedral is the largest in Switzerland and the perfect place for scenic morning photography. The architecture is impressive, particularly the ornately carved portal and the beautiful rose window, based on the signs of the zodiac. You’ll also find a panoramic view of the city’s red roofs, Lake Geneva’s expanse and distant mountains, and you can further improve your photographic opportunities by climbing the 225 steps of the belfry.
It’s definitely time for lunch by now, so head to this stylish brasserie, which occupies a prime location on the classy Montbenon Esplanade, a favourite strolling and lounging spot since the 19th century. Stepping inside, you can’t help but admire a vast room that combines period features with contemporary décor – but the real headliner is, of course, the food.
The modern Swiss-French menu draws on local, seasonal ingredients, and the wine list is similarly impressive, also highlighting regional stand-outs. It’s tempting to stay and linger, enjoying a leisurely afternoon over a glass of wine, but there’s more sightseeing to be done. And besides, you’ll probably find glass or two of wine at our next stop.
Not everyone realises that Switzerland is a fantastic country for wine production, but a short train ride from Lausanne into the Lavaux vineyards quickly demonstrates how dominant vines are in this part of the country. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, the vines grow in terraces on the steep slopes that sweep down to Lake Geneva. Wander at your own pace, stopping at any of the various wine cellars scattered in the surrounding areas, or kick back on the Lavaux Panoramic mini-train, which gently shuttles passengers around the impossibly scenic route. Either way, it’s a fine way to spend an afternoon.
Ready, set and sprint into an enlightening and (optionally) active afternoon at The Olympic Museum. This hugely popular venue is absolutely worth a visit even if you don’t consider yourself a sports fan, not least thanks to the fascinating permanent exhibition, spanning 3,000 square metres. Across the venue you’ll be able to get up-close to 1,500 artefacts from Olympic history and enjoy all sort of audiovisual material telling the stories of athletes and disciplines from across the years. It’s also a fantastic place for children, who’ll love all the interactive and immersive content. You’ll move on to your next stop feeling like a true champion.
Soak up the last shards of daylight at this popular stretch of lakefront, essentially Lausanne’s very own outdoor playground. Looking over the lake and the mountains on the French side, the promenade stretches along the waterfront, where you can gaze out at the harbour and sailing club, several delightfully fancy hotels, and the lakeside terraces of various enticing bars and restaurants. The Place de la Navigation in front of the harbour hosts weekly markets and cultural events, and the promenade becomes particularly animated at weekends, when it feels like the whole of Lausanne stops by to lounge, play and people-watch. Join them, before moving on to your Lausanne finale.
Round-off your day trip in style on the terrace of this buzzy bar-restaurant, which offers an electric atmosphere, fine views across the lake and superbly crafted cocktails. When it’s time to eat, take your pick from global dishes galore, including a vast selection of wood-fired pizzas, plus gyoza, padron peppers, burgers and loads more. With your Lausanne itinerary fulfilled, don’t forget to raise a glass and congratulate yourself on a day of expertly navigated sightseeing. And don’t fight the temptation to start planning a follow-up itinerary for next time, because there’s plenty more where that came from. Head to Lausanne Tourism’s website for more great trip-planning ideas.
