Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Lausanne, Switzerland. #Top Attractions

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Where should you go for the holidays? Try Lausanne, Switzerland. Explore the top activities to do and sights to see in Lausanne, Switzerland, to make the most of your time there. Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the best places to visit in Lausanne, Switzerland, below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 travel startup with ambitious goals to change the world.

Vivarium Lausanne

Vivarium Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Vivarium Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland / richie rocket / Flickr

A whole new level of aquatic experience and attraction!

Aquarium-vivarium Lausanne is the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe.

In it, you’ll find all kinds of fascinating animals from all over the world, including a gigantic Komodo dragon, which is something that many youngsters have never seen before.

There are many opportunities to learn about freshwater ecosystems and water conservation and see the species that make this place special.

Their creative use of technology and multi-media displays entices children to learn.

In addition to the fish, the facility houses a wide variety of other fascinating creatures, such as the famed spiders, crocodiles, monkeys, and snakes.

Visitors are frequently permitted to engage with these creatures while being closely monitored and guarded.

The animals are displayed and cared for in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the International Council of Museums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

In addition, the Aquarium-Vivarium is dedicated to freshwater conservation through partnerships with other academic institutions.

Check all the thousands of species in the place and be amazed at what it will give you!

Address: Rte de Berne 144, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland

Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lausanne

Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland / Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

An old Church that carries a lot of history in Lausanne!

The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Lausanne, built in 1275, has as much splendor and splendor as one could possibly conceive.

The 13th-century Apostles Doorway welcomed medieval travelers to the holy site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain as they followed St. James’ Way.

Finely painted stone figures decorate this 13th-century gateway.

Old Lausanne includes Maire Castle, built between 1397 and 1427, and the 17th-century town hall, which surrounds the cathedral.

Towers going back as far as the 12th century at Ouchy and the 1340 Ale Tower are all left of a medieval city wall with around 50 of them.

The Metro, Switzerland’s first remote-controlled underground subway system, is the most convenient way to get about Lausanne’s numerous neighborhoods.

The cathedral was a popular destination for pilgrims during the Middle Ages, with upwards of 70,000 people making the annual trip.

The city of Lausanne had a population of only 7,000 at the time.

One of the golden attractions in Lausanne, in perfect preservation since the day it was built!

Address: Pl. de la Cathédrale, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Château de Chillon

Château de Chillon, Lausanne, Switzerland
Château de Chillon, Lausanne, Switzerland / matthieu valentin / Flickr

Even if you don’t believe in fairytale castles, the dashingly magnificent Château de Chillon will change your mind!

The Château de Chillo is only 30 to 40 minutes away from Lausanne. The 12th-century Castle of Chillon near Montreux is perched on a rocky islet in Lake Geneva and appears to float above the water.

It offers stunning views of the lake and the Alps in France, making it the most visited historical site in Switzerland.

It hosts a variety of exhibitions and cultural activities regularly because of its moat, double ramparts, and a plethora of turrets and towering arches. 

Atop a rocky, oval-shaped island near Montreux, Switzerland’s pin-up castle, you can’t get a picture of it that doesn’t fall short of perfection.

In addition, Vaud notourisme (Vaud Wine Tourism) has certified the Castle of Chillon Foundation as the provider of these gastronomic experiences.

Clos de Chillon wines can be sampled at La Verrée Vaudoise, which is located in the area of Vaud.

Old preserved places are always enticing to visit, especially if it is one of the must-visit places in a country!

Address: Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland

Château d’Ouchy and Promenade

Château d'Ouchy and Promenade, Lausanne, Switzerland
Château d’Ouchy and Promenade, Lausanne, Switzerland / edwin.11 / Flickr

Have a royal experience staying at Lausanne!

You should visit the Château d’Ouchy and Promenade if you’re visiting Lausanne and need a place to stay or just want to see some gorgeous scenery.

Castle Varax is the seat of Bishop Guillaume de Varax and a prison. It was established around 1170 and reconstructed in 1889 in the neo-gothic style.

An elegant, flower-filled boulevard connects a collection of classic Belle Époque hotels in this charming locale.

The Promenade also serves as a link between the city’s newest areas and its historic core.

The Château d’Ouchy, a 12th-century castle-turned-heritage hotel, is the perfect accessory.

Some historical palaces in this area have been converted into boutique hotels, each suited for a king or queen.

You can also see the Thai Pavilion, a gift from Thailand; the views over the lake to the Savoy Alps may also be seen from the Promenade.

Regular departures from Place de la Navigation for boats stop at various spots along the lake and over to the French shore.

Experience a royal level of stay in Lausanne, and you will be amazed at everything you see in this place!

Address: Pl. du Port, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Collection de l’Art Brut

Collection de l'Art Brut, Lausanne, Switzerland
Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne, Switzerland / cometstarmoon / Flickr

A museum that values art and artists at the same time!

You won’t be disappointed by the collection of self-taught artists’ works at Lausanne’s Collection l’Art Brut, which is located in a gorgeous mansion full of surprises.

The beautiful Château de Beaulieu in Lausanne holds the Collection de l’Art Brut, a collection of avant-garde artwork.

Self-taught artists, frequently the marginalized, inmates, and prisoners, are the focus of this unique museum in Switzerland.

Through the museum’s permanent and temporary collections, visitors can think about and understand these non-artists.

For art lovers, the Collection de I’Art Brut is a unique museum with works created by self-taught artists, inmates, and other underprivileged groups.

The Château de Beaulieu, the museum’s 18th-century home, houses a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from paintings to sculptures made of various materials.

Located on Avenue Bergières 11, the Collection de l’Art Brut features more than 7,000 works by more than a thousand artists.

The perfect place to admire art for famous artists and everyone who makes art!

Address: Av. Bergières 11, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland

Escaliers du Marche

Escaliers du Marche, Lausanne, Switzerland
Escaliers du Marche is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

An attraction that connects another set of attractions!

In Lausanne, the Escaliers du Marche, a direct and abrupt link between La Palud and the Cathedral, is one of the most beautiful spots.

They have been around since the 13th century, and their current form, which includes curving wooden steps and a steep cobbled street, dates back from 1717 to 1719.

It was only artificially rebuilt in 1975 when an underpass was erected to connect the top half of the Bessières bridge and the street Pierre-Viret.

The town market used to be located on the square to their right, beneath rue Pierre-Viret, hence the name of the building, which still has the shade vestiges of its trees.

To the east of the stairs, a row of houses holding shops and cafes creates a stunning visual effect.

From the Place de la Palud to the Rue Pierre-Viret, its high-rising and dynamic mass grow contiguously. 

The cathedral’s belfry extends the ascent in an impressive style towards its apex.

Address: Esc. du Marché, 1003, Lausanne, Switzerland

Esplanade de Montbenon

Esplanade de Montbenon, Lausanne, Switzerland
Esplanade de Montbenon, Lausanne, Switzerland / Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Not just a park but a park that will nourish your history!

Montbenon is one of Lausanne’s most popular parks. Awe-inspiring views, lush greenery, and shady nooks abound. It’s difficult to find a better product on the market.

The Esplanade de Montbenon’s lush grounds provide the ideal vantage point from which to take in the lake and mountain vistas.

A 1908 Florentine-style edifice, the Casino de Montbenon, is located in the city’s western portion.

The view from the esplanade is one of Lausanne’s best-kept secrets. After turning around, it’s impossible to avoid the Palais de Justice’s towering architecture.

In addition to the District Court, the Cantonal Court and the Federal Court were located in this building.

The Cinémathèque Suisse is housed in the casino west of the esplanade.

A weird, small yellow freestone structure is opposite the building’s front door. This is William Tell’s Chapel.

A statue depicting William Tell stands outside the Palace of Justice. This was given to the city by a Parisian donor in 1902 as a token of gratitude for the hospitality extended to Bourbakis army men detained in Switzerland in 1871.

Places like this are on the must-go list because you will value history and enjoy it at the same time!

Address: All. Ernest-Ansermet 3, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Flon Quarter

Flon Quarter, Lausanne, Switzerland
Flon Quarter is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

Make your way to the treasure-trove alleys of Flon Quater!

The Flon region was formerly home to storage and transshipment facilities.

Today, it has been transformed into a massive complex of avant-garde structures housing offices, shopping malls, parking garages, canton administration, flats, and nightly entertainment venues.

The architects took great care to complement the existing industrial style of the early 1900s while also incorporating new structures with cutting-edge design while completing the area.

The former warehouses are now home to art galleries, architectural businesses, and studios for artists.

There are a few buildings in the center of modern construction where you can see old frescoes on their walls. This is the Pépinières, for example. It’s a visual pleasure!

Les Cubes, on the other hand, are the main attraction of the Voie du Chariot. Take a look at this outdoor art exhibit that is sure to pique the interest of art lovers everywhere.

A district that today is a must-see in Lausanne for everyone interested in architecture, history, and the arts.

Address: Rue de Genève 7, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Hermitage Foundation

Hermitage Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland
Hermitage Foundation is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

See the work of contemporary artists from Switzerland and throughout the world.

The Foundation de l’Hermitage is one of Lausanne’s most beloved cultural institutions because of the importance of the exhibitions it hosts and the unique environment in which they are held.

The collection is famous worldwide and housed in a lovely villa overlooking the city.

With views of the Alps, the old town of Geneva, and Lake Geneva, the museum’s 19th-century manor home is an ideal location for a museum.

Impressionist artists like Gauguin and Degas are frequently included at the Hermitage, which hosts two to three international exhibitions each year.

In the museum’s basement, a large exhibit of Chinese porcelain is always on display.

The restaurant that is adjacent to the Hermitage Museum plays host to a variety of cultural and gastronomic events that the Fondation de l’Hermitage routinely organizes. 

These activities are designed to provide visitors with an experience that is pleasurable in a variety of ways.

For those who need a break after walking around the city, there’s a beautiful park just outside the museum that is always available to the public.

Address: Rte du Signal 2, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

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Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland
Lake Geneva, Lausanne, Switzerland / Kosala Bandara / Flickr

Get a glimpse of the state’s largest freshwater lake that will make you fall in love with it!

Several famous people and artists have found inspiration in the area’s lovely setting, and others have made it their permanent home.

It’s a vast body of water whose hues shift with the hours, giving the impression that the sky and water are one.

Lake Geneva, also known as Lac Léman in the region, is encircled by the terraced vineyards of Lavaux and La Côte on one side and by the magnificently rising snow-coated Alps on the other side.

It never ceases to enchant local people who live on either the French or the Swiss side of the lake because the border runs through the lake’s center and visitors who visit.

Water sports, from waterskiing and sailing to pedal boats and wakeboarding, can be enjoyed on the beach or on one of the many steamships that traverse its waterways. 

It also provides an array of other aquatic activities, including fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Lausanne’s urban area has more than 50 beaches with a variety of services perfect for those who love to soak up the sun.

Address: Southwestern Switzerland, Haute-Savoie, France

Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum

Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

Learn about the Roman city of Lousonna from the museum’s exhibits and displays.

A time of transition for the people who lived there because they were forced to learn a new language, Latin; new technologies like glass, tiles, stonework, and blown glass; and new foods such as dates, olive oil, and fish from the sea. 

All of this activity took place within the context of the common market that existed within the Roman Empire, complete with its own currency and an incredible network of communication.

There are remnants of a magnificent mansion in Lausanne-Roman Vidy’s Museum, including painted rooms, an atrium, and rooms with floor heating.

The Lacus Lemannus shoreline of two hundred years ago is vividly recalled in the museum’s permanent exhibition, which features a plethora of artifacts.

A scenic walk rounds up the museum’s offer through the ruins of the Forum, which are still visible in the surrounding countryside.

Year-round seminars at the museum teach kids Latin, how to bake Gallo-Roman bread, cook Roman food, and introduce them to the deities they should fear or revere. 

Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about history through these activities!

Address: Chem. du Bois-de-Vaux 24, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts

Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts, Lausanne, Switzerland
Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

Explore one of Switzerland’s oldest museums devoted solely to art.

With almost 10,000 works on display, the Vaud Museum of Fine Arts hosts various temporary exhibitions each year. It was first opened in 1841 and is now located in Plateforme 10.

A historic 19th-century railway hall and a few other industrial buildings occupy most of the site’s more than 2 hectares near the city’s major train station.

The proposals implement a new structural void, which is a new public plaza that the museums gravitate around as part of an urban strategy.

The Vaud Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) is well-known throughout Switzerland and the world for its collection of works by Vaudois artists such as Gleyre, Ducros, Vallotton, Soutter, and Steinlen, among others.

Every year, the MCBA hosts a number of short-term exhibitions, each accompanied by a variety of tours, events, and workshops for both adults and children.

Everyone is welcome to visit on the first Saturday of each month for free. But don’t let that stop you from visiting this fantastic educational institution!

Address: Pl. de la Gare 16, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Olympic Museum

Olympic Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland
Olympic Museum, Lausanne, Switzerland / llee_wu / Flickr

It’s time to put on your shinpads and revisit your favorite Olympic experiences.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called the Swiss city of Lausanne, known as the Olympic Capital, home for the past one hundred years. 

The Olympic Museum had a major facelift in 2013, bringing it up to speed with the latest technology.

The exhibition features over 150 displays and over 1500 items to depict the history of games and athletic tournaments. 

The Olympic flames and medals from each and every Olympic competition, in addition to the athletic gear used by the world’s most well-known athletes.

The numerous interactive activities make it easy for children to slip into the shoes of an athlete.

This is a must-see sight in Lausanne because of the changing exhibitions, the art-decorated grounds, and the panoramic café that overlooks the Alps and Lake Geneva.

The champions’ heartbeat is palpable. What better way to get a taste of the city’s creative spirit than to visit? There are so many different aspects to the games that you can enjoy completely new.

Address: Quai d’Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Palais de Rumine

Palais de Rumine, Lausanne, Switzerland
Palais de Rumine, Lausanne, Switzerland / matthieu valentin / Flickr

Lausanne’s historic center is a gold mine of information.

An aristocratic Russian-born Lausanne mother bequeathed to the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1871 1.5 million francs for constructing a public edifice.

In 1889, the city decided to create a new university at the foot of City Hill and held an architecture competition, which Lyon’s Gaspard André won in 1890.

There are no fewer than five museums within the palace’s Florentine Renaissance design, evoking the cradle of universalist humanism. 

The Academy’s general services, learned organizations, classrooms, technical faculty, libraries, and a library are all located within the palace’s grounds.

It was built in 1906, and it still has a lot of the original details.

Two wings are connected by an extremely intricate part in the middle that includes a stairway that causes optical illusions and a large atrium with a pond, among other things.

If you’re in the area, don’t skip the Cantonal Money Museum and Cantonal University libraries, which are housed at the Palais de Rumine today!

Address: Pl. de la Riponne 6, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Place de la Palud

Place de la Palud, Lausanne, Switzerland
Place de la Palud is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

Look around and see what’s offered in this plaza.

The town’s first fountain can be found in the middle of the plaza, and it features a statue that embodies the concept of justice.

The upper portion of Place de la Palud is brought to life by the arresting Fontaine de la Justice.

A clock not far away features animated vignettes depicting events from the region’s past on the hour from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

This is the location of the country’s main market, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in the mornings. Vendors can also be found setting up a business on the pedestrian streets that are located nearby.

It is the site of a monthly art fair that takes place on the first Friday of each month.

This upscale neighborhood is entirely pedestrianized, so in addition to the usual cafes and boutiques, there are also a number of large, classy stores.

The 17th-century Town Hall, with its distinctive arcades, Vaudois roof, and Renaissance façade with two copper gargoyles in the style of dragons, is located here.

This square is considered to be one of the town’s important sites because it is located at the intersection of multiple pedestrian streets.

Address: Pl. de la Palud 1, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Plateforme 10

Plateforme 10 , Lausanne, Switzerland
Plateforme 10 is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

The new arts district is home to three museums that you should definitely see!

Plateforme 10, the city’s primary train station, is now home to Lausanne’s newest arts area.

Plateforme 10 will be more than just a museum complex. This creative platform in the middle of the city will be enriched by a huge program that is free of charge, benefiting from its warm and inviting atmosphere.

As a result, more people, particularly those who aren’t used to visiting museums, will be encouraged to do so.

An area where people may dine, socialize, and unwind will be included in a shared program that takes advantage of the museum’s fourteen arcades along the northern retention wall.

The cultural character of the region will be highlighted by the site’s facilities and atmosphere.

Plateforme10’s creative energy is further enhanced by the shared program’s events to encourage people to interact with art in the district’s big public spaces.

Aside from the cafés, bookshops, and arcades that line its pleasant esplanade, Plateforme 10 makes you feel like you are in a genuine Lausanne neighborhood that is definitely worth your while.

Address: Avenue Louis-Ruchonnet, CH-1003 Lausanne, Swiss

Rochers-de-Naye Railway

Rochers-de-Naye Railway, Lausanne, Switzerland
Rochers-de-Naye Railway, Lausanne, Switzerland / Vasile Cotovanu / Flickr

Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the top of the mountain.

Rochers de Naye is just a one-hour ride away from the MOB cog railway from the banks of the lake.

The railway traverses through communities, farmland, and forests as it rises over 1,600 meters above sea level.

For a panoramic view, ride along Lake Geneva before ascending into the mountains.

Lake Geneva and its surrounding mountains may be seen in all their glory from a tiny path snaking its way up the slope.

When you reach the peak, you’ll find a variety of recreational opportunities suitable for people of all ages waiting for you there. 

La Rambertia’s Alpine Garden boasts an impressive collection of more than 1,000 Alpine plants, and there are a number of hiking trails just waiting to be discovered. 

Summer tourists can see marmots and magnificent alpine flowers, while winter visitors can make use of the area’s well-known winter sports facilities.

At the summit of the mountain, there are two restaurants that serve traditional Swiss cuisine.

If you make it to the top, you won’t want to miss the spectacular view or the variety of things to do!

Address: 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland

Sauvabelin Tower

Sauvabelin Tower, Lausanne, Switzerland
Sauvabelin Tower, Lausanne, Switzerland / Miles Sabin / Flickr

Get a bird-eye perspective of Lausanne’s city!

Views of the Lausanne conurbation and Lake Geneva can be seen from the 35-meter-tall tower, which was completed in 2003. 

The three geographic zones of Switzerland—the Jura, the Alps, and the Plateau—may also be seen from the top of the tower.

The majority of this tower’s construction was done using Douglas fir that was sourced from local forests.

When it comes to environmentally-friendly city planning, Lausanne has a lot of experience.

The wide asphalt forest trail continues after you reach the tower’s base.

When you reach the end of the trail, take a left turn and follow the slope to your right.

When you reach the bottom of the hill, use the pedestrian crossing next to the bus station to cross the road. From there, take the route that goes in front of the home with the pale orange facade.

After following this path, you’ll arrive at the Signal de Sauvabelin lookout point at the finish.

You’ll be treated to a stunning vista from the highly distinctive structure while hiking in this beautiful area.

Address: Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

Space of Inventions

Space of Inventions, Lausanne, Switzerland
Space of Inventions is one of the best places to go in Lausanne, Switzerland

It’s time to spark your interest and stimulate your brain!

In Espace des inventions, it is the location where people of all ages can learn about the latest advances in science, technology, engineering, and the arts.

As of December 2000, Espace des innovations has been open to the general public with the goal of fostering a love of learning, a critical eye for detail, and a creative spirit in all visitors.

The museum encourages its young audience to explore the cultural diversity that abounds around them, as well as the seemingly limitless possibilities offered by modern science and technology.

With its round-shaped edifice dating back to the 1964 National Exhibition, the Space of Inventions is in a unique location in the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Paris.

On three levels, visitors will be able to see exhibits focusing on science, art, and culture.

Visitors are encouraged to actively participate in order to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibit through observation and experimentation.

Children and families are invited to explore the Espace des innovations, a science center dedicated to sparking an interest in the world around them via hands-on exhibits and activities.

Address: Vall. de la Jeunesse 1, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Thai Pavilion

Thai Pavilion, Lausanne, Switzerland
Thai Pavilion, Lausanne, Switzerland / Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Behold the strong ties that bind the King of Thailand and the city of Lausanne.

For the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s coronation and the 75th anniversary of foreign alliances between Thailand and Switzerland, Thailand’s King gave the Thai pavilion to the City of Lausanne in 2005.

Building a pavilion with four sides and a Mandapa that looks like the royal palace is the Jaturamuk style of Thai architecture.

Including the apex of the roof, it is 6 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 16 meters high.

Fork-tail construction, wood carving, gold and glass ornamentation, and gold leaf painting are only some of the traditional Thai arts on display in this structure.

These buildings are not considered places of worship; instead, they are considered a portion of a palace and designed for use during outdoor events.

With the help of the Lausanne parks and promenades department, a Thai-built building was completed in 2007.

Do not miss the opportunity to understand its significance in the development of Lausanne!

Are you still on the fence about visiting Lausanne, Switzerland? Visit reasons to visit Lausanne, Switzerland, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

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