What to do in Lausanne: start with the Old Town and then head to Ouchy for Lake Geneva views, the Olympic Museum, and a relaxed waterfront walk. If you have more time, add Plateforme 10 for museums and a side trip to the Lavaux vineyards.

Quick Scoop

Lausanne is best for a mix of city views, culture, and lake scenery. The most commonly recommended highlights are Lausanne Old Town, Lausanne Cathedral, Place de la Palud, the Olympic Museum, Ouchy Promenade, Plateforme 10, Sauvabelin Tower, and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux.

Best things to do

  • Wander Lausanne Old Town. It has narrow streets, historic buildings, cafés, and several landmark stops like Escaliers du Marché, Lausanne Cathedral, and Place de la Palud.
  • Visit the Olympic Museum. It is one of Lausanne’s best-known attractions and is especially strong for sports fans.
  • Walk the Ouchy Promenade. This is the classic lakeside area for views of Lake Geneva, boats, parks, and cafés.
  • Explore Plateforme 10. This modern art district is a good choice if you want museums and design-focused culture near the central station.
  • Climb Sauvabelin Tower. It is a popular viewpoint for a wide city panorama.
  • Take in Lavaux. The terraced vineyards near Lausanne are one of the most scenic half-day trips in the area.

Easy itinerary

  1. Morning: Old Town, Cathedral, Place de la Palud.
  1. Lunch: Stop in the city center or by the lake.
  1. Afternoon: Olympic Museum and Ouchy Promenade.
  1. Evening: Sunset at Sauvabelin Tower or a wine stop near Lavaux.

If you like a certain vibe

  • History and architecture: Old Town, Cathedral, Place de la Palud.
  • Museums and culture: Olympic Museum, Plateforme 10.
  • Nature and views: Ouchy, Sauvabelin, Lavaux.

If you want, I can turn this into a 1-day, 2-day, or rainy-day Lausanne plan.