Lausanne 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lausanne

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café du Soleil, located in the vibrant Flon district.
  • Head to Lausanne Cathedral (Église Saint-Ours) - a stunning Gothic cathedral offering panoramic views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva if you climb the 215 steps to the top of its tower.

Afternoon:

  • Take a stroll along Quai de l’Ouchy, enjoying the beautiful lake view and stopping at various points of interest such as the Monument de la Fondation de Lausanne, Palais de Beaulieu and the Olympic Museum.
  • Visit the Museum of Art (Musée cantonal des beaux-arts) to admire works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Chagall.
  • Have lunch at Le Porto Vecchio, an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Ouchy.

Evening:

  • Relax at the Parc de l’Ouchy or take a boat tour on Lake Geneva to enjoy the sunset.
  • Dine at Le Bouchon du Monteret, a cozy and popular restaurant serving Swiss specialties.

Day 2: Discovering Olympic Park and Surroundings

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Le Flon Café, another great spot in the Flon district.
  • Visit Olympic Park (Parc Olympique de Lausanne), home to several sports facilities including the iconic Swimming Pool, the Olympic Museum, and the Swiss Tennis Arena.
  • Take a tour of Museum of Olympic Games to learn about the history of the Olympics.

Afternoon:

  • Explore Vidy neighbourhood, known for its modern architecture, and check out buildings like M2M (Media 2 Media) and the Cité de la culture et de la communication.
  • Grab lunch at Le Jardin des Lumières, a restaurant with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.

Evening:

  • Visit the La Chaudronnerie in Vidy, a unique venue hosting various cultural events like concerts, theater shows, and exhibitions.
  • Have dinner at Le Bistrot du Plateau, offering Swiss and French dishes in a charming atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Lausanne is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, so it’s useful to have some basic French knowledge or use translation apps.
  • The Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) offers a great network of trains throughout Switzerland, making Lausanne easily accessible from other cities.
  • Switzerland can be quite expensive, but there are ways to save money such as using the Geneva Transport Card, which gives free travel on public transport in the canton of Vaud and discounts at participating museums and attractions.
  • Tips in restaurants are usually included in the bill, but if you feel the service was exceptional, round up to the nearest Swiss Franc (CHF).

Transportation:

  • Lausanne’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate. You can use buses, trams, and trains with a single ticket or travel card.
  • To explore Lake Geneva, take advantage of boat tours departing from various points along the lakefront.
  • Biking is another popular way to get around Lausanne, with bike rentals available at several locations.

Enjoy your trip to beautiful Lausanne!