Lausanne 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Centre

  • Arrival: Lausanne’s main airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), easily accessible by train or taxi. From Geneva, take a train directly to Lausanne’s main station.

  • Accommodation: Stay in the city centre for easy access to attractions and dining options. Recommended hotels include Hotel Royal Savoy and W Hotel & Spa.

  • Lunch: Try traditional Swiss dishes at Le Matelot, a popular seafood restaurant by Lake Geneva.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the history of the Olympic Games. Stroll around the Promenade de la Bouchonne, offering beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

  • Dinner: Dine at Les Halles, a food market with multiple eateries serving local and international cuisine.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the lake or enjoy a drink at one of the many bars in the city centre.

Day 2: Exploring Lausanne’s Cultural Sites

  • Breakfast: Start your day with pastries and coffee at La Bottega, a charming café in the Old Town.

  • Morning: Visit the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on Lake Geneva.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake or grab something quick at Le Café du Chillon inside the castle.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Ville-Mère), visit the Cathedral of Lausanne and the nearby St. François Church.

  • Dinner: Savor Italian cuisine at La Piazza, a local favorite.

Day 3: Adventure and Nature

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at your hotel or try Café du Soleil in the Old Town.

  • Morning: Take a cable car up to Mount Riex for panoramic views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva. Hike around the area or visit the Planetarium.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Le Refuge du Rocher on Mount Riex, offering Swiss and international dishes.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Natural History or spend time relaxing at Ouchy Beach.

  • Dinner: Dine at La Palette de Bœuf, known for its high-quality steaks.

Day 4: Day Trip to Montreux

  • Breakfast: Start early and grab breakfast at your hotel before heading to the train station.

  • Morning: Take a short train ride to Montreux and visit the Chillon Castle (if you didn’t go on day 2).

  • Lunch: Have lunch in Montreux at Le Perroquet, offering Swiss and international dishes with lake views.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Queen Mary Dock, stroll along the Promenade du Littoral or visit the Freddie Mercury Statue.

  • Dinner: Return to Lausanne for dinner at Les Fondues du Paco, a restaurant specializing in fondue.

Day 5: Leisure and Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast in Lausanne at Le Petit Chêne or La Café des Bains.

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs, relaxing at the lake, or visiting any remaining attractions you may have missed.

  • Departure: Head to Lausanne’s main station for your train back to Geneva Airport for your departure.