Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lausanne?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lausanne?
Many visitors spend one to two days in Lausanne during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the shops and boutiques, and the historic old town.
Lausanne is a beautiful city that sits on the banks of Lake Geneva. It's in the French speaking part of Switzerland and it has a nice historical section that is filled with shops and a cathedral. The city is also home to the International Olympic Committee.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Lausanne? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Lausanne?
Three days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Lausanne, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, browse the shops, and admire the historic sights. You could also use Lausanne as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 3 days in Lausanne
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Lausanne, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Olympic Museum Entrance Ticket in Lausanne ($23)
- Lausanne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Swiss cheese and charcuterie wine tasting ($51)
The public transit in Lausanne is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats.
Shopping in Lausanne is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Lausanne is the Olympic Museum, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
Lausanne is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lake Geneva, this city has a charming historic section and many great shops.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boat cruise from Lausanne to Evian ($43)
- Guided Walking Tour in Lausanne ($32)
- Walking Tour in Lausanne Switzerland ($68)
Is 4 days enough time in Lausanne?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Lausanne at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, the shops and boutiques, and the historic old town. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Lausanne, Switzerland
How to spend 4 days in Lausanne
With 4 days in Lausanne, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided Walking Tour in Lausanne ($32)
- Walking Tour in Lausanne Switzerland ($68)
- Historical Walking Tour of Vevey for Families ($180)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lausanne.
Is 5 days enough time in Lausanne?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Lausanne has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Lausanne as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and the shops and boutiques at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for students. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Lausanne
If you have more than 5 days in Lausanne, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Lausanne, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- (KTL352) - Gruyeres Day Trip with Chocolate Factory from Lausanne ($148)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Lausanne.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Lausanne, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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