Should You Visit Lausanne?

Is Lausanne worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to two days because of the many great activities. 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.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Reasons to Visit Lausanne

Museums
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.

Food
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.

Shopping
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.

Nightlife
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.

Historical Sights
There's a relatively large historic section that has a Gothic cathedral and many quaint shops.

Authenticity
Lausanne has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Lausanne

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Lausanne might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Lausanne here or see if Lausanne is expensive here.

Related

What is Lausanne most famous for?

Lausanne is most famous for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. The city is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Also, it's known for nightlife and historical sights. It is often described as cultural, international, diverse, and vibrant.

What is the most famous sight in Lausanne?

The most popular sight in Lausanne is The Olympic Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Lausanne on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Olympic Museum and other attractions here.

How touristy is Lausanne? Is it a popular city to visit?

Lausanne is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Lausanne (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
• Guided tour of the city of Evian-les-Bains: $55
• Chaplin's World Entrance Ticket: $34
• (KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne: $157
• The Olympic Museum Entrance Ticket in Lausanne: $22
• Winter Gruyères, chocolate & cheese tour from Lausanne: $147
• Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
• Round trip cruise from Vevey to Chillon: $34

How long should I spend in Lausanne?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lausanne is one to two days. Since Lausanne has activities such as museums, dining, and shopping, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lausanne? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lausanne?.