Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, you’ll find the hilly, medieval city of Lausanne. While Geneva attracts the crowds, it’s worth exploring this smaller metropolis, just 35 minutes away by train. Expect boutique-lined alleyways, a remarkable Gothic cathedral, and sun-drenched cafes that tumble down towards the glittering waterfront and dramatic snow-capped Alps beyond.
Lausanne is also nicknamed the "Olympic Capital". In 1915, Pierre de Coubertin moved the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee to this beautiful Swiss city—and it’s remained here ever since. From the world-famous Olympic Museum to the grape-laden terraces of Lavaux, there’s plenty to see and do in Lausanne.
Read on to discover the highlights of this underrated Swiss city.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Laralrimeeva. Image Location: Bessières Bridge, Lausanne, Switzerland
What are the best things to do in Lausanne?
See the Olympic Museum
You can’t visit Lausanne without going to the Olympic Museum. It’s packed with 100,000 historical artifacts from previous Olympic Games, including Michael Phelps’ swimsuit from when he won his first gold medal. Take part in a running race to see how your time compares to Usain Bolt or marvel at the historic Olympic torches and medals.
Explore Lake Geneva
From Lausanne, you’re in prime position to explore Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in western Europe. Go stand-up paddleboarding along the shoreline or take a cruise on a classic steamboat with Compagnie Générale de Navigation.
See the Lavaux vineyards
Catch the train out to Lavaux where you can hike through the steep Unesco-listed vineyards that line the sun-soaked hillside. Finish back in Lausanne with a cheese fondue dinner at Brasserie Saint-Laurent, best paired with a local Chasselas vin blanc.
Go skiing
Visiting in the winter? Climb on board a direct train from Lausanne to Les Diablerets ski resort. Lap the pistes like Lindsey Vonn or venture across Peak Walk, the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain summits.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Comezora. Image Location: Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland
What are the best events to catch in Lausanne?
Lausanne is all about sporting events. For years, tennis fans would flock here to catch the Ladies Open Lausanne, a key stop of the Women’s Tennis Association tour. However, 2023 marked its final year.
Lausanne Diamond League
Visit in August when the city hosts the Lausanne Diamond League at La Pontaise Olympic stadium. Watch the world’s best athletes take part in a series of track and field events. Tickets sell out fast, so make sure you book in advance.
Prix de Lausanne
If you're traveling here in January, book tickets for the Prix de Lausanne, an international competition for young ballet dancers aged 15 to 18. Many of the competitors go on to join world-famous ballet companies, so it’s a great chance to see incredible performances for a fraction of the price of a regular ballet.
Image Credit: Getty Images, JackF. Image Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Where should I stay in Lausanne?
Lausanne Palace
The five-star Lausanne Palace is the ultimate hotel to book if you’re looking to splash out. Opened in 1915, this grand dame sits in the heart of the city. Inside, the luxurious interior is replete with gold trim and velvet furnishings. It’s easy to see why Coco Chanel was a former guest here. Tuck into a Michelin-starred dinner or kick back in the luxurious spa, complete with an indoor pool, sauna and juice bar.
Hôtel Agora Swiss Night
For somewhere more low-key, try the Hôtel Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind. Just three minutes from Lausanne station, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city. Think simple clean rooms with large bathrooms as well as a fitness center downstairs. Unusually for a budget-friendly hotel, there is a knockout view of Lake Geneva from the glass-ceilinged breakfast room.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ben Parsons / 500px. Image Location: Lake Geneva (Lake Léman), Lausanne, Switzerland
How should I travel around Lausanne?
Lausanne is a tiny city; the easiest way to travel around is by foot. However, there is also a metro system—the smallest in the world —as well as a bus network, if you’d like a helping hand up the steep hills. Beyond Lausanne itself, it’s best to travel by train. The city has direct railway links with Geneva (including the airport) as well as Montreux and ski resorts Les Diablerets and Leysin.
Start your Swiss adventure
Download the Trainline App for top deals on train tickets, plus by-the-minute service updates. Also check out our guides to some of the top things to do in Switzerland, like taking one of its best scenic train routes, hitting the slopes in the luxury ski resort of Gstaad, or visiting Zürich.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Bogdan Lazar. Image Location: Château d'Ouchy, Lausanne, Switzerland