Lausanne 3 Day Itinerary

Lausanne: A 3-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Lausanne, Switzerland! This charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva offers stunning views, a vibrant cultural scene, and delicious Swiss cuisine. This itinerary will guide you through some of Lausanne’s highlights:

Things to Know:

  • Language: French is the official language.
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
  • Transportation: Lausanne has an excellent public transport system with buses, metro, and boats. The Lausanne Transport Card provides free access to public transportation within the city. Purchase it at the Tourist Information Center.

Accommodation:

For this itinerary, we recommend staying in a centrally located hotel like:

  • Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace: A luxurious lakeside hotel with stunning views.
  • Hôtel de la Paix: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lausanne.

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Start your day at the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, Lausanne’s iconic gothic cathedral. Climb the tower for panoramic city views. Afterwards, wander through the historic Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and charming cafes.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at Le Chalet. Try the fondue or raclette for an authentic experience.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Olympic Museum, celebrating the history of the Olympic Games. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and learn about the world’s greatest sporting event.

  • Evening: Stroll along the Quai d’Ouchy, a picturesque promenade by the lake, and enjoy dinner with stunning sunset views at Restaurant La Perle du Lac.

Day 2: Lakeside Adventures & Culture

  • Morning: Take a boat trip across Lake Geneva to explore nearby towns like Montreux or Vevey. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps reflected in the water.

  • Lunch: In Montreux, savor delicious seafood at Le Deck, overlooking the lake.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Collection de l’Art Brut, a unique museum showcasing outsider art from self-taught artists.

  • Evening: Experience Lausanne’s vibrant nightlife with dinner and drinks in the trendy Flon district.

Day 3: Art, Nature & Relaxation

  • Morning: Hike up to the Sauvabelin Tower, offering panoramic views of Lausanne and Lake Geneva. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art at the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts, showcasing a diverse collection from medieval times to contemporary works.

  • Evening: Relax at a lakeside café, savoring a Swiss pastry and coffee while enjoying the sunset over Lake Geneva.

Transportation Tips:

  • Purchase the Lausanne Transport Card for free access to public transportation within the city.
  • Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland.

Other Points of Interest:

  • Vineyard visits: Explore the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just a short distance from Lausanne.

  • Shopping: Discover unique boutiques and designer stores along Rue de Bourg and in the Flon district.

  • Parks & Gardens: Relax in the tranquil Parc de Valency or stroll through the Jardin Botanique.

Enjoy your trip to Lausanne!