Things to Do and Avoid in Lausanne

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a beautiful Swiss city, replete with culture, history, and stunning natural scenery. From its alpine setting to its historic churches and museums, there is so much to explore here. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to the best things to do and the places to avoid in Lausanne.

1. Explore the Lausanne Cathedral

Built in the Romanesque style, the Lausanne Cathedral dates back over 800 years and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It houses some amazing art within, including stained-glass windows, oil paintings, and sculptures. The cathedral’s tower provides an excellent view of the entire city, and it also features a clock tower, built in 1530, which still chimes regularly throughout the day.

2. Visit the Palais de Rumine

The Palais de Rumine is a magnificent building, located in the center of Lausanne. Constructed between 1902 and 1914, this grand and imposing structure contains five museums – home to diverse works of art, archaeological artifacts, and historical and scientific objects. The Palais de Rumine is a great place to gain insight into the history of Lausanne.

3. Take a Trip to Ouchy

Ouchy is a port of Lausanne that sits right on Lake Geneva. Here, you can take a boat tour to explore the lake and admire the stunning alpine views. There are also plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, allowing you to make the most of your trip.

4. Spend Time Outdoors at Sauvabelin Tower

The Sauvabelin Tower is found in the Parc de Sauvabelin and offers stunning views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and Lake Geneva. This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, and a visit here will provide a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

5. Visit the Musée Olympique

The Musée Olympique is situated in a gorgeous Art Nouveau building and is dedicated to the history and tradition of the Olympic Games. Visitors can admire a collection of medals, trophies, and other memorabilia, as well as a multimedia presentation featuring athletes, host cities, and sports events.

Places to Avoid in Lausanne

1. Lausanne Railway Station

The Lausanne Railway Station is a busy transport hub and can be quite intimidating to visitors. It’s best to avoid the station unless absolutely necessary.

2. Place St-Francois

Place St-Francois is a bustling square and is a popular spot for pickpockets. There are often large crowds gathered here, so it’s best to keep your valuables safe and stay vigilant.

3. Rue du Petit-Chêne

Located in the Old Town of Lausanne, Rue du Petit-Chêne is known for its high concentration of nightclubs and bars. It can be quite noisy and overcrowded here, especially during weekends, so it’s best to avoid it unless you are looking to party.

4. Ouchy Beach

Ouchy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, but it can be quite dangerous as strong currents can be unpredictable. Therefore, it’s best to avoid swimming here and stick to admiring the views from the shore.

5. Riponne Market

The Riponne Market is held twice weekly and is a great spot to find food and handmade goods. However, it can get very crowded and chaotic, so it’s best to avoid it if you don’t enjoy busy environments.