Lausanne

The capital of Vaud, Lausanne is a vibrant lakeside city built on steep hillsides overlooking Lake Geneva with a stunning medieval cathedral at its heart. It's a cultural hub featuring world-class museums, the Olympic Museum, excellent restaurants, and serves as the main gateway to exploring the region.

Things to do

• Lausanne Cathedral — Explore this stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral in the Old Town with intricate rose windows and a climb up the tower for panoramic lake views.
• Olympic Museum — Visit the world's leading Olympic institution housed in a beautiful lakeside building with interactive exhibits on Olympic history and sports.
• Collection de l'Art Brut — Discover an exceptional museum dedicated to raw and outsider art in a converted castle with works from self-taught and marginalized artists.
• Lavaux Vineyards — Hike or take the train through UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards just outside the city, stopping at local wine villages like Lutry and Epesses.
• Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts — Browse Swiss and international art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works in this comprehensive fine arts museum.
• Lake Geneva Waterfront — Stroll along the scenic promenade with swimming beaches, parks, and views of the Alps, particularly beautiful at sunset.
• Métro and Old Town Exploration — Ride Europe's steepest metro line through the city and explore winding medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and local shops in the historic center.

Food to try

• Fondue Vaudoise — A regional variation of Swiss fondue using Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses with potatoes and bread, hearty and quintessentially Vaudois.
• Filet de Perch — Fresh lake perch fillets from Geneva, typically pan-fried and served with lemon, a local delicacy reflecting Lausanne's lakeside location.
• Papet Vaudois — A traditional Vaud dish of leeks and potatoes topped with sausage or bacon, representing authentic regional comfort food.
• Lavaux Wine Tasting — Sample local white wines like Chasselas directly from the terraced vineyards surrounding the city, often paired with local cheese.
• Croissants and Swiss Pastries — Visit local bakeries for exceptional butter croissants, pain au chocolat, and meringues that exemplify Swiss baking craftsmanship.

Local customs & good to know

• French-Speaking Region — Lausanne is French-speaking; while English is common in tourism areas, learning basic French phrases shows respect and enhances local interactions.
• Punctuality and Reliability — Swiss culture values punctuality highly, so arrive on time for reservations, tours, and public transport, as schedules are strictly maintained.
• Sustainable Transport — The city promotes public transportation and cycling; consider purchasing a Lausanne City Card for unlimited metro and bus access plus museum discounts.
• Quiet Hours and Respect — Swiss culture observes quiet hours in the evenings and on Sundays; avoid loud activity and respect residential peace, especially in the Old Town.