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Top 17 Things to Do in Lausanne, Switzerland

Ishaan Govardhan Apr 20, 2024
As the focal point of international sporting, Lausanne is known as the world's Olympic Capital. This charming countryside town is perched on a slope—in the French-speaking Romandy region of Switzerland—which leads to the pristine Lake Geneva.

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Lausanne is blessed with incredible views of the gorgeous Lake Geneva - a lake so big that it's shared by 2 nations. On your first day, start by admiring this postcard view framed by the towering alps!

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Go for a scenic lakeside drive, looping your way around Lake Geneva and passing by Lausanne's charming neighbor towns. Stop the car to frolic around in the lush Lavaux Vineyards that sprawl over its rolling valleys.

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Back within city limits, you'll be drawn to the spiritual side of Lausanne, starting with the Swiss Reformed Church of Saint-François.

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If you're looking for a good show, catch the gracefully choreographed performances of Lausanne's own Béjart Ballet: a renowned ballet company that tours internationally.
Those with refined tastes should check out the prestigious Lausanne Opera for its well-produced baroque concerts and hauntingly beautiful vocal performances.

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Delve into the arts-and-culture scene of Lausanne, by paying an enlightening visit to Palais de Rumine: a Renaissance-style palace that houses 5 different museums!
The International Olympic Committee saw fit to choose Lausanne as its headquarters, because it symbolizes the values and resilience of the athletic spirit.
Wandering Lausanne's winding streets, you'll come across this quaint little stairway: the iconic Escaliers du Marche. Climb up the steps to enter the bustling heart of the city.

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As the capital of the Swiss canton of Vaud, Lausanne is the region's spiritual beacon. Marvel at the stunning Gothic-style Lausanne Cathedral, which has stood tall since the 13th century!
For inspiration, you can admire the works of some of the greatest photographers at Musée de l'Elysée, which boasts a collection of more than 100,000 photographs.

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Get in touch with nature at Lausanne's collection of sealife and other creatures: the Aquatis Aquarium. The zoo's Komodo Dragon made the news back in 2016, for managing to escape the zoo (it has been recaptured)!

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Embark on a short hike, into the wilderness surrounding Lausanne. You can choose to explore the shores of Lake Geneva, or venture deep within the green valleys of the alps.

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With the proper license, you can go fishing on Lake Geneva (aka Lac Léman) or any of the other lakes and rivers. Or join a fishing trip, guided by the locals, who will also prepare the catch of the day for a delicious lunch!

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Can't resist the idyllic water of Lake Geneva anymore? It's time to go paddling on the pristine lake, all you have to do is rent a canoe.

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From the Lausanne docks, you can climb aboard a ferryboat or a pleasure cruise, for a tour of the huge lake. Journey all the way across the lake to the French lakeside villages of Evian or Thonon.
Back in Lausanne, indulge yourself with some sumptuous Swiss cheese fondue at La Pinte Besson!

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For a taste of the world famous Swiss chocolate, head over to Durig Choclatier. Delectable Swiss chocolate from Lausanne is pretty much the perfect gift for friends back home!