Lausanne-4-day-itinerary

Lausanne, Switzerland 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and Cathedral

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café de l’Évêché, a cozy spot in the heart of the old town.
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the iconic Lausanne Cathedral ( Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Lausanne), a beautiful Gothic church with stunning views of the city.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Grab lunch at Le Vaudois, a traditional Swiss restaurant serving local specialties.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wander through the charming streets of the old town, exploring its many shops, galleries, and historic buildings.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at L’Auberge du Vieux-Lausanne, a historic inn serving refined Swiss cuisine.
  • 9:30 PM: Take a romantic evening stroll along the lakeshore promenade, offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva.

Day 2: Discover Lausanne’s Museums and Parks

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique), dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games.
  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at Le Café des Arts, a trendy spot near the museum.

Afternoon

  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the beautiful Mon-Repos Park (Parc de Mon-Repos), featuring stunning gardens and a picturesque lake.
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Visit the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts), showcasing an impressive collection of Swiss art.

Evening

  • 9:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Le Grand Café, a stylish restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • 11:00 PM: End your day with a relaxing drink at Bar Le XXème, a chic cocktail bar in the heart of the city.

Day 3: Take in the Views and Visit Ouchy

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Café de la Gare, a convenient spot near the train station.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Take the Lausanne-Ouchy Funicular (Funiculaire Lausanne-Ouchy) to the lakeshore neighborhood of Ouchy.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at Le Restaurant du Port, a waterfront eatery serving fresh seafood.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore Ouchy’s picturesque streets, visit the Ouchy Castle (Château d’Ouchy), and enjoy the stunning lake views.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dine at Le Chalet Suisse, a traditional Swiss restaurant in Ouchy.
  • 10:00 PM: Return to Lausanne’s city center using the funicular or bus.

Day 4: Visit Évian and Enjoy Wine Tasting

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Take a day trip to Évian-les-Bains, a charming town on the French side of Lake Geneva ( approx. 1-hour journey by bus or car).
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Palais Lumière, a stunning palace hosting cultural events and exhibitions.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at Le Bistro de l’Évian, a cozy restaurant serving local specialties.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Domaine du Château (Wine Cellar) for wine tasting and learn about the region’s renowned wines.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Return to Lausanne and enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Restaurant de la Maison, a Michelin-starred eatery offering refined cuisine.
  • 10:30 PM: End your day with a scenic evening stroll along the lake promenade.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Palace Lausanne: A luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of Lake Geneva.
  • Lausanne Hostel: A budget-friendly option with modern amenities and a central location.

Transportation

  • Lausanne Public Transport: An efficient network of buses, trams, and funiculars connecting the city’s main attractions.
  • Rent a Car: Ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and visiting Évian-les-Bains.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: French is the predominant language in Lausanne, but many locals also speak English.
  • Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF), although euros are widely accepted.
  • Weather: Lausanne enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer.
  • Safety: Lausanne is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Other Interests

  • Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Lausanne offers numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities, such as boat cruises on Lake Geneva.
  • Festivals and Events: Lausanne hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Lausanne Film Festival and the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights).

Enjoy your trip to Lausanne!