Lausanne 7 Day Itinerary

Lausanne 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Lausanne and check-in at Hotel des Voyageurs or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a beautiful Gothic church with stunning views of the city. Explore the nearby Old Town (Vieille Ville) and its charming streets, boutiques, and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Chalet Suisse, serving traditional Swiss cuisine.

Day 2: Museums and Lake Views

  • Morning: Visit the Olympic Museum, dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games. Afterwards, take a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts, featuring an impressive collection of Swiss art.
  • Evening: Relax with a drink at Bar Le 7ème, offering great views of the city.

Day 3: Wine and Vineyards

  • Morning: Take a wine tour at Domaine des Terres Blanches, a local vineyard producing high-quality wines.
  • Afternoon: Visit the picturesque village of Lavaux, known for its stunning views, charming streets, and wine cellars.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Auberge de l’Abreuvoir, serving seasonal dishes.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Take a hike in the nearby Jura Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the city and lake.
  • Afternoon: Rent a bike and explore the scenic Lake Geneva shoreline (Rive Gauche) or visit the Lausanne Botanical Garden.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Pont Bénédiction, serving modern Swiss cuisine.

Day 5: Culture and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the Théâtre de Vidy, a renowned cultural institution hosting various performances.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Foire du Midi, a bustling marketplace offering local products, food, and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Catch a show or concert at Les Docks, a popular cultural venue.

Day 6: Day Trip to Vevey

  • Morning: Take the train ( approx. 30 minutes) to Vevey, a charming lakeside town with stunning views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress with rich history and scenic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Denis Martin, serving gourmet cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market (depending on the day).
  • Afternoon: Depart from Lausanne, bringing back memories of this beautiful city.

Things to Know

  • Lausanne has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trains. Buy a Lausanne Transport Card for unlimited travel.
  • The official language is French, but many locals speak English. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions.
  • Lausanne has a relatively mild climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and restaurants in advance, especially during peak season (June to September).
  • Take advantage of the Lausanne City Pass, offering discounts and free entry to various attractions.
  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven pavement in the Old Town.

Transportation

  • Geneva International Airport (GVA) is approximately 45 minutes from Lausanne by car or train. Trains run frequently, and tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
  • From Zurich Airport (ZRH), take a train to Bern and then connect to Lausanne (approximately 2 hours total travel time).

Other Things of Interest

  • Lausanne Marathon: Held annually in October, this popular event attracts runners from around the world.
  • Festival de la Cité: A free outdoor festival featuring music, dance, and theater performances (July).
  • Marché de Noël: Lausanne’s festive Christmas market, offering local crafts, food, and drinks (December).

Enjoy your trip to Lausanne!