🏞️ Lausanne Travel Guide

Lausanne, located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (and the capital of the canton of Vaud), is the fourth-largest city in Switzerland. Nestled against the Jura Mountains and overlooking the majestic Lake Geneva, it boasts stunning scenery and a rich cultural atmosphere. Besides being the "Olympic Capital," it also boasts a medieval old town, stunning vineyards, and unforgettable Swiss cuisine.

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🌟 Must-see attractions in Lausanne

1. Olympic Museum

• Features : The world's largest Olympic-themed museum, housing a large collection of Olympic relics, torches, and interactive exhibitions.
• Editor’s Tip : If you’re a sports fan, this is a must-see destination, complete with lakeside gardens.

2. Lausanne Cathedral

• Features : A representative example of Gothic architecture, with magnificent stained glass windows inside. Climb the bell tower to overlook the entire city and lake.
• Editor’s tip : Climb to the top at sunset for a super romantic view.

3. Lake Ouchy

• Features : A leisurely little port on Lake Geneva, a great place for walking, boating, and picnics.
• Editor’s tip : In the summer, it’s recommended to rent a bicycle to cycle around the lake, which is cool and relaxing.

4. Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage)

• Features : The lakeside terraced vineyards are spectacular and produce the famous Swiss white wine Chasselas .
• Editor's tip : Take the train to the small village and walk along the vineyard trail, tasting wine as you go – it's super delicious!

5. Lausanne Old Town (Vieille Ville)

• Features : Winding alleys, historical buildings, and unique shops make it the best area to experience local life.
• Editor’s Tip : Come on market days (Wednesday and Saturday) for even more excitement!

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🍴 Must-try food in Lausanne

Swiss cuisine is a fusion of French and German styles. Lausanne is located in the French-speaking region, so its taste tends to be French.

• Swiss cheese fondue (Fondue) : A must-try signature dish, especially heartwarming in winter.
• Swiss potato pancakes (Rösti) : crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with sausage or cheese.
• Swiss Chocolate : There are many boutique chocolate shops in the area, which are definitely worth taking away.
• Perch from Lake Geneva : A lake fish native to Lake Geneva, often pan-fried or fried.
• Wine (Lavaux white wine) : Fresh and refreshing, it is very suitable for pairing with cheese or fish dishes.

👉 Editor's recommendation: Find a restaurant on the shores of Lake Uchi and enjoy lake fish dishes while taking in the lake view. It's definitely a great experience!

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🚆 Lausanne Transportation Guide

Urban transportation

• Metro (Line M2) : Lausanne is the only city in Switzerland with a metro. Line M2 runs directly from the train station to the city center and then to the shores of Lake Uchi, which is very convenient.
• Bus : Wide coverage, suitable for traveling to the suburbs.
• Walking : The old town has many slopes, but it is very suitable for walking and exploring.

Intercity transportation

• Train : Lausanne train station is a transportation hub, with direct trains to Geneva in 30 minutes, Bern in 1 hour, and Zurich in 2 hours.
• Boat : You can take a boat tour on the lake, to and from Montreux or Geneva.

👉 Editor's tip: Travelers staying in Lausanne often receive a "Lausanne Transport Card," which grants free rides on public transportation within the city. It's a super deal!

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🎯 Editor's Summary

Lausanne is a city that combines history, culture and nature . It has an ancient cathedral and old town style, as well as a modern Olympic atmosphere. You can also enjoy a slow life in the lakeside vineyards.
When you come here, don’t forget:

• Climb the cathedral bell tower to watch the sunset 🌇
• Enjoy a leisurely time by the Ushi Lake🚤
• Taste authentic Swiss cheese fondue 🫕
• Have a glass of Lavaux white wine 🍷

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🗓️Lausanne 3-day itinerary

📍 Day 1: City Cultural Tour

• morning
  • Arrival in Lausanne, drop off luggage
  • 🚶♂️ Head to Lausanne Cathedral and climb the bell tower to overlook the city
• noon
  • Enjoy lunch at Café du Grütli in the old town or at a small market stall (Rösti is recommended)
• afternoon
  • Stroll through Lausanne's Old Town (Vieille Ville) and browse the unique shops
  • Stop by the Hermitage Museum (Fondation de l'Hermitage) (a must for art lovers)
• night
  • Enjoy a Swiss classic with cheese fondue at a restaurant in the old town

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📍 Day 2: Relaxing day by the lake

• morning
  • Take the M2 subway line to Ouchy Lake for a walk
  • Visit the Olympic Museum
• noon
  • Lunch at a lakeside restaurant, featuring fresh fish from Lake Geneva (Perch)
• afternoon
  • Rent a bike or take a boat tour of the lake to Montreux or the small town of Vevey
  • If you have more time, you can visit Chaplin's World (near Vevey)
• night
  • Return to Lausanne and enjoy a glass of Lavaux white wine at a lakeside restaurant while admiring the night view of the lake.

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📍 Day 3: World Heritage Vineyards

• morning
  • Take the train to Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (approximately 15 minutes by car)
  • Hike along the vineyard trails for stunning views
• noon
  • Enjoy a wine and a typical lunch in a vineyard town such as Lutry or Cully
• afternoon
  • Winery wine tasting experience🍷
  • Slowly stroll through the vineyard villages and experience the slow life in Switzerland
• night
  • Return to Lausanne and end your trip with dinner at a chocolate shop or a high-end Swiss restaurant.

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🚆 Transportation Tips

• City transportation : You can take the subway and bus for free with the Lausanne Transport Card provided by your hotel.
• Suburban transportation : Trains go directly to Lavaux, Montreux or Vevey, which is very convenient.
• Lake cruise : CGN operates a ferry, and you can check the schedule online in advance.

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🎯 Editor's personal suggestion

• Short on time? Skip the vineyards on your 2-day itinerary and squeeze Day 3 into Day 2.
• Love art? Besides the Hermitage, you might also consider the Collection de l'Art Brut.
• Looking for some gourmet souvenirs? Don't forget to take home some Swiss chocolate, cheese, and Lavaux blanc!