Things To Do In Lausanne

Lausanne is a cultural hub of all things beautiful. From its many art collections to beautiful architectures and scenic landscapes, there is beauty in every corner. But it is so much more than that too! There are so many things to do in Lausanne for people of all ages, whether they are travelling as a couple, family or friends. From a cool club culture to awesome petting zoo experiences. From exciting day trips to fancy boat cruises. There will never be a dull moment here, that's for sure.

The Old Town area of Lausanne is where you will find some really charming corners and architecture, including the famous Lausanne Cathedral. Take the time out to explore the area and get lost in its hustle and bustle of restaurants, shops, cafe and markets. The path has many ups and downs, but it is but there are also lifts and escalators in some places that are useful. Make your way to the main square known as Place de la Palud which is a shopping hub. Also don't miss out on walking on the wooden stairway that links the Place de la Palud to the Cathedral.

A trip to Lausanne is incomplete if you don't visit and tour the Lavaux Vineyard. It is situated between Lausanne and Montreux with spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss countryside. There are many family-owned vineyards in the vicinity which you can tour and do a wine-tasting at their stone terraces. Visit also the 11th-century medieval villages in the area. Lavaux Vineyards is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical importance.

From Port Ouchy you will find many boat excursions that will take you to other nearby towns, including Geneva or even cross the border into France to Thonon-les-Baines. There are also some leisure trips on heritage boats and sightseeing tours to Château de Chillon. You can also just rent a paddle-boat and explore the waters. Either way, visit Ouchy and even if you don't want to go on a boat, just walking about is an incredible feeling.

Montreaux a town filled with picturesque sceneries, plenty of watersports activities and home to the famous 9th-century Chateau de Chillon. Chateau de Chillon is 1000 years old with over 40 rooms that you can explore. It is just a boat ride away from Lausanne and makes for an excellent day trip. It can also be accessed by train and is only 30 minutes away. You can combine this with a quick trip to Vevey as well which is an elegant town filled with luxurious hotels on the waterfront.

If you're a night hawk, this is the place to be. The Flon district has some of the best clubs, bars, restaurants and shops that will keep you entertained till the wee hours of the night. It is easily accessible by the city metro. Today, Flon is a hotspot for the urban and cool crowds, however, its history is filled with darkness. What was once a warehousing district has transformed itself into the artistic centre of the city.

The beaches are always a fun way to spend your day, especially during the summers. At Lausanne, the summers are hot and humid, so taking a dip in the cool waters, kayaking or doing a spot of paddleboarding can be quite enjoyable. Lutry has some of the clearest water in the area and you can easily reach it by bus from Lausanne. If nothing else, you can just relax, sunbathe and eat at the local restaurants!

A visit to the zoo is a fun-filled activity for the entire family. The Servion Zoo and Tropiquarium, located side by side, are a short trip from Lausanne. They have around 30 animal enclosures including Siberian tigers, arctic wolves, snow panthers, bears, monkeys, lions etc. It is better to visit during the summers when the animals are out in the open and are more playful.

The Tropiquarium next door houses a reptile Vivarium where you can see many types of snakes, lizards, dragons, frogs and other reptiles, an aviary with a large collection of birds and a penguin pool.

In the warmer months of the year, there are many outdoor festivals and activities that crop up all over Switzerland and Lausanne is no different. The Venoge Festival is one of the largest festivals in the area and is usually held in August. It's 5 days of music mania and good outdoor fun! Depending on when you plan on travelling, you should definitely visit any one music-fest to get into the true spirit of the locals.

This internationally known Opera house welcomes more than 45000 visitors each year. They produce their own unique shows and offer a variety of entertainment from concerts, ballets, productions for children and operas. It has a history spanning over 140 years and was renovated in 2012 with modern technical equipment, fresh interiors and a fabulous experience for its visitors.

Don't be fooled by its name, Casino De Montbenon is a cultural and social entertainment centre. It is a charming building built in 1908 which hosts events such as the Swiss Film Archive, The Lausanne Underground Film Festival, The Jazz Festival and many more, along with great food and drink options. It is the perfect way place to have a fun evening out. It can get quite noisy and crowded, but that is all part of the experience.