Lausanne

Tourist Attractions in Lausanne

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Lausanne. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

19 Attractions

★4.6 Average rating

8 Categories

About Lausanne

Lausanne sits on the shores of Lake Geneva with the Alps as a dramatic backdrop, offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, and lakeside leisure. The city is famed as the Olympic Capital, home to the Olympic Museum and a city-wide energy that pulses through its cafés, markets, and riverside promenades. Wander the medieval alleys of the Old Town to the soaring Lausanne Cathedral, then wander the leafy campuses and museums, from the modern art of the Collection de l’Art Brut to cutting-edge design in the city’s galleries. Nearby Lavaux’s UNESCO vineyards, boat cruises, and Ouchy’s lakefront parks add charms for every season.

Chillon Castle — Castle, rated 4.7/5

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Castle Cultural LandmarkHistorical LandmarkMuseumHistorical Place

Chillon Castle

4.7 ★★★★★ 23,872 reviews

Chillon Castle is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky promontory along Lake Geneva, near Montreux in the canton of Vaud. This well-preserved complex, with towers, dungeons and Renaissance halls, offers a vivid look at centuries of Swiss history and feudal life. Visitors wander sunlit courtyards, cross drawbridges, and explore candlelit rooms filled with period furnishings, frescoes and siege memories. The lakeside setting provides dramatic views of the water and mountains, while informative exhibits and an excellent audio guide bring legends of prisoners and princes to life.

Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now

Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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The Olympic Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5

2

Museum

The Olympic Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 10,544 reviews

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is a dynamic tribute to the Olympic Movement, weaving together history, values and sport through immersive galleries, multimedia displays and thousands of artifacts. Visitors discover legendary athletes, iconic memorabilia, and the story of the Modern Games from antiquity to the present, plus interactive touchscreens and film reels that bring moments of triumph to life. Set along Lake Geneva with striking architecture, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and a panoramic roof terrace. It’s a family-friendly, inspirational stop offering context, insight, and memorable photo opportunities.

Quai d'Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Lausanne Cathedral — Religious site, rated 4.6/5

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Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Lausanne Cathedral

4.6 ★★★★★ 7,164 reviews

Lausanne Cathedral, perched above the shores of Lake Geneva, is Switzerland’s principal Gothic church, begun in the 12th century and completed in the 13th to 15th. Visitors admire its soaring nave, delicate exterior sculptures, and the two slender corner towers that frame the skyline. Inside, light filters through ancient stained glass, while an ornate organ and a serene cloister evoke centuries of prayer and scholarship. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and lake, and explore the archaeology and small museums that accompany the site.

Pl. de la Cathédrale 1, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Closed now

Monday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

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AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium — Aquarium, rated 4.4/5

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Aquarium Sports ComplexSports Activity Location

AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium

4.4 ★★★★★ 8,972 reviews

AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne is a striking, modern complex that showcases freshwater habitats from around the world within a single, immersive journey. Travelers traverse themed zones representing rivers such as the Amazon, Nile, Mekong, and Yangtze, observing hundreds of species—from shimmering shoals to elusive amphibians—through panoramic tanks and interactive displays. The building’s glass facades and multi-level exhibits create a walk-through of rivers, wetlands, and rainforests, complemented by a vivarium with land-dwelling creatures. Visitors can expect educational storytelling, close encounters with aquatic life, scenic views of Lake Geneva, and family-friendly experiences.

Rte de Berne 144, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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FIFA Museum — Museum, rated 4.4/5

5

Museum

FIFA Museum

4.4 ★★★★★ 6,737 reviews

Nestled in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne, the FIFA Museum offers an immersive dive into the global game’s history, culture, and impact. The collection blends iconic artifacts, rare jerseys, and interactive exhibits that celebrate legendary players, decisive matches, and the evolution of footballing technique and governance. Visitors can expect multimedia timelines, immersive stadium reconstructions, and behind‑the‑scenes insights into FIFA’s work and football development worldwide. It’s a family‑friendly, education‑forward experience with rotating exhibitions, making it a compelling stop for sports fans and curious travelers seeking context, drama, and inspiration.

Seestrasse 27, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Sauvabelin Tower — Viewpoint, rated 4.7/5

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Viewpoint Observation DeckLandmark

Sauvabelin Tower

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,557 reviews

Sauvabelin Tower is a feather-light, 35-meter wooden observation tower perched in Lausanne’s Sauvabelin Forest. Accessible via a gentle hike, it invites visitors to ascend a wooden spiral and emerge above a canopy of pines for sweeping panoramas of Lake Geneva, the city’s rooftops, and, on clear days, the distant Alps. The tower’s simple, eco-friendly design complements the surrounding nature, offering a serene vantage point, a family-friendly outing, and picnic spots nearby. Expect a calm, scenic ascent, fresh-air views, and a memorable snapshot moment above the Swiss landscape.

Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now

Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Esplanade de Montbenon — Park, rated 4.5/5

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Park City ParkPlaza

Esplanade de Montbenon

4.5 ★★★★★ 4,117 reviews

Esplanade de Montbenon is a scenic park and terrace perched above Lausanne, threading along the lakefront with sweeping views over Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. Visitors come for easy walks, picnics on the lawns, and sunset panoramas from the broad bluff overlooking the water. The generous esplanade invites café stops, Impression of the city, and relaxed people-watching, while nearby cultural venues add a touch of arts and cinema. It’s a pleasant, accessible escape that pairs outdoor space with postcard-worthy scenery.

All. Ernest-Ansermet 3, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Parc Olympique — Park, rated 4.7/5

8

Park

Parc Olympique

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,580 reviews

Parc Olympique in Lausanne is a generous lakeside green space that threads together meadow, trees, and promenades along the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s a inviting retreat for strolls, picnics, and family cycles, with panoramic views of the water and mountains beyond. Visitors can walk its well-marked paths, relax on sunny lawns, and access nearby attractions such as the Olympic Museum and the city’s vibrant Ouchy district. Expect a calm, family-friendly atmosphere, seasonal events, and easy access from central Lausanne, making it a refreshing counterpoint to urban sightseeing.

Quai d'Ouchy, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Parc de Mon Repos — Park, rated 4.6/5

9

Park City Park

Parc de Mon Repos

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,707 reviews

Parc de Mon Repos is a graceful hillside park in Lausanne that blends formal gardens with woodland paths along the city’s edge above Lake Geneva. It’s a favorite escape for locals and visitors, offering shaded avenues, sweeping views, a charming fountain, several statues, and a romantic promenade. Stroll past the rose garden, pause by the lake-facing lawns, and enjoy a picnic or a coffee at the park’s small café. Easy to reach on foot or tram, the park rewards with tranquility, fresh air, and Alpine vistas.

Av. Mon-Repos, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed

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Parc de l'Hermitage — Park, rated 4.6/5

10

Park

Parc de l'Hermitage

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,561 reviews

Perched on Lausanne’s hillside above the lake, Parc de l’Hermitage is a refined public park centering on a 19th‑century manor that now hosts the Hermitage Museum. A stroll through its shaded avenues reveals elegant English-style lawns, a fragrant rose garden, sculpted lawns, and sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It’s a tranquil escape perfect for a lazy picnic, a cultural stop between museum routes, or a sunset walk along belvederes. Visitors can combine art, nature, and panorama in one compact, family‑friendly setting with easy access from the city.

Av. Louis-Vulliemin, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed

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Cantonal museum of fine arts Lausanne — Museum, rated 4.5/5

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Museum Art MuseumCultural CenterBook StoreRestaurant

Cantonal museum of fine arts Lausanne

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,787 reviews

The Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne is a premier art museum that preserves an expansive collection spanning from medieval to 20th‑century European paintings, with a strong emphasis on Swiss works. It offers thoughtfully curated galleries, atmospheric spaces, and rotating exhibitions that bring fresh context to its permanent holdings. Visitors can expect a calm, walkable experience in a historic building near Lausanne’s city center, with informative wall texts and occasional family activities. It’s an excellent stop for art lovers seeking breadth, quality, and the chance to connect regional and broader European art within one visit.

Pl. de la Gare 16, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Collection de l'Art Brut — Museum, rated 4.7/5

12

Museum Art Museum

Collection de l'Art Brut

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,124 reviews

The Collection de l'Art Brut in Lausanne is a museum devoted to outsider art, gathered by artists working outside the mainstream and often self-taught, committed to raw, uncompromising creativity. Housed in a refined space near the city’s lakefront, it showcases drawings, paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works that reveal unfiltered personal vision and impulse. Visitors can expect a thought‑provoking stroll through primitive, intuitive art, with often striking textures and narratives, plus rotating temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and a scholarly research center that invites sustained exploration of these extraordinary makers.

Av. Bergières 11, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Place de la Palud, rated 4.4/5

13

Tourist attraction

Place de la Palud

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,047 reviews

Place de la Palud is the historic heart of Lausanne’s Old Town, a cobbled square framed by centuries-old facades and notable civic and religious buildings. It fronts the Hôtel de Ville and sits within easy reach of Lausanne Cathedral, creating a quintessential Swiss-Champagne of stone, shade, and activity. Visitors can linger on café terraces, browse occasional markets, and soak up the lively local ambience as trams glide by and street musicians perform. From here, you can easily wander the winding lanes toward the lake, the cathedral, or the city’s scenic viewpoints.

Pl. de la Palud 1, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

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Parc de Milan — Park, rated 4.6/5

14

Park City Park

Parc de Milan

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,098 reviews

Parc de Milan is a sunny, family-friendly green oasis in Lausanne, tucked along the lakeside with easy access from the city center. This urban park invites relaxed strolls, broad lawns for picnics, shaded pathways, and panoramic views over Lake Geneva and the distant Alps on clear days. Visitors can enjoy playful sculptures and well-kept gardens, plus playgrounds and benches perfect for a leisurely break from sightseeing. It’s ideal for a gentle walk, a lazy afternoon, or a sunset stroll after exploring the Old Town, combining nature, views, and easy accessibility.

Pl. de Milan, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed

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Pavillon Thaïlandais, rated 4.5/5

15

Tourist attraction

Pavillon Thaïlandais

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,067 reviews

Nestled in Lausanne's lakeside gardens, the Pavillon Thaïlandais is a petite, Thai-style wooden pavilion that instantly adds a splash of elegant color to the scenery. Built as a symbol of cultural exchange, its tiered roof, carved details and bright green and gold accents invite visitors to pause and take in the tranquil views across Lake Geneva. Inside it remains a simple, open space, but its surroundings—lush lawns and crisscrossing paths—make it a perfect backdrop for photos, a brief cultural pause, and a pleasant stroll between museums and promenades.

1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

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Palais de Rumine — Historic site, rated 4.6/5

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Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceMuseumLibrary

Palais de Rumine

4.6 ★★★★★ 818 reviews

Palais de Rumine is a grand 19th‑century neoclassical building in the heart of Lausanne, built to house the city’s university and now hosting the cantonal museums. Inside, visitors discover a trio of cultural treasures—the Musée cantonal d’archéologie et d’histoire, the Musée cantonal des beaux-arts, and rotating exhibitions—all set in soaring galleries, ornate halls, and a remarkable marble staircase. Worth a visit for architecture lovers and curious travelers alike, it offers insightful displays on regional archaeology, fine art, and Lausanne’s history, plus panoramic lake and town views from its stately interiors.

Pl. de la Riponne 6, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Lausanne Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.5/5

17

Garden Botanical GardenMuseum

Lausanne Botanical Garden

4.5 ★★★★★ 934 reviews

The Lausanne Botanical Garden is a compact, serene green oasis in the heart of Lausanne, showcasing cultivated and native plants across themed sections, greenhouses, and a historic glasshouse. Visitors can stroll along winding paths past ponds, medicinal herb beds, and alpine plants, pause at benches, and join guided tours or school programs. It’s a peaceful respite close to the city center. The garden also hosts seasonal exhibitions, a herbarium corner, and kid-friendly QR code trails that reveal plant stories for curious travelers.

Av. de Cour 14B, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Good for kids

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Musée de l'Elysée — Museum, rated 4.5/5

18

Museum Book StoreStore

Musée de l'Elysée

4.5 ★★★★★ 778 reviews

Nestled in the heart of Lausanne, the Musée de l'Elysée is a premier photography museum that presents a dynamic program of Swiss and international images. Housed in an elegant venue, it combines a rich permanent collection with topical, often provocative temporary exhibitions, offering visitors a fresh view of the medium’s history and its modern practices. Expect insightful curatorial pairings, beautifully printed works, and a calendar of talks, workshops, and screenings. A visit rewards lovers of photography with context, craft, and a sense of visual discovery.

Pl. de la Gare 17, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Haldimand Tower — Historic site, rated 4.4/5

19

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Haldimand Tower

4.4 ★★★★★ 698 reviews

Perched above Lausanne’s old town, Haldimand Tower rises as a memorable historic sentinel and a portal to the city’s medieval past. Climb its narrow stairs to gauge sweeping views of Lake Geneva, the white mercantile roofs, and the winding lanes that shaped Lausanne’s centuries of charm. Inside, a compact display traces the tower’s role in defense and daily life, inviting curious travelers to imagine life in centuries gone by. A tranquil, photo-friendly stop, it pairs well with a stroll through the nearby ancient streets and riverside promenades.

Av. de la Tour Haldimand, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

Parking

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