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, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux, is a remarkably preserved medieval fortress clinging to rocky outcrops above dazzling blue waters. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it offers a superb mix of towers, dungeons, and grand halls that evoke centuries of noble life and turbulent history. Visitors wander well-preserved rooms, envisioning castle life, admire lakeside views, and explore subterranean passages with informative displays. The setting, engineering, and panoramic vistas make Chillon a must-see Switzerland highlight for history lovers, families, and photography enthusiasts alike.

Av. de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland

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

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

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, officially Notre-Dame de Lausanne, is a Gothic masterpiece perched above the city on the collection of medieval streets known as the Old Town. Visitors are drawn by its soaring 13th- to 15th-century architecture, intricate stained glass, and the stone carvings that line the nave, choir, and cloister. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views over Lake Geneva and the Alps, and explore its tranquil chapels and the crypt. The cathedral hosts concerts and religious services, making it a living landmark where history, art, and spiritual heritage converge for an immersive Swiss experience.

Pl. de la Cathédrale 1, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

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

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

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

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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

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

Perched above Lausanne on the Sauvabelin hill, the Sauvabelin Tower is a wooden, 35-meter lookout built in 2003 that offers panoramic views over Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the city’s red-tiled rooftops. Accessible by a stairs-first ascent, the surrounding forest and the nearby Sauvabelin Park add a tranquil, nature-filled backdrop ideal for family strolls and picnics. Inside the tower, a winded ascent rewards visitors with a 360-degree perspective from a cedarwood deck, making it a refreshing pause that combines easy access, scenic reward, and a touch of sustainable design.

Sauvabelin, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland

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

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

Nestled on Lausanne’s shores, the Esplanade de Montbenon is a graceful riverside park crowned by sweeping lawns, palm trees and—most notably—the elegant 19th-century Montbenon Casino building. Visitors relish panoramic views over Lake Genève and the Alps, shaded strolls along the promenades, and tranquil spots by the pond and fountains. The park blends green space with cultural venues—concerts, exhibitions, and cafés—creating a welcoming backdrop for picnics, sunset wanders, or a family afternoon. Easy to reach by public transport, it pairs outdoor leisure with refined Swiss charm.

All. Ernest-Ansermet 3, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

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

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

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Park City Park

Parc de Mon Repos

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,707 reviews

Parc de Mon Repos in Lausanne is a refined urban oasis that blends manicured lawns, shaded avenues, and elegant statues along Lake Geneva’s edge. This historic garden, once part of the city’s aristocratic estates, charms visitors with palm-lined paths, a graceful fountain, and a surprising collection of rare trees. Families, couples, and joggers linger on sunny terraces, while the park’s quiet corners invite reflection or a leisurely picnic. Expect tranquil lake views, a touch of classical sculpture, and a graceful atmosphere that breathes a refined, timeless Swiss charm amid urban life.

Av. Mon-Repos, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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, tucked beside the historic city center, invites visitors to wander through curated plant collections and serene, shaded paths. Home to thousands of species—from Alpine flora to tropical specimens—the garden offers seasonal highlights, informative plaques, and a peaceful respite from urban pace. Families can enjoy the children’s areas, while horticulture lovers study diverse displays, including medicinal gardens and a systematic collection that showcases plant relationships. Expect well-marked routes, a tranquil atmosphere, and opportunities for photography, quiet contemplation, and a refreshing Nordic-style stroll along the lake’s edge nearby.

Av. de Cour 14B, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

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

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

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Museum Book StoreStore

Musée de l'Elysée

4.5 ★★★★★ 778 reviews

The Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne is a landmark photography museum housed in a Belle Époque villa, renowned for its rotating exhibitions that showcase both historic and contemporary imaging. Visitors can expect immersive shows, a strong emphasis on Swiss and international photography, and insightful retrospectives that trace the medium’s evolution. The intimate galleries, generous windows, and curated collections provide a thoughtful, narrative experience, complemented by a well-stocked bookstore and occasional artist talks. A visit offers a refined, approachable window into the arts, perfect for photography lovers and culture seekers alike.

Pl. de la Gare 17, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

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

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

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Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Haldimand Tower

4.4 ★★★★★ 698 reviews

Haldimand Tower, perched along Lausanne’s historic riverside, is a well-preserved medieval lookout that once dominated the town’s defenses. Climb its narrow stairs to a compact, atmospheric chamber offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops. Inside, informative panels recount Lausanne’s shifting fortunes, from Roman roots to medieval feuds and modern-era rebuilds. Worth a visit for architecture aficionados and curious wanderers alike, the tower pairs a concise, evocative snapshot of Lausanne’s layered history with a memorable vantage point that enriches any stroll through the city.

Av. de la Tour Haldimand, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

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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