One Day in Lausanne: Best Things to Do & Itinerary

If you are planning one day in Lausanne, this itinerary covers many of the city’s highlights, from the historic Old Town and Lausanne Cathedral to panoramic viewpoints, Ouchy, and the shores of Lake Geneva.

Lausanne surprised us much more than we expected. We loved the architecture, the lively historic center, and the way the city combines medieval streets with beautiful views over the lake and the Alps.

One thing you notice very quickly is that Lausanne is built on a hill. And we really mean a hill. We decided to start our visit at one of the highest points and gradually make our way down toward Lake Geneva. When it was time to return to our campervan, we took the bus back uphill instead of walking. No regrets.

Below, we share our suggested itinerary for one day in Lausanne, along with practical tips and our personal impressions to help you make the most of your visit.

Quick Overview: What to See in Lausanne in One Day

• Sauvabelin Tower and panoramic views
• Parc de l’Hermitage
• Lausanne Cathedral and the Cité district
• The Old Town and Escaliers du Marché
• Bessières Bridge and views of the historic center
• The Opera district and central Lausanne
• Ouchy and Lake Geneva
• Optional museum visit: The Olympic Museum or Plateforme 10

Practical Tips for Spending One Day in Lausanne

• Parking: we parked near Parc de l’Hermitage and Sauvabelin. When we visited on a Sunday, parking in this area was free. Parking regulations can change, so always check the signs and payment information when you arrive.
• Traveling by campervan or RV: if you use the Signal or Sauvabelin parking areas, check the current overnight restrictions. Seasonal rules apply to motorhomes and caravans in this area.
• Be ready for hills: Lausanne is very hilly, so comfortable shoes make a big difference.
• Free viewpoints: Sauvabelin and Parc de l’Hermitage are great places to combine nature with panoramic views over Lausanne and Lake Geneva.
• Use public transportation: Lausanne has excellent buses and metro connections, which are especially useful when you do not feel like walking back uphill at the end of the day.
• How much time do you need? One full day is enough to see many of Lausanne’s main sights. If you want to visit one of the major museums as well, you may need to move a little faster or skip one of the longer stops.

Our One Day Lausanne Itinerary

Step 1: Park Near Parc de l’Hermitage

There are parking areas between Parc de l’Hermitage and Sauvabelin. We parked here with our campervan, close to the bus stop called Signal.

We chose this area because we wanted to begin near the top of Lausanne and then walk mostly downhill through the city. After several days on the road, saving ourselves a few uphill walks sounded like a very good idea.

If you are traveling in a campervan or RV, do not assume that this is an overnight parking option. Lausanne has seasonal restrictions for motorhomes and caravans around the Signal and Sauvabelin parking areas, so check the current signs before planning to stay overnight.

Step 2: Sauvabelin Tower and Parc de l’Hermitage

We suggest starting your Lausanne itinerary at Sauvabelin Tower. The wooden tower stands in a forested area above the city and reaches 35 meters, or about 115 feet, in height. From the observation platform you get wide views over Lausanne, Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura.

The spiral staircase is almost as memorable as the view itself. The tower can close in strong wind, snow, ice, or other unsafe conditions, so it is worth checking its status before making the walk there.

From Sauvabelin, head back toward the parking area and continue through Parc de l’Hermitage. Because the park is also located above the city, there are beautiful views of Lausanne Cathedral, Lake Geneva, and the Alps in the distance.

We really enjoyed this part of the route. The park feels peaceful and green, with gravel paths and plenty of space to slow down before heading into the historic center.

Step 3: Explore Lausanne Old Town

Lausanne is an incredibly photogenic city. Take some time to wander through the Old Town and the Cité district, where you will find cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and some of the city’s most recognizable views.

One place we especially liked was the Escaliers du Marché, or Market Stairs. These covered historic steps connect the lower Old Town around Place de la Palud with the Cathedral area. The wooden structure and surrounding buildings give this corner of Lausanne a very distinctive medieval atmosphere.

Step 4: Visit Lausanne Cathedral

Lausanne Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Lausanne, is one of the city’s most important landmarks and one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Switzerland.

The interior surprised us with its scale, high ceilings, natural light, and stained glass. Even if you only have one day in Lausanne, we would definitely include the cathedral in your itinerary.

Entry to the cathedral itself is free, while access to the tower requires a ticket. From the tower you can get another panoramic view over the rooftops, Lake Geneva, and the Alps.

One of our favorite facts about the cathedral is that Lausanne still keeps its historic night watch tradition alive. Every night, from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., a watchperson calls out the hours from the cathedral tower. The tradition dates back more than 600 years and originally helped watch over the city for fires.

We loved discovering that this still happens every single night. It sounds like something from a medieval novel, but it is still part of everyday Lausanne.

Step 5: See the Old Town From Bessières Bridge

If you want a classic view of Lausanne’s historic center, walk over to Bessières Bridge. From here, the rooftops, old buildings, cathedral, and different levels of the city come together in one of our favorite views of Lausanne.

The city’s steep terrain is especially obvious from this perspective. Streets, bridges, buildings, and hills overlap in a way that makes Lausanne feel very different from flatter Swiss cities.

We visited on a Sunday, and if you know Switzerland, you know that Sundays can be very quiet. The calmer streets made the historic center feel even more atmospheric.

Step 6: Lausanne Opera and the Modern City Center

After the medieval streets around the cathedral, continue through the more modern parts of central Lausanne. The area around the Lausanne Opera feels noticeably different from the Cité and gives you another side of the city.

We enjoyed walking through this area because of its elegant buildings, cafés, and more contemporary city atmosphere. It is a nice transition between the historic center and the route toward the lake.

Step 7: Finish the Day in Ouchy on Lake Geneva

To finish your one day Lausanne itinerary, head down to Ouchy, the lakefront district on the shores of Lake Geneva. In French, you will also see the lake called Lac Léman.

The waterfront is perfect for a slower walk after exploring the city center. On a clear day, you can enjoy views across the lake toward the Alps, and the atmosphere feels almost completely different from the steep streets around the Old Town.

If you have more time, you can also take a boat trip on Lake Geneva from Ouchy. There are several routes and seasonal schedules, so check the details for your travel dates before booking. You can see one of the available cruise options here.

Optional: Visit a Museum in Lausanne

If museums are a priority for you, Lausanne has two especially interesting options. With only one day, we would choose one rather than trying to fit both into the itinerary.

The Olympic Museum

Lausanne is known as the Olympic Capital, and The Olympic Museum is located right in Ouchy. That makes it the easiest museum to combine with the final part of this itinerary. The museum explores the history of the Olympic Games, athletes, competitions, and the Olympic movement through objects and interactive exhibits.

If the museum interests you, leave extra time in Ouchy. It is a substantial attraction rather than a quick stop.

Plateforme 10

Art and photography fans may prefer Plateforme 10, Lausanne’s arts district next to the main train station. It brings together three major cantonal museums focused on fine arts, design, and photography.

Best Day Trips From Lausanne

Chillon Castle Near Montreux

This castle, on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux, is one of Switzerland’s best known historic landmarks.

The Chillon Castle is easy to reach from Lausanne by car or public transportation. Regional trains serve Veytaux Chillon, and the station is only a short walk from the castle. Train routes and line numbers can change, so we recommend checking the SBB timetable for your travel date rather than relying on a specific train number.

The castle’s history is much more complex than simply being a former residence that later became a prison. It was controlled for centuries by the House of Savoy and served as both a strategic fortress and residence. Parts of the castle were also used as a prison, including the famous underground area associated with François Bonivard. Later, under Bernese rule and then the Canton of Vaud, the castle continued to serve several administrative and military purposes.

Today you can explore Chillon independently or join a guided visit. We especially recommend seeing the area around sunset. The castle, lake, and mountains look incredible in the evening light.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

Just outside Lausanne, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Lake Geneva region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The vineyard terraces stretch for roughly 30 kilometers, or about 19 miles, along the northern shore of Lake Geneva between the eastern edge of Lausanne and the area near Chillon. The steep vineyards seem to drop toward the water, with the Alps rising across the lake.

You can explore picturesque villages such as Lutry, Cully, Epesses, and Saint Saphorin, enjoy panoramic lake views, or follow marked walking trails through the vineyards.

Where to Eat in Lausanne

When we visited Lausanne, we were still living in a rural part of Switzerland where we did not have as many international food options as we would have liked. Whenever we visited a larger city, we usually took advantage of the opportunity to eat something different. In Lausanne, that meant a very good bowl of Japanese ramen.

Because yes, even when you live in Switzerland, you do not have to eat cheese every single day.

If you are visiting Switzerland for the first time, though, you may understandably want to try something more local. We researched a few historic restaurants that are worth looking into. We have not personally eaten at these places, so think of them as ideas to investigate rather than personal recommendations. And definitely check the menu and prices beforehand, because Lausanne is not exactly a budget food destination.

• Pinte Besson: founded in 1780, it is the oldest restaurant in Lausanne that is still operating. It specializes in regional cuisine, including fondue and Vaud dishes.
• Café du Grütli: a historic restaurant near Place de la Palud that has been welcoming guests since 1849. It is particularly known for cheese fondue and seasonal Swiss dishes.
• La Bavaria: a historic brasserie founded in 1881. Despite being in Lausanne, its identity has a strong Bavarian influence, with dishes such as sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, and a large beer selection. We would choose Pinte Besson or Café du Grütli first if your main goal is traditional Vaud cuisine.

We have not personally visited any of these restaurants, so if you try one, let us know what you think.

Traditional Foods to Try in Lausanne and Vaud

• Papet vaudois: one of the signature dishes of Canton Vaud. It combines slowly cooked leeks and potatoes with a smoked cabbage sausage.
• Pâté vaudois: a small savory pastry filled with meat, traditionally pork, veal, or poultry, with a little jelly inside.
• Malakoffs: a Vaud specialty made with cheese and white wine, coated and fried until crisp on the outside and soft inside.
• Carac: a small chocolate tart with distinctive green icing. It is one of the sweet specialties commonly associated with Vaud and is easy to find in bakeries around Lausanne.

Is Lausanne Worth Visiting?

For us, absolutely.

We arrived with fairly low expectations and assumed Lausanne would be a short stop with only a few things to see. We were wrong.

The historic center, panoramic views, Lake Geneva, and mix of medieval architecture with a more modern city atmosphere made Lausanne one of those places that was much more enjoyable than we expected.

It also works very well as a base for exploring this part of Switzerland. Lavaux, Montreux, Chillon Castle, and other destinations around Lake Geneva are all easy to combine with a stay in Lausanne.

If you are planning a trip through Switzerland, take a look at the rest of our Switzerland guides for more ideas and places to add to your itinerary.

See you on the road!