If you are looking for things to do in Lausanne, you have come to the right place. Lausanne is a beautiful city in Switzerland that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are interested in culture, history, nature, or sports, you will find something to enjoy in this charming city. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Lausanne and give you some tips on how to make the most of your trip. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Lausanne that you should not miss.
Looking for things to do in Lausanne? Discover the best tourist attractions in Lausanne:
- The Olympic Museum: A museum that showcases the history and spirit of the Olympic Games, with exhibits, interactive experiences, and artworks.
- Lake Geneva: A crescent-shaped lake that separates France and Switzerland, offering scenic views of the Alps and the Swiss Riviera.
- Collection de l’Art Brut: A museum that displays artworks by self-taught artists who are outside the mainstream artistic culture.
- Lausanne Cathedral: A Gothic-style cathedral that dominates the city skyline, with a rich history and a panoramic tower.
- Le Port d’Ouchy: A lakeside promenade that offers a relaxing stroll along the water, with cafes, restaurants, and boat cruises.
- La Suisse – Belle Epoque – paddle steamboat: A historic paddle steamer that operates on Lake Geneva, offering a nostalgic and elegant way to explore the lake.
- PLATEFORME 10: A cultural district that houses three museums dedicated to art, photography, and design, as well as a public space for events and exhibitions.
- Flon: A former industrial area that has been transformed into a vibrant and trendy neighborhood, with shops, bars, clubs, cinemas, and art galleries.
- Escaliers du Marche: A picturesque staircase that connects the cathedral with the old town, passing by charming buildings and shops.
- Chateau de Chillon: A medieval castle on an island in Lake Geneva, famous for its architecture, history, and literary associations.
- Rochers-de-Naye Railway: A cogwheel railway that climbs to the summit of Rochers-de-Naye, offering spectacular views of the lake and the Alps.
- Vevey: A neighboring town on the lake shore, known for its wine culture, food museum, and Charlie Chaplin statue.
- Alimentarium: A museum that explores the history and science of food and nutrition, with interactive exhibits, workshops, and a restaurant.
- Tour du Lac Léman: A cycling path that follows the shore of Lake Geneva, passing by scenic villages, vineyards, and natural attractions.
- Évian-les-Bains: A French spa town across the lake from Lausanne, known for its mineral water, thermal baths, and casino.
- Musee de l’Elysee: A museum that specializes in photography, with a collection of over 100,000 images and temporary exhibitions.
- Musee Cantonal des Beaux-Arts: A museum that showcases Swiss and international art from the 18th century to the present day.
- Musee de design et d’arts appliques contemporains (mudac): A museum that focuses on contemporary design and applied arts, with innovative and diverse exhibitions.
- Lavaux Vineyard Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the slopes of Lake Geneva with terraced vineyards dating back to the 11th century.
- Sauvabelin Tower: A wooden tower that offers a panoramic view of Lausanne and its surroundings from a height of 35 meters.
- Parc de Mon Repos: A beautiful park that features a neo-classical mansion, a rose garden, a pond, and a variety of plants and animals.
- Fondation de l’Hermitage: An art museum housed in a 19th-century mansion surrounded by a park, with collections of paintings, sculptures,
and prints. - Place de la Palud: A lively square in the old town that hosts a weekly market, a fountain with animated figures, and a historic town hall.
- Place St-Francois: A central square that is home to several landmarks, such as the St-Francois Church, the Grand Pont bridge,
and the Palais de Rumine. - Palais de Rumine: A neo-Renaissance building that contains several museums and libraries related to natural sciences,
archaeology, history, and art. - Lausanne Opera: A prestigious opera house that offers a rich program of operas, ballets, concerts, and recitals.
- Theatre de Vidy: A contemporary theater that hosts a variety of performances, from drama and comedy to dance and music.
- Casino de Montbenon: A historic building that hosts a casino, a restaurant, a brasserie, and a cultural center.
- Espace des Inventions: A science museum for children that features interactive exhibits, workshops, and games.
- Vivarium de Lausanne: A zoo that specializes in reptiles and amphibians, with over 300 species from around the world.
- Musee Historique de Lausanne: A museum that traces the history of Lausanne from the Middle Ages to the present day, with models, paintings, and artifacts.
- Musee Romain de Lausanne-Vidy: A museum that displays the remains of a Roman settlement that was once located on the shore of Lake Geneva.
- Musee et Jardins Botaniques Cantonaux: A botanical garden and museum that showcases over 6,000 plant species from different regions and climates.
- Musee de la Main: A museum that explores the human hand and its functions, with exhibits, activities, and experiments.
- Musee Bolo: A museum that exhibits vintage computers and video games, with a collection of over 5,000 items.
- Musee du Vieux-Lausanne: A museum that recreates the atmosphere of old Lausanne, with furniture, costumes, and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Musee de la Chaussure: A museum that displays over 1,000 shoes from different cultures and periods, as well as tools and machines used by shoemakers.
- Musee Monet: A museum that showcases the works of Claude Monet, one of the most famous impressionist painters.
- Musee Olympique d’Art Contemporain (MOAC): A museum that exhibits artworks inspired by the Olympic Games and its values.
- Musee du Chocolat: A museum that celebrates the history and culture of chocolate, with demonstrations, tastings, and workshops.
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