3-day city break to Lausanne: sights, old town charm, wine & wellness

Contents:

• Day 1: Old Town charm & creative discoveries
• Day 2: Art, photography & Lausanne’s history
• Day 3: Wine, tranquillity, wellness & lake views
• Travel tips for your stay in Lausanne
• Conclusion: Lausanne in 3 days – stylish, sensuous, surprising

Day 1: Old Town charm & creative discoveries

Morning: Coffee and the Old Town

Start your first day with an aromatic coffee at Bel-Air Coffee , a cosy café near the Old Town, renowned for its high-quality beans and relaxed atmosphere. A leisurely stroll of just under six minutes will then take you to the Place de la Palud , where you can admire the charming Fountain of Justice and the historic town hall. From there, the famous Escaliers du Marché, a covered wooden staircase, leads directly to Lausanne Cathedral (Notre-Dame) – a Gothic masterpiece offering breathtaking views over the city and Lake Geneva. 
Tip: For a small fee, you can climb the cathedral tower – the view is well worth it!

Lunch: Lunch in the old town or by the lake

For lunch, we recommend Café Romand, a traditional restaurant serving Swiss classics such as rösti or fondue; we also recommend Deli Social for a modern, lighter option with creative sandwiches and salads – both restaurants are just about an eight-minute walk from Lausanne Cathedral.

Afternoon: Olympic Museum and Parc Olympique

After lunch, head to Ouchy, right on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here you’ll find the impressive Olympic Museum, which captivates visitors with interactive exhibitions, moving stories and a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the Olympic Games. Afterwards, the Parc Olympique, situated just opposite, is the perfect spot for a stroll. Amidst sculptures, well-tended lawns and flowerbeds in full bloom, you can enjoy the fresh lake air and the Alpine panorama – one of the most relaxing sights on Lake Geneva. If you fancy it, you can hire a pedal boat or relax with a coffee by the water’s edge.

Evening: Dinner and nightlife

In the evening, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Lausanne. For dinner, we recommend the popular Chez Mario. In this charming restaurant with its rustic ambience, you can enjoy crispy Neapolitan pizzas and freshly prepared pasta – a classic among Lausanne’s restaurants. Afterwards, head down to the bustling Flon District, where you can round off the evening in one of the stylish bars. 

Day 2: Art, photography & the history of Lausanne

Morning: Breakfast at the Ordinary Man and a visit to Plateforme 10

Start your second day in Lausanne with a leisurely breakfast at the Ordinary Man – a stylishly decorated café with a gallery-like atmosphere in the city centre. The owner is both a photographer and a barista, serving high-quality, home-roasted speciality coffee, accompanied by homemade banana bread and the finest Orfève chocolate. Surrounded by changing photography exhibitions, you’ll get your day off to a delightful and creative start.

Next, visit Plateforme 10, the modern arts quarter right next to the main railway station. Here, three major museums await you: the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), the Musée de l’Elysée for photography, and the MUDAC, which is dedicated to design and contemporary art. The exciting exhibitions, the open-plan architecture and the lively atmosphere make this place a cultural highlight of your stay.

Lunch: Le Nabi
For lunch, we recommend the stylish Le Nabi, the café-restaurant within the MCBA. Here you can enjoy seasonal dishes with a creative twist in a bright, artistic setting – the perfect way to round off your morning of art with a culinary treat. Alternatively, you can pick up a few treats from one of the nearby bakeries or delicatessens and, weather permitting, enjoy a picnic on the nearby Esplanade de Montbenon – with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Afternoon: Art at the Espace Arlaud and the Fondation de l’Hermitage

Continue your cultural day with a visit to the Collection de l’Art Brut – an extraordinary museum showcasing works by artists who operate outside the established art world. Afterwards, take a stroll to the Espace Arlaud, a charming exhibition space in the old town that presents changing art exhibitions focusing on regional artists.

Round off the afternoon at the elegant Fondation de l’Hermitage, a historic villa overlooking the city. The exhibitions on display there often focus on Impressionist or modern works and are among the region’s cultural highlights. If you still have time and energy, it’s well worth a detour to the Rolex Learning Centre on the EPFL campus – a visionary building by the Japanese architectural firm SANAA, which impresses with its wave-like architecture.

Evening: Traditional cuisine in a historic setting

For an authentic Swiss dinner, we recommend La Pinte Besson, Lausanne’s oldest restaurant – founded in 1780. In the rustic dining room with its wood-panelled walls and historic details, you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in its most authentic form. An evening at La Pinte Besson is not only a culinary experience, but also a little journey back in time – and the perfect way to round off an enjoyable day in Lausanne.

Day 3: Wine, relaxation, wellness & lake views

Morning: A trip to Lavaux or shopping in Lausanne
On the third day, we recommend a trip to the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just about 15 minutes by train from Lausanne. The terraced vineyards offer spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. A visit to the historic Domaine Louis Bovard winery in Cully is particularly worthwhile; it has been in existence since the 17th century and is one of the region’s most renowned producers. During a guided tasting, you’ll discover the diversity of Lavaux wines.

Alternative itinerary: If you’d prefer to spend the morning in the city, Lausanne also offers excellent shopping opportunities. On Rue de Bourg, you’ll find elegant fashion boutiques, traditional Swiss shops and delicatessens. In the Flon District, trendy boutiques, concept stores and design shops invite you to enjoy a leisurely shopping stroll – perfect for discovering local souvenirs or unique items. Our recommendation: be sure to visit Durig Chocolatier, one of Lausanne’s finest chocolate shops. At the main shop, where production also takes place, the finest pralines, chocolate animals, nougats and chocolate chips are crafted from organic and fair-trade cocoa. A particular highlight: Durig offers guided tours and chocolate-making workshops.

Midday: Return to Lausanne & lunch at Eat Me
After your trip to the vineyards, you’ll return to Lausanne at a leisurely pace in the late morning or at midday. For lunch, we recommend the stylish restaurant Eat Me. The concept: small dishes from all over the world – creatively prepared and ideal for sharing. Perfect for anyone who likes to try new things and wants to get the afternoon off to a delightful start.

Afternoon: Wellness at the Cinq Mondes Spa or Les Bains des Rives

In the afternoon, you can choose between two very different wellness experiences.

At the elegant Spa Cinq Mondes at the Beau-Rivage Palace in Ouchy, you can enjoy relaxing massages, steam baths and thermal pools overlooking Lake Geneva – ideal for two to three hours of relaxation of the highest standard. Alternatively, visit the seasonal Les Bains des Rives in Bellerive (open from December to March). This temporary facility offers two saunas, a yurt for relaxation, a terrace, as well as snacks and drinks – and is renowned for its invigorating cold-water swim in Lake Geneva. A relaxed, welcoming space for anyone looking to experience wellness with a difference. Whether classically luxurious or close to nature and unconventional – both options demonstrate, in their own way, just how diverse and inspiring wellness in Switzerland can be.

Evening: Farewell dinner by the lake
Round off your trip with a relaxed dinner at La Lacustre , right by the harbour in Ouchy. Here you can enjoy freshly caught fish, Mediterranean dishes and the fresh lake air – all with a direct view of Lake Geneva. To round off your stay, we recommend a glass of Chasselas , the region’s typical white wine, as a stylish finale to your three unforgettable days in Lausanne.

Travel tips for your stay in Lausanne

• Getting there: Lausanne is easily accessible by train from Geneva (approx. 35 minutes) and Zurich (approx. 2 hours). From the station, you can reach the Old Town, the Flon district and the lake in just a few minutes by metro or on foot.

• Lausanne Transport Card: If you’re staying in Lausanne at a hotel, youth hostel or campsite, you’ll automatically receive the Lausanne Transport Card. With this card, you can use buses and the metro within the city limits free of charge throughout your stay. You’ll also benefit from discounts on numerous museums, leisure activities and boat trips on Lake Geneva. 

• Best time to visit: Spring to autumn are ideal for walks, trips to Lavaux and enjoying the lake. In winter, wellness centres and museums are a draw – as is Les Bains des Rives (December to March).

• Our hotel recommendation: The stylish Château d’Ouchy, situated right on Lake Geneva, combines historic charm with modern comfort. This former moated castle offers elegant rooms, an excellent restaurant and a spa – perfect for a relaxing stay with a view of the water.

Conclusion: Lausanne in 3 days – stylish, sensuous, surprising

Lausanne is a destination that inspires – with its charm, blending the old town with the avant-garde, vineyards with the lake, and indulgence with serenity. In just three days, you’ll experience impressive art, spectacular views, regional cuisine, relaxing spa moments and the warm atmosphere of a city that has so much to offer yet never feels overwhelming.

Whether you’re strolling through historic alleyways in the morning, dining by the lake at lunchtime or enjoying the sunset with a glass of Chasselas in the evening – Lausanne manages to combine sights, culture and joie de vivre in a special way. A short break that leaves a lasting impression – and leaves you wanting more.