Two days in Lausanne is plenty of time to see the main sights without it turning into a gruelling marathon. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway in case of bad weather, and don’t plan any important excursions straight after an overnight coach journey.
Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on Lausanne’s official tourism portal: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.
Day one: getting to know the city
Start with the cathedral and the old town, gradually making your way down to the Flon. After lunch, choose just one exhibition space at Plateforme 10, so as not to turn the day into a marathon of exhibitions.
Day two: another side to Lausanne
The metro will take you to Ouchy and the Lake Geneva promenade. Combine your stroll with a visit to the Olympic Museum or the park; if the weather’s bad, skip the lakeside section and add the city museum instead.
How to set a realistic pace
Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and leave the rest of the time for the streets, the waterfront and short stops. If a booking is required, check not only the entry times but also the route from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to shorten the itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar areas.
If the bus arrives early or late
Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from the exact stop. Start your morning itinerary with open urban spaces rather than a museum with a fixed opening time. For an evening arrival, save the transport timetable and the hotel’s contact details for offline use.
Transport and navigation
Download an offline map, mark the coach station, your accommodation and your departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a museum or hill further afield may require transport. Compare single-journey and day tickets only using the current fares from the local operator.
Budget and meals
Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head a few streets away from the main square and check the menu before ordering. A small supply of water and a snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.
Preparing for a bus journey
Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any essential medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. It’s also worth reading our tips on offline maps and checking that your phone is set up for travelling abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a city card?
It isn’t automatically worth it. Work out exactly which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.
What should I do if it rains?
Keep one museum alternative in mind, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.