Extend Your Stay in Lausanne
It’s hard to know where to look first in Lausanne. Centuries of history around every corner. The most incredible views of Lake Geneva from every angle. When you add Before and After Stays to your river sailing, there’s plenty of time to soak it all in—from the 12th-century Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral to the tulip-lined streets of the lakeside Ouchy district. You’ll get to know the city with our Discovery CollectionSM tours, customized to suit your passions perfectly. Each one is led by a Local StorytellerSM who calls the city home. Plus, you’ll have a Destination InsiderSM who’ll give you personalized tips on what to see and do. It’s all designed to show you the city like only we can.
ADD A BEFORE OR AFTER STAY IN LAUSANNE
Once you’ve booked your river cruise, visit Manage Reservation to add a Before or After Stay to your sailing.
LAUSANNE RIVER CRUISE ITINERARIES
Itineraries
TOP SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS IN LAUSANNE
The Old Town
and Cathedral
The Old Town of Lausanne rises above Lake Geneva in a maze of steep medieval streets, lively market squares, and centuries-old architecture. At its center stands the Lausanne Cathedral, one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks and the only functioning medieval Gothic cathedral in Switzerland. Wander through hidden passageways, pause at cafés tucked beneath stone archways, and discover the rhythm of a city that feels both timeless and deeply lived in.
Lake Geneva
and the Waterfront
In Lausanne, daily life always finds its way to the water. Along the shores of Lake Geneva, the city opens into scenic promenades where café tables spill toward the lake and Alpine peaks rise in the distance. The waterfront district of Ouchy is where locals gather to walk, dine, and linger long after sunset, as sailboats drift across the water and the evening light settles over the shoreline. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and experience Lausanne at its natural pace.
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
Draped across the hillsides above Lake Geneva, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces unfold in rows that have shaped this landscape for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking wine regions, where vineyard paths wind through quiet villages overlooking the water. Whether you’re tasting wines with local producers or simply taking in the scenery, Lavaux brings you closer to the traditions, beauty, and slower rhythms that define this part of Europe.
Olympic Museum
As the home of the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne holds a unique place in the history of global sports. The Olympic Museum celebrates this legacy through interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and lakeside gardens overlooking Lake Geneva. Inside, stories of athletes, culture, and human achievement come together in ways that feel inspiring long after your visit ends. It’s one of Lausanne’s most distinctive cultural experiences—and one you won’t find anywhere else.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAUSANNE
Day Trips
from Lausanne
Lausanne’s geographical location places it within reach of some of Switzerland’s most unforgettable destinations. In less than 30 minutes, you can find yourself wandering the lakeside promenades of Montreux or exploring Château de Chillon, the storied castle rising directly above the shores of Lake Geneva. Scenic train rides lead toward vineyard towns, mountain villages, and alpine landscapes that feel worlds away yet remain remarkably close. The longer you stay, the more Switzerland opens around you.
Hiking and
the Outdoors
In Lausanne, the outdoors is part of everyday life. Warmer months invite long walks through Lavaux’s vineyards and outdoor activities like cycling along lakeside paths, scenic hiking trails with sweeping views of Lake Geneva, and slow afternoons spent beside the water. In winter, the nearby Alps become an easy gateway to snow-covered villages and celebrated ski resorts. Every season reveals a different side of Switzerland.
Explore Lausanne's
Old Town and Lakefront
Lausanne best reveals itself slowly. Start in the Old Town, where steep cobblestone streets wind past historic buildings, hidden passageways, cafés, and the soaring Lausanne Cathedral. From there, make your way down toward Ouchy, the city’s lakefront district, where promenades fill with sailboats, open-air markets, and waterfront dining along Lake Geneva. The transition between the upper city and the shoreline is part of Lausanne’s charm—each neighborhood unfolding into the next, revealing a city shaped equally by history, water, and the slower rhythms of daily life.
