Family Activities and Things to Do in Lausanne This Weekend

Even in a country as strikingly scenic as Switzerland, certain destinations stand out not just for their beauty but for the variety and charm of their attractions.

Lausanne, set along what locals call the Vaudois Riviera in the French-speaking region, is one such place. Though it may appear to rely on its postcard-perfect setting, the city offers activities that appeal to every generation — from culture-loving grandparents and young children to thrill-seeking teens and adults looking for nightlife.

Despite being Switzerland’s second-largest city, Lausanne retains an intimate resort feel thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Geneva. Fishing boats, sailboats and pleasure craft dot the water with the snow-capped Alps and the French shoreline as a dramatic backdrop. Many of the city’s top attractions sit along or overlook the lake, where cyclists and pedestrians share scenic promenades with locals and visitors drawn to the views.

A perfect place to begin exploring is the city’s flagship attraction, The Olympic Museum. Perched above the lake, the museum is reached by a grand staircase that ends at a panoramic viewing platform and an art garden featuring a striking kinetic sculpture that pulls apart and comes together every few minutes.

Near the entrance, a short running track invites aspiring athletes to test their sprinting, while landscaped paths lead visitors through thoughtfully designed grounds.

Inside, the museum spans three levels, each organized around a different theme. Life-size figures in Olympic gear and interactive displays recount the history of the Games; films and artifacts enrich the story; and the top floor houses the TOM Café, where indoor and outdoor seating serve snacks and meals with lakefront views.

Lausanne is a city of parks. Mon-Repos is especially family-friendly, featuring landscaped gardens, an aviary, a restored temple and an orange grove. Young children love the playground, while families can enjoy an 82-foot indoor pool with a paddling section for toddlers, a solarium and a poolside restaurant.

For adrenaline seekers, the Heart Route offers more than 30 miles of cycling from Lausanne to the medieval town of Romont, passing through varied, scenic countryside. Riders can tackle the entire route or choose shorter sections; e-bike rentals are widely available to make the hilly course more accessible.

Those pressed for time can explore Lausanne itself by bike, though much of the terrain is uphill. E-bikes and several rental outlets — including services at the train station — make cycling around the city manageable and enjoyable.

Hikers have excellent options as well. One popular half-day walk follows the shoreline from Lausanne’s Ouchy area to Morges, taking walkers along lakeside paths, through gardens and past a pleasant beach. The route is easy terrain; many visitors take the metro to Lausanne Ouchy and return by train from Morges.

Teens and skateboarding enthusiasts will appreciate the outdoor skate park, which features a bowl, a half pipe and a mini pipe for younger skaters, providing a local hangout where they can mix with area residents.

For those who prefer culture, fine dining and wine, Lausanne has an abundance of calmer pursuits.

Spend a day among the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches nearly 20 miles along the lake. These terraced vineyards, some tracing their origins to Roman times, offer scenic vistas and abundant wine-tasting opportunities.

Exploring the vineyards by car is possible, but the little Lavaux Express tourist trains provide a more relaxed experience, following various loops through the terraces and often including stops for tastings at local wineries.

Lausanne’s Old Town is a historic highlight. The 13th-century Lausanne Cathedral dominates the hilltop center and delivers some of the best views of the city. Inside, visitors can admire the ornate rose window, which features unusual secular motifs such as zodiac signs and the four seasons, and the cathedral’s impressive organ with thousands of pipes.

The Lausanne Historical Museum traces the city’s past with more than half a million exhibits. A detailed model recreating Lausanne in the 17th century — complete with miniature buildings and vineyards — is a striking centerpiece.

Lausanne’s nightlife is livelier than some expect. The Flon district has transformed from an industrial zone into a buzzing neighborhood of wine bars, microbreweries and restaurants. On weekends the area spills onto the sidewalks around Place Benjamin-Constant, and by day it offers interesting shops and varied architecture ranging from sleek modern buildings to Arab-inspired façades.

The city is LGBTQ-friendly, particularly around Avenue de Tivoli, which hosts welcoming bars and clubs including a sauna club called Pink Beach.

In summer, Lausanne fills with festivals. Festival de la Cité, for example, runs for several days in July around the cathedral square and presents music, dance, circus acts and visual arts, with hundreds of free events throughout Old Town, offering ample opportunities to join locals in lively outdoor celebrations.

Lausanne remains active in winter as well. While snow can be variable, the alpine scenery is striking in colder months and cafés and restaurants stay busy. Outdoor enthusiasts can swap city cycling for skiing at around 30 nearby resorts, which together offer roughly 300 miles of downhill runs; many ski areas lie within an hour’s reach.

Lausanne Info to Go

Geneva International Airport is the nearest major airport, with frequent, convenient train connections to Lausanne. The trip takes about 45 minutes, and trains typically run every 20 minutes. Taxis are available but costly and rarely faster than the train.

Within the city, the metro provides quick service between the lakeshore and the central rail station. Lausanne is also very walkable, particularly along the waterfront, though exploring Old Town on foot involves steep hills. Lausanne Tourism provides mobile apps and a city guide that help visitors plan their time.

Where to Stay in Lausanne

BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE This elegant 168-room hotel offers family-friendly programs such as treasure hunts and pastry classes as well as adult amenities like a 2-Michelin-star restaurant and an extensive wine cellar. Place du Port 17-19 $$$$$

LAUSANNE PALACE AND SPA A 148-room, five-star property with a full-service spa, four restaurants and an indoor pool. In summer, enjoy Sunday alfresco brunches with Champagne and desserts. Rue du Grand Chêne 7-9 $$$$

ROYAL SAVOY LAUSANNE An Art Nouveau hotel restored and expanded with a modern wing and the Royal Spa. The on-site Brasserie serves steak and classic dishes. Ave. d’Ouchy 40 $$$$

Restaurants in Lausanne

BRASSERIE DE MONTBENON Housed in a 1908 building with contemporary décor, this brasserie serves seasonal upscale dishes and offers a terrace with lake views in summer. Allée Ernest-Ansermet 3 $$

CAFÉ DE L’HÔTEL DE VILLE A small, atmospheric café in the pedestrian heart of the city serving well-prepared salads and galettes. Place de la Palud 10 $$$

LE CAFÉ DES AVENUES A family-friendly café known for classic steak frites, brunch options and sweet crêpes ideal for an afternoon coffee. Ave. de Jurigoz 20 $$