Old Town, Lausanne Travel Guide

Discover the timeless allure of Lausanne's Old Town, where medieval charm meets vibrant culture amidst cobblestone streets and historic landmarks.

Nestled atop a picturesque hill overlooking Lake Geneva, the Old Town of Lausanne is a treasure trove of history and charm. This medieval quarter, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. The Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, dominates the skyline and is a must-visit for its intricate designs and panoramic views from the bell tower. Wandering through the narrow alleys, you'll encounter an array of quaint boutiques, artisanal shops, and cozy cafés. The Place de la Palud, the heart of the Old Town, is a lively square where you can watch the animated clock show and explore the vibrant market stalls. Nearby, the Town Hall, with its Renaissance-style façade, adds to the historic ambiance of the area. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the many museums and galleries dotted throughout the Old Town. The Lausanne History Museum provides a fascinating journey through the city's past, while the Collection de l'Art Brut showcases unique outsider art. The blend of historical landmarks and contemporary culture creates a unique atmosphere that is both nostalgic and invigorating.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Town.

Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven and hilly.
Visit the Lausanne Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a tranquil experience.
Explore the local markets at Place de la Palud for fresh produce and Swiss delicacies.
Check out the animated clock show at Place de la Palud, which takes place every hour.
Take a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history and hidden gems of the Old Town.

Explore Old Town: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Old Town

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Lausanne Cathedral

Explore the stunning Lausanne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Switzerland, rich in history and breathtaking views of Lake Geneva.

4.6

Parc Olympique

Explore the beauty and history of Parc Olympique, the serene park in Lausanne that celebrates the Olympic spirit and offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva.

4.6

Lausanne Botanical Garden

Explore the enchanting Lausanne Botanical Garden, a serene escape with diverse flora and stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

4.4

Lausanne History Museum

Explore the captivating history of Lausanne through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and stories at the Lausanne History Museum, a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.6

Best landmarks in Old Town

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The Olympic Museum

Discover the Olympic legacy at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, a captivating showcase of sports history and culture along the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva.

4.6

Lausanne Cathedral

Discover the breathtaking beauty and history of Lausanne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Switzerland.

4.6

Sauvabelin Tower

Experience breathtaking views from Sauvabelin Tower, a stunning observation deck in Lausanne, surrounded by nature's beauty and rich landscapes.

4.6

Place de la Palud

Discover the vibrant heart of Lausanne at Place de la Palud, where history, culture, and local flavors come together in a picturesque square.

4.4

Best restaurants in Old Town

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The Lacustre

Experience exquisite dining at The Lacustre, where eclectic flavors meet stunning views along the shores of Lake Geneva.

4.3

White Horse

Discover the flavors of Switzerland at White Horse - where exquisite dining meets a lively bar atmosphere in beautiful Lausanne.

4.3

Vieux-Lausanne Restaurant & Giraf Bar

Experience exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Lausanne at Vieux-Lausanne Restaurant & Giraf Bar – where every meal is a celebration.

4.6

LUCHA LIBRE Lausanne

Discover the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at Lucha Libre Lausanne, where every meal is a celebration of culture and taste.

4.3

Best bars in Old Town

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The Great Escape

Discover vibrant nightlife at The Great Escape, Lausanne's go-to bar for craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

4.5

King Size Pub

Discover the lively atmosphere of King Size Pub in Lausanne, where great food and drinks meet a vibrant local nightlife scene.

4.3

Barberousse Lausanne

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Lausanne at Barberousse, a cozy bar offering an exceptional selection of drinks and a lively atmosphere.

4.5

The Green Rabbit

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Green Rabbit in Lausanne, where exquisite cocktails and electrifying dance floors await every visitor.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Old Town

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D! Club

Discover the heart of Lausanne's nightlife at D! Club, where music, energy, and excitement come together for an unforgettable night.

3.4

White Club / Temple Club Lausanne

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Lausanne at White Club, a premier dance hall and disco experience that promises unforgettable nights filled with music and energy.

4.1

Folklor Club

Discover the exhilarating nightlife at Folklor Club in Lausanne, where music, dance, and unforgettable memories come alive until dawn.

3.4

Bar Club ABC

Discover the pulse of Lausanne's nightlife at Bar Club ABC, where modern beats and stylish vibes come together for an unforgettable night.

3.9

Best shops in Old Town

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ZARA

Explore ZARA in Lausanne for the latest fashion trends and stylish apparel for the whole family at moderate prices.

3.9

MANIAK Lausanne

Explore the stylish world of MANIAK in Lausanne, where vintage meets contemporary fashion and beauty awaits at every corner.

4.3

Bazar Ouchy. Souvenirs suisses, jouets

Discover authentic Swiss souvenirs and toys at Bazar Ouchy, your ideal shopping destination in Lausanne, Switzerland.

4.7

Bongénie Lausanne

Explore Bongénie Lausanne, the ultimate shopping destination with fashion, beauty, and delightful cafés in the heart of the city.

3.9

Explore Old Town on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Old Town, mapped for you.

Old Town Essentials

Old Town is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Lausanne. From the Lausanne train station, you can take Metro Line M2 towards Ouchy and disembark at the Flon station. From there, it is a short walk uphill to reach Old Town. Alternatively, local buses (such as Line 1 and Line 21) also connect the station to the area. If you're coming from Ouchy, enjoy a pleasant 20-minute walk along the lakefront to reach Old Town.
Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly area, perfect for exploring on foot. The winding streets and historic architecture make walking the best way to experience the charm of the neighborhood. Public transportation, including buses and the metro, can be utilized for trips to other parts of Lausanne. Bicycles can also be rented at various locations throughout the city, with bike lanes connecting to Old Town.
Old Town is generally safe for tourists; however, common-sense precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While crime rates are low, petty thefts can occur, particularly in tourist-heavy spots. Areas such as the square around the Cathedral can be busy; remain vigilant in such locales.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Switzerland. For police help, call 117, and for fire emergencies, dial 118. The local hospital, CHUV, provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many carry English-speaking staff.
Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting churches. Smart-casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; don’t attempt to travel without a valid ticket, as fines are strict. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue; don’t eat or drink while walking in Old Town to respect the ambiance.
To experience Old Town like a local, start your day with a coffee at one of the quaint cafés in Place de la Palud. Explore the local boutiques for unique souvenirs, and don’t miss the Saturday market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. For an authentic dining experience, try a traditional Swiss restaurant away from the main tourist spots. Engage with locals; they often share hidden gems and recommendations off the beaten path.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Old Town

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Old Town. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGrüezi
  [groo-et-zee]
- GoodbyeUf Widerluege
  [oof vee-der-loo-geh]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNei
  [nye]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
- Thank youMerci vilmal
  [mer-see feel-mahl]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
- How are you?Wie gohts dir?
  [vee gohts deer]
- Fine. And you?Guat. Und dir?
  [gwat. oond deer]
- Do you speak English?Redsch du Englisch?
  [red-sh doo ang-gleesh]
- I don't understandIch verstand das ned
  [eech fer-shtahnd duss nayd]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möcht gärn d'Menu aluege
  [eech merkht gern d'meh-noo ah-loo-geh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [eech ess-eh kine flysh]
- Cheers!Proscht!
  [proh-sht]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahle
  [eech merkht-eh bit-teh tsah-luh]
- Help!Hilf!
  [hilf]
- Go away!Gang weg!
  [gang vehg]
- Call the Police!Ruef d'Polizei!
  [roof dee-poh-lee-tsey]
- Call a doctor!Ruef en Arzt!
  [roof en ahr-tst]
- I'm lostIch ha mi verlaufe
  [eech hah mee fer-low-fuh]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [eech been krahng]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möcht kaufe...
  [eech merkht cow-fuh]
- I'm just lookingIch luege nur
  [eech loo-geh noor]
- How much is it?Wieviel kostet das?
  [vee-feel kaw-stet duss]
- That's too expensiveDas isch zviel tüür
  [duss eesh tfeel tewr]
- Can you lower the price?Chönd Sie de Priis chürze?
  [chohnd zee deh prees choor-tseh]
- What time is it?Wieviel Uhr isch es?
  [vee-feel oor eesh es]
- It's one o'clockEs isch eini
  [es eesh eye-nee]
- Half past (10)Halb zehni
  [hahlb tsey-nee]
- MorningMorga
  [mor-gah]
- AfternoonNamitag
  [nah-mee-tahg]
- EveningAbe
  [ah-buh]
- YesterdayGestere
  [geh-steh-ruh]
- TodayHüt
  [hoot]
- TomorrowMorn
  [morn]
- 1Eis
  [ice]
- 2Zwei
  [ts-vy]
- 3Drei
  [dry]
- 4Vier
  [feer]
- 5Fünf
  [foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [zex]
- 7Siebe
  [zee-buh]
- 8Acht
  [ahkt]
- 9Nün
  [noon]
- 10Zäh
  [tseh]
- Where's a/the...?Wo isch es...?
  [voh eesh es]
- What's the address?Was isch d'Adresse?
  [vahs eesh dah-dreh-suh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Chönd Sie mir zeige (uf em Plan)?
  [chohnd zee meer ts-eye-guh (oof em plahn)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wänn fahrt de nächscht (Bus)?
  [ven fahrt deh nayk-sht (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)E Billett (nach ....)
  [eh bee-let (nahk)]

History of Old Town

The history of Old Town in Lausanne can be traced back to its founding in Roman times, when it was known as 'Lousonna'. This settlement was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Geneva, making it a pivotal point for trade and military activities. The remnants of Roman walls and the ancient theater still bear testimony to its illustrious past.
In the 12th century, the Counts of Lausanne gained prominence, establishing the city as a significant center of power. The construction of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which began in 1170, marked a key development in the architectural landscape of Old Town. This Gothic masterpiece, often regarded as the symbol of Lausanne, showcases the city's medieval heritage.
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought profound changes to Old Town. Figures like Guillaume Farel and later John Calvin played crucial roles in shaping the religious and cultural identity of the region. The transformation of the Cathedral into a Protestant place of worship reflected these ideological shifts, which significantly influenced the city's educational and cultural institutions.
The 19th century saw significant urban expansion in Lausanne, influenced by industrialization and the rise of the railway. This period led to the development of new neighborhoods, while Old Town retained its historical charm. The construction of the Palais de Rumine in 1906 further emphasized the city’s commitment to culture, housing museums and libraries that are still vital to Lausanne's cultural life.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to preserve the historical integrity of Old Town. Local authorities have implemented restoration projects to maintain its medieval architecture, including the picturesque streets, squares, and buildings. These initiatives not only protect the heritage but also enhance the neighborhood’s appeal as a vibrant cultural hub, attracting both tourists and residents alike.