Lausanne has a good collection of fun outdoor activities and theme parks at which to keep children happy. Should you tire of swimming, ice skating or playing badminton, the city’s museums offer a more educational experience, with the Geological Museum being home to an impressive collection of minerals and the remains of a mammoth.

AquaSplash Renens
A short drive from the city, this water park is the ideal day out for those with children. Attractions include water slides, heated swimming pools, diving boards and sporting activities. If your hand and feet get waterlogged, try your hand at a game of badminton or football. Adults can rest easy and enjoy a massage as their kids play supervised. Phone: +41 21 632 7352.

Montchoisi Swimming Pool and Skating Rink
An outdoor wave pool in the summer and a giant skating rink in the winter, kids can have fun here regardless of the season. Ideal for a day out, the rink and pool can get crowded in the afternoon, so if you are looking for some peace and quiet as you float or slide, get here early. Phone: +41 21 616 1062.

Geological Museum (Musee Cantonal de Geologie)
Appealing to adults as well as children, Lausanne’s Geological Museum is an educational experience for all ages. The highlight is the almost complete skeleton of a mammoth, while other exhibits focus on minerals (some of which are florescent), crystals and fossils. Tracing the evolution of mankind through geology, the museum is located at Rumine Palace. Phone: +41 21 692 4470.

As a cultural centre for centuries, Lausanne continues to attract visitors with its architecture, music and sporting history as well as interesting museums. Having been home to numerous well-known artists, designers, sportsmen, composers and writers, the legacy of Lausanne’s past residents remains evident in the diverse cultural offerings available here. Spend a night at the ballet, listen to a performance by Lausanne’s orchestra, visit one of the city’s interesting museums or take part in a sporting event.

Collection de l'Art Brut
Art lovers should not miss this impressive collection of works by largely unknown and untrained artists. The works displayed here were created by painters and sculptors who spent much of their life institutionalised, criminally active or mentally ill. The museum gives an unusual and interesting insight into the artworks of these troubled men and women and the story behind their difficult lives. Phone: +41 21 647 5435; website: www.artbrut.ch.

Lausanne Cathedral
Switzerland’s most impressive Gothic cathedral is the focus of Lausanne and the city’s most visited attraction. Dating from 1275, the cathedral was never completed and is still absent of its north tower; however, visitors can climb the single tower that was constructed for lovely views across the city. The tradition of the town crier calling out the time from the tower has been maintained for centuries and there is little need for a Swiss watch if you are in this area in the evening. Special events are often held here such as concerts. Phone: +41 21 316 7161

Metropole
This beautiful concert hall is one of Lausanne’s protected buildings and was built in 1929. Now used for a wide array of events ranging from concerts to conferences, ballet performances and plays, the hall is a focal point of cultural life in Lausanne. It is also where the internationally acclaimed Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne performs several times each year. Seating over 2,000 people, taking in a performance at the Metropole is a highlight for some visitors to Lausanne. Website: http://www.sallemetropole.ch/.

Musee de Design et d'Arts Appliques Contemporains (MUDAC)
Focusing on contemporary art and design in all media, including a comprehensive collection of glassworks, this modern art facility has been recently moved to its new home at Gaudard House. Temporary exhibitions are shown year-round, while there is also an inspiring permanent collection. Hoping to facilitate dialogue between various artistic disciplines and challenge viewers’ definitions of art, this is a fascinating exploration of contemporary art that should not be missed. Phone: +41 21 315 2530; website: http://www.mudac.ch/.

Musée Historique de Lausanne
Boasting a fascinating collection of maps and other artefacts, this interesting history museum is worth a visit if you want to come closer to understand the city’s history and development. Images tracing Lausanne’s past are displayed alongside documents to give greater understanding of significant events in the region’s past. A highlight is a model of the city in the 16th century. Phone: +41 21 315 41 01.

Olympic Museum (Musee Olimpique)
Housed in a Greek-inspired building, the temple-like Olympic Museum traces the origins of the Olympic Games. Developed by Ancient Greece, hosting cities are listed in the entranceway of the museum, emphasising the overwhelming international participation in the games. Ancient artefacts as well as more modern collections of Olympic-related items, including all torches carried since 1936, are on display. Sit down to short video that aims to give the viewer insight into the anxiety, strain and hard work that goes into achieving a medal. Don’t miss the lovely gardens surrounding the museum which contain bronze artworks and an impressive array of plants. Phone: +41 21 621 6511.

The multicultural character of Lausanne, which has become home to hundreds of immigrants in the last century, ensures the culinary offerings in the city are top-notch. With a restaurant scene as diverse as the ethnic makeup of the city, visitors may be at a loss in deciding where to eat.

European cuisine including Italian and French is popular, as are Asian restaurants serving up Chinese and Thai. Add to this a handful of Mexican and Middle Eastern eateries and visitors are spoilt for choice. Bistros and brassieres are also a favourite among locals, where you can often get a hearty meal at a reasonable price. Overall, however, dining out in Lausanne is more expensive than at other European destinations.

The most popular area to dine is in the centre of Lausanne, which offers the widest choice. There are also some excellent choices in nearby Ouchy and Vidy for those who are prepared to drive. If you want an intimate experience head for one of the city’s small bistros, which are often no bigger than someone living room and can seat only a dozen diners at a time.

Local dishes not to be missed include fondue, the most popular sort being cheese fondue, a heated sauce in which diners dip bread or meat into. Rosti are commonly eaten for breakfast, a fried grated potato omelette, while quiche is a popular lunch dish. Aside from popular local dishes, sampling the many varieties of Swiss-made cheese and chocolate is also a must. From Lindt to Toblerone, and Emmental to Gruyère, this is not a place for dieters.

The most popular area to shop in Lausanne is in the city centre, with speciality, book and clothing shops being widespread. Manor on Rue St Laurent is one of Lausanne’s most popular department stores and sells a wide variety of goods, but if you are looking for something a bit more upmarket, head for Bon Genie at Place St François. Speciality shops include often expensive wine outlets, tea and coffee shops, and confectioners.

With the exception of stocking up on Swiss chocolate and cheeses, most visitors leave any real shopping to be done at home, where prices are inevitably lower. However, Lausanne’s shops make for good browsing, even if you don’t plan to make a purchase.

In a country that is teeming with mountains and beautiful alpine scenery, it is no wonder the Swiss are active outdoors fans, with walking being top of the list. Lausanne also has the advantage of being next door to Switzerland’s largest lake, meaning summer-time water sports are a favourite. However, even when the weather turns sour, there are heated pools and ice-skating rinks to check out.

Botanic Gardens
If you want to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, there’s no better place to head than Lausanne’s Botanical Gardens. Abundant local flora sits alongside international species, making for a relaxing and lush natural setting. Having been established in the late 1800s, the gardens were originally a source for medicinal plants which were used by medical and pharmacy student in their studies. Still home to medicinal plants, you can also find mountain flora that is unique to Switzerland. A small museum on-site is worthy of a visit for its displays on botany. Phone: +41 21 616 2409; website: http://www.botanique.vd.ch.

Sailing
With Lausanne’s close proximity to Lake Geneva, it is no surprise that sailing is a popular pastime here. Beginners can get the experience they need at the sailing school at Ouchy Port, while experienced sailors can skip the lessons and rent a boast by the day or week. The sailing season runs from April to November.

Walking tour
The Swiss are keen walkers, with no better way to see Lausanne’s Old Town but on foot. Regardless of whether you choose to join a guided walking tour or you go at it alone, many of the city’s attractions are very accessible on foot. Commencing at the Town Hall, you can wander past medieval leftovers in Old Town taking in the sights. A good guide book should provide you with the accompanying history that you need to make the walk worthwhile, which professional guides will be able to let you in on local secrets.