Top Things to See
 Abundant attractions in Lausanne means there are dozens of sights not to be missed during your visit. The city’s museums alone are likely to take up a significant portion of your vacation, with the history of the region traced through art, architecture and geology. However, Lausanne has great outdoor attractions too and no holiday here is complete without a walking tour of the Old Town, a trip to Ouchy harbour and a cruise on Lake Geneva.
 Hermitage Foundation
Housed in a building that is worthy of a visit in its own right, this fine arts museum is one of the city’s best. The Hermitage was opened to the public in 1984 with the aim of providing people with the opportunity to appreciate fine art in the pleasant 19th century building. Both the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are on display year-round. Website: http://en.fondation-hermitage.ch/.
 Lake Geneva
Known locally as Lac Léman, much outdoor activity is centred on the largest lake in the country. The waterfront attracts those looking for a pleasant area for strolling, while cyclists and rollerbladers also frequent the lake’s shores. For swimming, head to the beach area to the west of Ouchy Marina where you stretch out on a sun lounger or cool off in the water. Bellerive is another favourite spot, with several beaches, a huge public swimming pool and great dining options. The lake is a haven for sports fans, with water-based activities such as sailing and waterskiing being very popular, while the shoreline has ample green areas where you can enjoy a match of football or throw a Frisbee around if you prefer to stay dry.
 Old Town
The Old Town is one of Lausanne’s highlights boasting numerous attractions including historical buildings and pleasant cobble stone streets. The pedestrianised part ensures you can explore the quaint shops on offer here without disturbance. On Saturday’s, the district transforms itself from a charismatic old-world hub into a busy market hive. The Farmers’ Market is interesting to explore and the best place in Lausanne for purchasing fresh produce. Once the market closes and the sun sets, the Old Town lights up with illuminated late-night bars and cosy coffee shops.
 Ouchy
Just a short drive from the city, this popular port resort on the edge of Lake Geneva is one of the region’s favourite tourist destinations. Enjoy roller skating or skateboarding along the harbour front while taking in the magnificent mountain and lake views. Plenty of hotels and restaurants here mean you can stay a while to enjoy the pleasant weather here in the summer months. Also of note is the medieval Castle of Ouchy dating from 1170, now an exclusive hotel.
 Palais de Rumine
This is one of Lausanne’s architectural wonders, built in Renaissance design. Although not boasting the age of some of the city’s other historical buildings, this is a lovely place to visit. Contained within are a handful of museums covering themes of history, art, geology, archeology and zoology. Once you have completed touring the museums, take the time to enjoy the agreeable ambience offered in the grounds which host ornate fountains and occasional craft exhibits.
 St Marie Castle
Currently used by the Canton of Vaud administration, this fantastic castle is a worthy stop-off on any visit to Lausanne. Within walking distance of Lausanne Cathedral, most visitors access the castle via the steep 160-step climb to the cathedral’s entrance. Located just on the edge of the Old Town, the views from the castle are impressive. Unfortunately the lovely views of the city and the exterior of the castle are all that you can enjoy, with the interior not accessible to tourists.
Top Things to Do
 Catch a performance by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra at the Métropole. This major concert hall is the ideal place to take in musical performances, with visitors recommended to book tickets in advance.
 Go shopping at the Farmers’ Market. This lively Saturday market is the best place to pick up fresh produce; however, even if you are not interested in making a purchase, it is a wonderful way to see the locals interact on their shopping trips.
 Hit one of Lausanne’s theatres for a night of culture. Choose from off-beat acts at the Arsenic, comedies at Theatre Boulimie or traditional performances at Theatre de Vidy; Lausanne offers a good selection of theatre performances throughout the year.
 Spend a day at Ouchy harbour and enjoy the cool breezes from Lake Geneva. This is a popular place to skateboard and rollerblade in addition to numerous other sports. The lively waterfront has dozens of coffee shops and acclaimed restaurants making this the perfect daytrip destination from Lausanne.
 Take a walking tour of the Old Town and discover the secrets that lie among the winding cobble stone streets and narrow alleyways. This is probably the most interesting district for tourists and it boasts quaint cafés, charming boutiques and a lively Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
 Treat your taste buds to some local cuisine. Lausanne is a gourmand’s delight with its wonderful eateries ranging from quaint cafés and elegant restaurants to crêperie and sophisticated steakhouses. International cuisine is also abundant and visitors can sample mouth-watering Indian dishes in addition to traditional Swiss dishes.
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