Swiss Adventure on a Budget: Lausanne in 3 Days

Discover scenic Lausanne on a budget without compromising on fun and beauty.

21 June 2023

A trip to Lausanne on a limited budget can still be an exciting venture. Visitors can explore the Old Town and Cathedral for free, take a stroll along Lake Geneva without having to pay, and indulge in Swiss cuisine at affordable eateries. Additionally, staying in hostels or budget-friendly accommodations can provide an opportunity to save money while enjoying the city's breathtaking views.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the Old Town

  • Check into Lausanne Guesthouse & Backpacker for affordable accommodations
  • Head to the Old Town to wander through alleys lined with colorful buildings
  • Stop by Notre-Dame Cathedral for stunning views of the city
  • Visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the history of the Games
  • Satisfy your hunger with Raclette cheese at La Ferme Vaudoise
Day 2

Lakeside Adventures

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lake Geneva Promenade
  • Hop on a ferry to explore nearby towns like Vevey or Montreux
  • Rent a paddleboat to soak up the sun and enjoy the lake breezes
  • Grab a quick bite at Ouchy Panorama for tasty takeaway sandwiches
  • Take in the views from the Lausanne Palace rooftop bar while sipping on a delicious cocktail
Day 3

Vineyard Hopping

  • Take a train to the charming Swiss Riviera town of Lavaux
  • Walk through the picturesque vineyards and taste the local wines at Domaine Croix Duplex
  • Get a panoramic view of the Alps at the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces UNESCO site
  • Enjoy a traditional Savoyard meal of fondue and charcuterie at the cozy Les Trois Soleils
  • Return to Lausanne for a nightcap at Shotamoli Speakeasy Cafe
  • End of itinerary.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lausanne by plane is to fly to Geneva Airport and take a train to Lausanne. The train from Geneva Airport to Lausanne takes approximately 45 minutes.

Car

If you are driving to Lausanne, take the A1 motorway towards Lausanne. It is recommended to use a GPS or map to navigate the streets of the city, as parking can be difficult in the city center.

Train

If you are already in Switzerland, the best way to get to Lausanne by train is to take a Swiss Federal Railways train, which operates throughout Switzerland. Lausanne is a major train hub and can be reached by direct train from cities such as Geneva, Bern, and Zurich.

Boat

Although Lausanne is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, there are no regular boat services from other cities on the lake. However, boat tours of Lake Geneva are a popular attraction in the area and can be booked locally.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major European cities and Lausanne. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular options. It is best to check timetables and prices online ahead of time and book in advance to ensure availability.

Destination

Lausanne

Nestled between the mountains and the lake, Lausanne is the perfect place to practice your uphill hiking skills and your downhill fondue eating skills. You might just end up rolling down the hill instead of walking down.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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