Lausanne on a Budget: Wine, Mountains, and More!

Experience the beauty of Lausanne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Lausanne, Switzerland, can be visited on a limited budget despite being a pricey city. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations, explore the city on foot or by bike, and indulge in delicious street food options while taking in the stunning surroundings, including Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Don't miss free attractions like the Olympic Museum and the Lausanne Cathedral.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Lausanne

  • Grab a croissant from a local bakery before wandering through the charming Old Town
  • Stop by the Gothic-style Lausanne Cathedral for breathtaking views of Lake Geneva
  • Explore the Olympic Museum, home to artifacts from past Olympic Games
  • Visit the beautiful Palais de Rumine, a museum showcasing the history of the region
  • Dine at Café du Grütli for classic Swiss cuisine without breaking the bank
  • Hotel Recommendation: Hotel AlaGare, a budget-friendly option close to the train station
Day 2

Wine Tasting in Lavaux

  • Take a scenic train ride to Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vineyards
  • Join a guided walking tour and indulge in local wines while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Geneva
  • Visit the charming wine village of Grandvaux and try some of the best whites in the region
  • Picnic in the vineyards for a truly stellar experience
  • Head back to Lausanne and stop by La Cave à Jazz, a cozy wine bar with live music in the evenings
Day 3

Day Trip to Montreux and Chillon Castle

  • Take a short train ride to Montreux, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Geneva
  • Stroll through the charming old town and visit the famous Freddie Mercury statue
  • Stop by the historic Château de Chillon, a medieval fortress that inspired Lord Byron's poetry
  • Take a dip in the glittering waters of Lake Geneva before dining at Le Rouvenaz, a renowned seafood restaurant
Day 4

Adventure in the Mountains

  • Take a funicular up to Le Signal de Sauvabelin for panoramic views of the city and the Alps
  • Embark on a hike through the stunning forests of Sauvabelin, taking in the stunning scenery and local wildlife
  • Head back down and spend the afternoon at Bellerive Plage, a public beach with crystal clear waters
  • Indulge in some famous Swiss chocolate at Blondel before concluding your trip with a sunset view at Le Deck.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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