Lausanne on a Budget: A Day of Adventure!

Discover Lausanne's charm without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Lausanne offers plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers, from free outdoor activities like hiking in the surrounding mountains, to affordable eats at local markets and cafés. The city also has a number of museums with discounted admission fees, including the Olympic Museum and the Musée de l'Elysée. Accommodations can be found for a reasonable price by staying in hostels or booking budget hotels in advance.

Day trip plan

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Day

A Budget Day in Lausanne

  • Start with a visit to Cathedral of Notre-Dame, free entry and breath-taking views of the city from the top
  • Next, stroll along the promenade to Ouchy and admire views of Lake Geneva, vineyards and the Alps in the distance
  • For lunch, head to Café Grancy, a charming spot with affordable prices. Try the delicious quiches or savoury crepes
  • In the afternoon, visit the Olympic Museum, entry fee is reasonable and the exhibits on sports and Olympian history are fascinating
  • For dinner, head to Chez Xu, a hidden gem serving authentic Chinese cuisine. The prices are affordable and the dumplings are a must-try
  • End the day with a walk around the picturesque Place de la Palud and the historic town center, enjoying the nightlights of Lausanne

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.

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