Switzerland
Lausanne
Nestled at the northern edge of Lake Geneva, Lausanne radiates a quiet charm as the vibrant capital of Switzerland’s Vaud canton. With a population of around 140,000 residents (as of 2020), this city is a lively hub of public transportation, seamlessly connecting travelers to the breathtaking alpine region of Valais. Known worldwide for its proximity to some of the most renowned ski slopes, Lausanne offers a gateway not only to scenic mountain adventures but also to a city rich in culture and history, where the gentle lapping of lake waters complements the lively pulse of urban life.
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Things to do
## Things to do in Lausanne Lausanne is a lively lakeside city with a beautiful medieval centre, a strong arts scene and an unmistakable connection to sport. To get to know it, wander through the car-free Old Town around Place de la Palud, where the Gothic Cathedral, Lausanne Historical Museum, Château Saint-Maire and remnants of the old city walls reveal the city’s long history. Climb the Cathedral tower for wide views over the rooftops, Lake Geneva and the Alps, then continue downhill through the Flon district for cafés, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Lausanne is famous for being the Olympic Capital, so the Olympic Museum in Ouchy is an essential stop for anyone interested in sport, design or modern history. After visiting, follow the flower-lined waterfront past the port and Château d’Ouchy, pause in a lakeside park, or take to the water by boat, paddleboard or cruise. The city’s relationship with Lake Geneva is central to local life, and the shoreline at Vidy and Ouchy is especially inviting for walking, cycling and relaxing outdoors. For culture beyond the historic centre, explore Plateforme 10 beside the railway station, home to major art and photography museums, or visit the Fondation de l’Hermitage and the Collection de l’Art Brut. Lausanne’s steep, hilly setting creates memorable viewpoints at Montbenon, Flon and Sauvabelin. In the latter, the forest and lake offer a quieter escape, while the Sauvabelin Tower provides a 360-degree panorama of the city, lake, Alps and Jura. If you have extra time, walk among the terraced vineyards of nearby Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and stop with a local winegrower. Lausanne city centre is made for an unhurried weekend of walking, museum visits, coffee and meals. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the pedestrian market brings more than a hundred stalls into the historic centre, making it a good place to browse local produce and regional specialities. On a Sunday, combine brunch or a relaxed café stop with Aquatis, Plateforme 10, the Old Town or a lakeside stroll; restaurants around the centre and Ouchy make it easy to finish the day over fondue or another Vaud speciality. Check individual museum, tower and transport opening times before setting out, especially outside the main season.
Things to do
## Things to do in Lausanne Lausanne is a lively lakeside city with a beautiful medieval centre, a strong arts scene and an unmistakable connection to sport. To get to know it, wander through the car-free Old Town around Place de la Palud, where the Gothic Cathedral, Lausanne Historical Museum, Château Saint-Maire and remnants of the old city walls reveal the city’s long history. Climb the Cathedral tower for wide views over the rooftops, Lake Geneva and the Alps, then continue downhill through the Flon district for cafés, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Lausanne is famous for being the Olympic Capital, so the Olympic Museum in Ouchy is an essential stop for anyone interested in sport, design or modern history. After visiting, follow the flower-lined waterfront past the port and Château d’Ouchy, pause in a lakeside park, or take to the water by boat, paddleboard or cruise. The city’s relationship with Lake Geneva is central to local life, and the shoreline at Vidy and Ouchy is especially inviting for walking, cycling and relaxing outdoors. For culture beyond the historic centre, explore Plateforme 10 beside the railway station, home to major art and photography museums, or visit the Fondation de l’Hermitage and the Collection de l’Art Brut. Lausanne’s steep, hilly setting creates memorable viewpoints at Montbenon, Flon and Sauvabelin. In the latter, the forest and lake offer a quieter escape, while the Sauvabelin Tower provides a 360-degree panorama of the city, lake, Alps and Jura. If you have extra time, walk among the terraced vineyards of nearby Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, and stop with a local winegrower. Lausanne city centre is made for an unhurried weekend of walking, museum visits, coffee and meals. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the pedestrian market brings more than a hundred stalls into the historic centre, making it a good place to browse local produce and regional specialities. On a Sunday, combine brunch or a relaxed café stop with Aquatis, Plateforme 10, the Old Town or a lakeside stroll; restaurants around the centre and Ouchy make it easy to finish the day over fondue or another Vaud speciality. Check individual museum, tower and transport opening times before setting out, especially outside the main season.
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Genève
Switzerland
Geneva, known locally as Genève in French and Genf in German, stands as Switzerland’s second-largest city and the most populous French-speaking hub in the country. Renowned as a global epicenter of diplomacy, it has hosted the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross since 1863, embodying humanitarian ideals. While the United Nations maintains a significant presence at the Palais des Nations, Geneva’s influence extends beyond, with numerous UN agencies and international organizations calling it home. Despite its modest population of around 200,000 within the city proper, the metropolitan area swells to over a million residents, blending political gravitas with vibrant cosmopolitan living.
Bern
Switzerland
Nestled on a peninsula carved by the winding curves of the Aare River, Bern emerges as a city of timeless charm and architectural harmony. Its UNESCO-listed old town, a marvel of coherent design, beckons visitors with 6.4 kilometers of arcaded walkways, where fountains dance and clock towers punctuate the skyline with rhythmic elegance. As Switzerland’s de facto capital, Bern exudes a quiet grandeur, blending medieval splendor with the vibrant pulse of modern life. In 2018, its population numbered around 134,000 within the city proper, with a broader urban embrace reaching approximately 420,000. This historic city, founded around 1191 by the Zähringer family and gaining free imperial city status in 1218, has grown into a bastion of Swiss history and sovereignty. Surrounded by the Aare, Bern’s streets whisper stories of centuries past, while its lively neighborhoods reflect a city that balances tradition with progress.
Besançon
France
Nestled in the heart of eastern France, Besançon stands as a vibrant hub within the Franche-Comté region. This city weaves a rich tapestry of history, culture, and local charm, inviting visitors to explore its timeless streets and discover the stories that shape its unique identity.
Basel
Switzerland
Nestled along the Rhine in northwestern Switzerland, Basel stands as a sophisticated gateway to both culture and history. Often overlooked, this city boasts a captivating medieval old town, a lively carnival that captures the essence of local tradition, and an impressive collection of world-class art museums designed by visionary architects like Renzo Piano, Mario Botta, and Herzog & De Meuron. Its architectural landscape is a harmonious blend of ancient and contemporary, featuring the Romanesque Münster Cathedral, the Renaissance-era Rathaus (Town Hall), and cutting-edge modern structures that showcase Basel’s innovation. Strategically located at the crossroads of three countries—Switzerland, France, and Germany—Basel offers effortless access to the Swiss Jura mountains, Zürich, Lucerne, Alsace, and the Black Forest. Whether exploring its rich cultural tapestry or venturing into the surrounding natural beauty, Basel promises an experience of understated elegance and intellectual vibrancy.
Luzern
Switzerland
Nestled on the shimmering shores of Lake Lucerne, the charming city of Lucerne—known locally as Luzern—embodies the poetic heart of Switzerland’s central landscape. With its picturesque streets and storied past, this small yet vibrant city beckons travelers seeking both serenity and adventure. Surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps and crowned by the historic Chapel Bridge, a wooden marvel from the 14th century, Lucerne offers a timeless escape where history whispers through its ancient structures and the lake’s tranquil surface reflects the grandeur of nearby mountains like Pilatus and Rigi. As the cultural and economic hub of the canton, with a population of around 82,000, Lucerne’s lively atmosphere extends beyond the city limits, inviting exploration into the surrounding towns and the breathtaking scenery that has made it a perennial favorite among wanderers.
Mulhouse
France
Nestled in the Alsace region of France, Mulhouse is a city with a rich industrial past and a bright future. Located just west of the Rhine River near the German border, this city has been transforming from its hard-working roots into a vibrant cultural hub. Thanks to investments in revitalizing neighborhoods, modernizing public transport, and attracting new shops, Mulhouse is gradually shedding its old reputation and embracing a renewed identity.