Lausanne : a bunch of activities for rainy days

For foodies

To begin the day properly in Lausanne, let’s head to the trendy restaurants to devour a delicious brunch. It’s almost compulsory here! And we’d all agree there’s nothing cosier than to listen to the sound of the rain when we’re warm and dry, with the aroma of coffee, warm croissants and scrambled eggs tickling our nostrils. We delight in that cocooning atmosphere so typical of rainy days! We’d let ourselves be tempted by the Café Saint-Pierre’s savoury pancakes, the Pointu’s avocado toast and the Downtown’s birchermüesli. Don’t forget to book!

Other suggestions for a brunch this way.

For the sporty

The rain is no excuse to slack off! The brand new Beaulieu Sports Halls will be happy to welcome you, as they have everything you need to get physically active while staying warm and dry. For lovers of climbing, a bloc bouldering centre for all levels in a hall over 2,000 m2 awaits you. If padel is your thing, there are 4 courts that you can book to play wild games. The advantage is that you can enjoy your shower outside, under the open sky! Isn’t life fun?

For those who love to relax

We know what you’re like, you who consider that a successful rainy day consists in a lie in until lunchtime, listening to the sound of the rain as you snuggle up in your warm bed. And we get it! Yet we’ve also found the ideal activity for you: what would you say to being pampered in a Lausanne spa all day, enjoying the jacuzzi, heated pool and relaxation? You can even have a nap on a deck chair, wrapped in your bathrobe, while you wait for an uber relaxing massage. And all that without an ounce of guilt, since a storm is raging outside anyway! It would almost make us wish for rain; how about you?

Choosing your favourite spa.

For the adventurous

This suggestion is targeted at the bolder amongst you and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but who says the rain means you’ve got to stay indoors? Grab an umbrella, put on your prettiest wellies and off we go for a reinvigorating walk in Ouchy. And since you might well have the lakeside to yourself, you could even launch into I’m singing in the rain as you splash in the puddles.

For culture buffs…

… and for those who wish to stay dry for the day, Lausanne museums await you with open doors. A good tip: entrance to Lausanne museums is free every first Saturday of the month. Whether you’re in a mood to immerse yourself in the unconventional and surprising world of the Collection de l’Art Brut, discover Plateforme 10, the new Arts District, visit the amazing Fondation de l’Hermitage or experience the emotions of great athletes at the Olympic Museum, you’re bound to find a world that will help you forget the grey, rainy day. More good news is that many museums house really cosy cafés to savour a well-deserved hot drink after your visit.

More exhibitions to visit this way.

For coffee addicts

A hot cup of coffee is almost mandatory to cheer ourselves up and face the bad weather. We’re lucky since the Loxton, L’impression Café, Ça passe crème and Sleepy Bear are all always ready to welcome you, come wind, rain or hail.

For those who want to stay in keeping with the theme

Water outdoors and indoors! At least, it won’t be too much of a change of scenery – once you’ve entered Aquatis, you’ll still be surrounded with water, but this time you’ll be dry (phew!). With its 10,000 fish and hundred or so reptiles, the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe has plenty to keep you busy for the whole Sunday. Bonus: if you forget to bring your umbrella for your outing to the aquarium, you’ll be wet, BUT in perfect communion with the aquarium’s fish.

For cinephiles…

… or simply for those who wish to escape by immersing themselves in a good movie! The advantage of cinemas is that there are no windows to remind us that it’s pouring outside. We enjoy a relaxing interlude in tête-à-tête with our bucket of popcorn and we savour it!

Let’s discover Lausanne cinemas.

For shopping addicts

One good thing about days of torrential rain: crazy yet guilt-free shopping is ours! Let’s head to the Rue de Bourg, renowned for its steep slope, but first and foremost for its luxury brands and beautiful boutiques. You’ll find the hottest names in fashion and haute couture. Lovers of small designers will also enjoy roaming the Flon district, Rue Marterey, Rôtillon neighbourhood or Rue de la Mercerie. A real paradise for amateurs of designer boutiques and concept stores!