Lausanne is a city that rewards those on foot. Its compact size and walkable neighborhoods, combined with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, make it an ideal city for exploring on foot. We especially love the Vine Stories: Lavaux & Lutry wine walk because it offers a chance to stroll through 600-year-old UNESCO vineyards while tasting local wines and hearing stories of the region’s winemaking tradition. Whether you’re a wine lover or just after scenic views and authentic local flavors, this tour hits all the right notes.
Aside from wine adventures, Lausanne offers a range of walking experiences, from cultural city tours to sweet indulgences like chocolate tastings. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 12 best walking tours in Lausanne, each with its own unique flavor, pace, and focus—whether it’s learning about Lausanne’s history, sampling Swiss chocolates, or capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Visit our guides to find the one that suits your style.
1. Vine Stories: Lavaux & Lutry wine walk
Walk through the landmark vineyard terraces of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches for miles down to Lake Geneva. This three-and-a-half-hour tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll wander through terraced slopes, hearing tales of centuries-old winemaking traditions. The highlight is sampling local wines directly from the winemakers, along with snacks that complement the tasting.
This tour stands out because of its relaxed pace and intimate setting. Guests rave about the guide’s expertise and storytelling. One reviewer shared, “Marc really individualized the experience… He was truly an expert in the wine world in the area and shared his knowledge enthusiastically.” The tour costs around $289.78 per person, offering excellent value considering the wine tastings and scenic views.
Bottom line: This is ideal for wine lovers who want a leisurely walk, tasting authentic Lavaux wines while soaking in breathtaking vineyard vistas.
2. Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walk in Lavaux
For those who crave a full sensory experience, this food, wine, and vineyard tour offers a mix of tasting, storytelling, and sightseeing. Lasting about 4 hours 45 minutes, it takes you through Epesses, one of Lavaux’s most famous villages, with stops at local winemakers and a delectable two-course lunch overlooking the vines. You’ll explore the panoramic terraced vineyards starting at Cully, then wander into Lutry, a charming medieval village, for a wine tasting experience.
Hosted by passionate guides, this tour includes visits to specific wineries like Domaine Blaise Duboux, with guests praising the guide’s extensive regional knowledge. One reviewer said, “Marc is a great storyteller, knows the region and wines, and made the experience unforgettable.” At $545.51, this tour is on the higher end but offers a comprehensive culinary and culture.
Bottom line: Perfect for gourmets and wine aficionados who want a deep dive into Lavaux’s culinary scene, with the bonus of a scenic lunch and exclusive tastings.
3. Lausanne: Cultural and Historical Guided Walking Tour
Interested in discovering Lausanne’s rich cultural fabric? This three-hour guided walk takes you through key landmarks such as the Lausanne Cathedral, Place de la Riponne, and the Tour de l’Ale. It’s a great way to get oriented and learn about the city’s history, architecture, and famous sites from a local guide.
The tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and personalized approach. One traveler noted, “Liliane showed us all the secrets of Lausanne. It was an amazing experience.” It’s an excellent choice if you want a structured overview that hits all the highlights and offers insights into Lausanne’s evolution from Roman times to its current vibrant scene.
Bottom line: This walk suits first-time visitors wanting a concise, informative introduction to Lausanne’s landmarks and history.
4. Lausanne: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
For those with a sweet tooth, this two-hour tour pairs a scenic walk with chocolate indulgence. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore Lausanne’s charming neighborhoods while sampling Swiss chocolates from different chocolatiers. The tour includes visits to historic chocolateries, where you can try pralines, ganaches, and organic chocolates.
Guests loved “Christian’s storytelling about each chocolate’s origins,” and appreciated the relaxed pace. The tour costs about $192.64, making it a tasty and affordable way to explore Lausanne’s culinary scene. The walk is leisurely, perfect if you want a relaxed experience that combines sightseeing with chocolate.
Bottom line: This is ideal for chocolate lovers who want a short, engaging walk that ends with tastings and insider stories about Swiss chocolates.
5. Lausanne – Private Historic Walking Tour
For those seeking a tailored experience, this private tour offers a customizable exploration of Lausanne’s most historic sites. Running about two hours, it’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups who want to focus on specific interests. Highlights include Saint-Maire Castle, the Palais de Rumine, and the buzzing Place de la Riponne.
While reviews are limited, this tour is praised for its flexibility and personalized approach. It’s ideal if you prefer a private guide who can adapt the itinerary on the fly. The price is $556.34 per group (up to 15 guests), making it a worthwhile investment for a private experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers craving a custom, intimate look at Lausanne’s history with a flexible schedule.
6. Lausanne: Insta-Perfect Walk with a Local
If you love snapping photos, this 90-minute tour is all about catching Lausanne’s most Instagrammable spots. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and hidden corners that look great on social media. This intimate tour is capped at 8 travelers, so it’s perfect for small groups or couples.
One reviewer wrote, “Ana gave us great tips and showed us Lausanne from a fresh perspective,” praising the guide’s ability to combine sightseeing with social media tips. The tour costs $133 per person, making it a fun, quick way to see the city through a camera lens.
Bottom line: Ideal for social media enthusiasts wanting to capture Lausanne’s best angles with local insider tips.
7. Lausanne Private Guided Walking Tour
This two-hour private tour offers a flexible way to see Lausanne’s main sights. You’ll stroll through Old Town, visit the Cathedral, and explore lesser-known corners based on your interests. It’s run by a licensed Swiss guide and designed for small groups or individuals.
While some reviews note scheduling hiccups, the tour provides a personalized approach. It’s best for travelers wanting a customized itinerary that covers major attractions like the Sauvabelin Tower and Old Town without a set agenda. Costing $85 per person, it’s a budget-friendly private option.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a tailored, private experience that focuses on the sites that matter most to them.
8. Lausanne: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
Need a quick overview? This hour-long walk offers a fast-paced introduction to Lausanne’s highlights with a local guide. You’ll see Lausanne Cathedral, the Old Town, and get quick local tips on where to eat and drink.
The tour is praised for its informative guide and efficient route. One person said, “Our guide Thomas was a hit. We enjoyed an individual city tour tailored to our wishes.” At $96, it’s a low-cost option for travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a snapshot of Lausanne’s top sights in a short time.
9. Lausanne: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
This private experience offers a customized look at Lausanne’s hidden gems and main sights. Running for about two hours, it’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the city’s lesser-known spots like the Sauvabelin Tower alongside iconic landmarks.
While ratings are modest, the tour’s flexibility and private nature make it appealing. It’s priced at $85 per person, offering good value for a tour tailored to your interests.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a personalized, private exploration that includes both main sights and secret corners.
10. Lausanne: Old Town Guided Walking Tour
This one-hour tour is a quick but rich introduction to Lausanne’s Old Town. It covers key sites like the Château Saint-Maire and Montbenon Park, offering a snapshot of the city’s architectural and historical highlights.
Guests appreciate the informative guide and easy pace. It’s perfect for travelers who want a brief overview without committing to a longer tour. The price is $110 per person, making it a good value for a focused city walk.
Bottom line: Suitable for visitors who want a concise, well-guided tour of Lausanne’s historic core.
11. Lausanne Tour: City, Lavaux walk & Olympic Museum/Ouchy
For a full-day adventure, this 8-hour tour combines Lausanne’s city highlights with a walk through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards and a visit to Ouchy. You’ll see landmarks like Sauvabelin Tower and explore Olympic history at the Museum.
This extensive experience is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at Lausanne’s culture, landscape, and lakeside charm. It’s especially appealing for those interested in combining sightseeing with culture. The cost isn’t listed, but it offers a detailed itinerary that covers everything.
Bottom line: Best for those with a full day to explore Lausanne’s diverse attractions, from mountains to vineyards to lakeside walks.
12. Lausanne: Walking Tour with Chocolate Tastings & Metro
While rated lower at 2.6/5, this three-hour tour still offers a mix of city sights and sweet treats. You’ll visit iconic sites like Palais de Rumine and the Cathedral Notre-Dame, sample chocolates from historic shops, and enjoy a ride on Lausanne’s driverless metro.
Guests find the experience fun, especially the chocolate tastings, but some note the tour could be more polished. Priced at $85, it’s an affordable way to combine sightseeing and sweet indulgence for those open to a more casual experience.
Bottom line: Suitable for chocolate lovers and those curious about Lausanne’s modern transit system, but expect a more relaxed pace.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Lausanne
When deciding which tour best suits you, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. For wine enthusiasts, Vine Stories offers a relaxed, scenic experience with tastings directly from local winemakers, while Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walk in Lavaux combines culinary discovery with spectacular vineyard vistas.
If your focus is on culture and history, the Cultural and Historical Guided Walking Tour or Old Town Guided Walk provide engaging introductions. For those wanting a quick overview, the Express Walk is perfect.
Book early especially in peak months (spring and summer), as popular tours fill quickly. Remember to check the duration and pace—some tours are relaxed and scenic, while others are brisk and packed with highlights.
Final Thoughts
Lausanne’s diverse walking tours offer something for every interest, whether it’s sipping wine among ancient vines, exploring the city’s historic streets, or indulging in Swiss chocolates. For a laid-back day in the vineyards, the Vine Stories tour is hard to beat. Culture seekers will appreciate the cultural city tour, while Instagram enthusiasts can capture perfect shots on the Insta-Perfect Walk.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your passions will ensure a memorable experience. Lausanne’s charm is best discovered on foot, so lace up your shoes and get ready for some authentic Swiss discovery.
