When the sun comes out in Lausanne, the city comes alive — and let’s be honest, there’s no better place to savor it than on a terrace with a drink in hand.
From lakeside classics to tucked-away neighborhood gems, we’ve rounded up our favorite spots to soak up the season. Whether you’re in the mood for an early morning espresso, an after-work apéro, or a full afternoon of people-watching, this list has you covered. The only challenge? Figuring out where to start.
Les Jardins du Vieux Lausanne & Giraf Bar
An oasis in the heart of the city, Les Jardins is one of those special places that you kind of want to keep for yourself. Nestled at the base of La Cité, the seasonal bar is a beautiful brainchild of the Restaurant le Vieux-Lausanne and Bar Giraf.
Buvette du Musée
And literally just one level up from the Giraf gardens, is a secret little buvette which is part of the Lausanne History Museum. It's quiet, with incredible views, and a small menu with local refreshments.
Brasserie de Montbenon
Your first steps into the Brasserie de Montbenon will be extraordinary. Your gaze will be drawn upward, and as if by instinct, you will gasp and briefly hold your breath. It’s just that beautiful. Then you’ll step out onto the terrace and have a hard time choosing whether to sit inside or outside.
Le Kiosque Saint-François
An icon in the middle of it all, this charming kiosk serves up front-row seats to the buzz of Lausanne life. Whether it’s a quick coffee, a lazy apéro, or just an excuse to linger in one of the city’s most recognisable squares, this spot delivers charm with a side of people-watching.
The Great Escape
There might not be a more amicable place in all the city. For many, stepping into The Great Escape is a nostalgic experience, conjuring memories of collegiate days and eternal summers. If hungry, we swear by their chicken nuggets.
Montriond
Neighborhood charm meets local flavor at this laid-back terrace by Parc de Milan. Think craft beers, regional wines, and tasty nibbles that keep the conversation flowing. It’s the kind of spot where you pop by for an apéro and accidentally stay ‘til sunset.
Restaurant du Théâtre
Shaded by leafy trees and serenaded by the gentle splash of its central fountain, this courtyard terrace feels like a hidden oasis in the heart of the city. The lively brasserie vibe, refreshing drinks, and natural soundtrack make it a go-to for both sun-soaked lunches and relaxed apéros.
Le Barbare
Famous for its decadent hot chocolate in the colder months, Le Barbare shines just as bright in summer. Tucked alongside the iconic (and most Instagrammable) Escaliers du Marché, its cosy terrace is a sweet spot for soaking up the sun, local sips in hand, and watching Lausanne go by.
La Vaudaire
Right on the water’s edge in Vidy, La Vaudaire brings laid-back summer vibes with a touch of local flair. With its spacious lakeside terrace and menu that celebrates seasonal, regional favourites, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches or sunset apéros by the shore.
Les Arches
Ripped jeans, body piercings, tube tops, and killer tattoos litter this bar under a bridge. Owned by the D! Club, this spot is prime time for people watching, catching a few sun rays, and savoring a cocktail or two.
The Lacustre
Watch boats pass, feel the breeze off the lake, gaze as the sunlight changes on the mountains, and eat and drink incredibly well. We’ve spent many brunches, lunches, and even laaaaate evenings at The Lacustre and we still keep coming back for more. It remains one of our favorite terraces in Lausanne for its laid back vibe and quality food.
L'Impression
A small neighborhood bistro with a flexitarian menu (meaning everyone is welcome, and flavors are just as bold and bright and fresh regardless of whether you order a vegan dish or the lamb), they are open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. We were particularly struck by how simple yet stunning our dishes were.
Les Grandes Roches
You might assume that drinking under a bridge should be saved as a last resort in life. But at Les Grandes Roches an unusual urban space has been reclaimed and under-bridge-drinking given a new cool.
La Folie Voltaire
This is one of Lausanne’s family hotspots, so don’t hesitate to bring the little guys. A playground is just next to the dining area, so you can enjoy your adult conversation, knowing that your children are a short ear-shot away.
Downtown
Right in the heart of Lausanne, with a view of the Palace and the energy of the Flon, is Downtown. Known for their incredible breakfast, superfood salads and burgers, it’s a great place to start the morning or grab an apero or dinner with friends.
Café des Artisans
A lively terrace with a laid-back, bohemian feel, Café des Artisans is a go-to for casual catch-ups over local plates and wines. Set along Rue Centrale, it’s the kind of spot where the apéro stretches effortlessly into dinner, all while soaking in the buzz of the city.
L'Auberge de Beaulieu
The outside front terrace, or beer garden, is spacious and sunny. A perfect place to let the kids run around (or play in the rocks), while you enjoy a beer, a homemade agua fresca or one of the stunning cocktails on their menu. We imagine many summer evenings spent on this terrace in the future.
Un Po' di Più
Right in the heart of the city, across from Place de la Riponne, is this urban oasis. Enjoy Italian antipastis, pastas, pizzas and cocktails surrounded by the eclectic deco under the shade of trees.
Le Bar @ Beau Rivage Palace
Under a shade of trees, and views of our pristine lake – the 5* service and cocktails make this bar in Ouchy a favorite to frequent when walking the boardwalk. Plus the pebbles and large open space nearby can occupy little ones if they happen to be in your company.
Street Cellar
Self-described as a “wine bar that breaks all the codes”, Street Cellar is the result of a crowd-funding initiative by two friends. They offer local wines drawn directly from the barrel, and elevated but unpretentious street food, and their space is decorated and painted by local street artists.
