Cocktails & Conversations: A Guide to the Best Summertime Bars in Lausanne
- Simone
- Apr 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Lausanne is a city that knows how to enjoy summer evenings. Having called this city home for six years, I’ve spent countless nights on terraces, in hidden corners, and along the waterfront, and I can say with confidence: Lausanne punches above its weight when it comes to bars.
From laid-back student hangouts to chic cocktail spots and lakeside escapes, here are my favorite bars in Lausanne to enjoy a drink in 2025.
8 Best Bars in Lausanne to Enjoy this Summer
Vibe: This bar is located just outside the metro station at Flon. It is a modern bar situated under an old stone bridge, giving it an alluring atmosphere. Only open during the warmer months, it attracts people of all ages and all styles from students to more seasoned, chic individuals.
Good for: People watching, after-sunset, casual drinks with friends, pre-dinner/pre-night out cocktails
Vibe: This bar is tucked away under the Pont (“bridge” in English) Bessières and accessible from the “escaliers (“stairs”) des Grande-Roche”. The Terrasse des Grandes Roches offers a laid back vibe with an alternative feel, offering the perfect scene for a mini-escape from the city center. The people are friendly and everyone is there for a good time.
Good for: Cocktails, local beers, enjoying summer drinks outdoors, escaping the city crowds
Vibe: Ecublens plage is the perfect place to spend a summer day or evening with friends and family. Located in the heart of the city, this spot is transformed into a beach oasis, with free activities for all ages including pétanque, skimboarding, slacklining, ping-pong and more. For those that want to chill, there are also plenty of deckchairs to relax and soak up the sun.
The open-air bar is open for lunch and dinner, with a cool and shady terrace overlooking the Sorge River.
Good for: Activities, fun-in-the-sun, relaxing on deckchairs in a casual setting.
Vibe: This is a small bar restaurant located near the Cathedral of Lausanne. During the summer, it transforms into a “guinguette champêtre”, which is a type of open-air tavern. They offer finger food, local drinks, and cocktails. The restaurant also has a garden patio. It’s a friendly and calming place to come relay and enjoy a beautiful summers day with friends and family.
Good for: Day snack and drinks, being surrounded by historic beauty and nature
Vibe: If you are into super-casual classic pubs with a friendly, unpretentious vibe, Captain Cook is for you. They are even too cool for a website. It has a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of beers to share with friends. Located about a 10 minute walk from Flon and 15 minutes to the train station, this is a great place to stop and catch up with friends, or friendly strangers.
Good for: Wide selection of beers, casual drinks, catching up with friends
Vibe: The Great Escape lives up to its name with a relaxed, student-friendly atmosphere. During the summer, its expansive outdoor terrace beckons, while ample indoor seating ensures comfort in case the weather takes a turn. Accessible from the Riponne Metro station, reaching this bar and terrace entails ascending a stone stairway adjacent to the Cantonal and University Library of Lausanne, a notable landmark in its own right. This lively spot offers the perfect setting to mingle with both locals and expats alike, offering an array of beers, spirits, and delectable burgers.
Good for: Beers, spirits, burgers, watching sports, student crowd
Vibe: Feeling nostalgic for North America? As someone who grew up in Canada, I appreciated finding this little piece of home. It’s your typical hockey-loving sports pub in the heart of Europe. Pub les Gosses du Québec located near the Lausanne train station offers a fun and laid back atmosphere - which pretty much sums up Canada, eh?. Shoot some pool, catch the game, and enjoy Canadian-style comfort food and beers with a french twist.
Good for: Playing pool, watching sports, enjoying North American-style comfort food, feeling a taste of Canada
Vibe: Step back in time and party in what feels like a crammed medieval dungeon! Although this may not appeal to everyone, of the late night bars in Lausanne, we spent a lot of nights here dancing the late night hours away. More of a club than a bar, but worth a mention on this list. Located in the heart of the old town near the Lausanne Cathedral adds to Le XIIIème Siècle’s charm.
Good for: Dancing, late-night drinks, a unique club experience (younger crowd)
Best Bars in Lausanne by Mood
For sunsets: Terrasse des Grandes Roches, Le Lacustre
For casual beers: The Great Escape, Les Arches
For cocktails: Le XIIIème Siècle, Terrasse des Grandes Roches
For families: Ecublens Plage, Le Lacustre
For live music: Bleu Lézard
Want to explore another city! Check out our article on top bars to come visit in Lucerne.
FAQ – Bars in Lausanne
How much does a drink cost in Lausanne? Beer is usually CHF 7–10, wine CHF 6–9 a glass, cocktails CHF 12–18. Terrace or lakefront spots can be slightly more.
What’s the legal drinking age in Switzerland? Beer and wine: 16 years old. Spirits and cocktails: 18. Bars generally check ID if you look under 20.
Which bars are best for a sunset view in Lausanne? Terrasse des Grandes Roches and Le Lacustre have some of the best lake and mountain views at golden hour.
Do bars in Lausanne stay open late? Yes. Pubs like The Great Escape close around midnight, while cocktail bars like Le XIIIème Siècle and clubs in Flon can stay open until 2–3 am.
Are bars in Lausanne expensive? Compared to other Swiss cities, Lausanne is mid-range. Expect CHF 40–70 for an evening out with 2–3 drinks and food.
What’s the dress code like? Most bars are casual. Only higher-end cocktail spots (like XIIIème Siècle) lean toward smart-casual.
Do I need reservations? Not usually. But for popular terraces (Les Arches, Terrasse des Grandes Roches) on summer weekends, go early if you want a seat.
Are any bars family-friendly? Yes. Ecublens Plage and Le Lacustre are relaxed spots where kids are welcome.
What’s the best way to get around? Most bars in Lausanne are reachable by metro (M1 and M2). Taxis and night buses run until late if you’re staying outside the center.
Final Thoughts
Lausanne may be smaller than Zurich or Geneva, but its bar scene is creative, lively, and perfectly suited for long summer nights. Whether you’re after lake views, hidden gardens, or medieval cocktail cellars, there’s something here for every taste and budget.
