Things to do in Geneva and Lausanne in September

On Wednesdays and Saturdays Lausanne’s pedestrian streets take on a pleasing bustle with the arrival of the market. 

This characterful venue in central Lausanne hosts a wide range of entertainment, from comedy and cabaret to karaoke and improv, plus regular club nights on weekends. 

You’d be forgiven for not realising that Switzerland is a wine-producing country, as only one percent of the one million hectolitres it produces each year actually makes it to foreign markets. But take a bus a short ride from Lausanne into the Lavaux vineyards and you’ll quickly see how dominant vines are in this part of the country. 

Open from mid-May to the end of September, this outdoor pop-up bar may be in the central shopping district of Flon rather than by a beach, but thanks to the real sand underfoot it’s possible to close your eyes, wriggle your toes in the sand and imagine you’re on the French Riviera instead. 

This deli is stuffed full of edible specialities from the local area, including patés, dried meats, smoked lake fish, herbs, oils, dried mushrooms, double cream, fondue cheese, wine, beers and schnapps. 

One of several wine bars in Lausanne, Midi 20 is named after its location on a side street between town and the train station. Its quiet address and elegant, low-lit decor help to give this small, narrow bar an air of sophistication and subtlety – perfect for a date or a classy apéro with friends. Choose from a long list of wines, the vast majority Swiss, and many from just down the road in the Lavaux between Lausanne and Montreux. To accompany a glass or three, the bar can rustle you up some equally elegant light bites.

Situated on the edge of Lausanne’s party district, Le Flon, this bar is a good pre-clubbing spot. The low-lit atmosphere, cocktail menu and late night opening hours add to the appeal for those looking to kick off and continue a large night out. 

At the top of Lausanne’s broad sweep from hilltop to lakeside, this forest is a pretty spot for a Sunday stroll or cycle along the leafy trails. 

It’s easy to miss this outwardly unassuming place tucked away in a basement near an underground car park and a swimming pool, but push open the blue door and you’ll step into one of the best jazz clubs in the country. 

Outside Zurich, Lausanne is the only Swiss city to have a dedicated gay club, and the unabashedly mainstream 43&10 caters to a young, hedonistic crowd every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.