When the sun goes down, Lausanne lights up and changes pace. The Olympic capital becomes a party capital, carried by a unique energy that lasts until the early hours of the morning. With lively bars, electrifying clubs and secret spots, the city offers a range of night-time experiences where everyone can find their playground. Here, the night is not a break, but a promise of unforgettable moments.
A reputation that resonates far beyond Lausanne’s borders, attracting partygoers and night owls from all over Switzerland and Europe. So, where should you go to experience Lausanne’s nightlife in all its intensity? What are the must-see spots for a successful evening? We’ll tell you everything right here.
To start with…
Lausanne is full of bars and after-work venues where you can extend your day or start your evening in style. For an open-air atmosphere, Les Arches, nestled under the arches of the Grand Pont, offers a unique setting in the city centre. Prefer original and baroque decor? Le Punk, winner of the Swiss Nightlife Award, is sure to charm you. There’s no shortage of historic hotspots: Le XIIIe siècle, with its two bars on two levels, is celebrating its 45th anniversary and continues to attract night owls.
For an evening of music, L’Étoile Blanche welcomes you with its DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10.30pm, while Barberousse, a rum bar, offers live concerts, karaoke and theme nights. Those who enjoy original flavours will want to check out Street Cellar, a wine bar where world cuisine is reinvented as street food, or the Brasserie de Montbenon, which combines cultural events and tasting evenings in an elegant setting. Finally, for fun activities such as blind tests, quizzes and karaoke, Le Bar la Giraf, at the foot of the cathedral steps, will have you dancing to hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Cocktails and daring creations
For lovers of refined and inventive cocktails, Lausanne offers venues where creativity is as much a part of the experience as the atmosphere. At the Jaja Bar, two floors welcome DJs and soul, R&B and hip-hop rhythms for dancing the night away. Speakeasy lovers will head to Le Vestibule, the city’s first underground bar, which has won several awards and is run by Randy Schaller, Swiss vice-champion of mixology 2023. For die-hard night owls, the Lausanne Cocktail Club is open from after work until the early hours, and until 5 a.m. on weekends. Finally, Lily Bar entices with its homemade tapas menu, themed evenings, DJ sets and regular cultural events. Here, every cocktail becomes an invitation to prolong the night and discover Lausanne’s nocturnal creativity in all its facets.
The MAD – Flon
A true Lausanne institution for nearly 40 years, MAD is much more than a nightclub: it is a monument to partying in the heart of Flon. Ranked 52nd in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs in 2024, it stands out as one of the most iconic clubs in Europe. Spread over five floors and four dance floors, the venue has hosted an impressive list of international artists and continues to attract night owls from all walks of life.
Its eclectic line-up, from Thursday to Sunday (and continuously throughout the season), guarantees that everyone will find the beat that will get them dancing. The club also knows how to play the generational diversity card: Forever Young evenings, Jetlag reserved for the over-28s, and even a dance floor dedicated to the over-60s, between 8.30pm and 11pm. Proof that here, there’s no age limit on partying.
The ABC… D! – Place Centrale, at the entrance to the Flon District
The former ABC cinema is now home to one of Lausanne’s nightlife hotspots. The D! Club, twice voted Best Big Club at the Swiss Nightlife Awards, welcomes the biggest international DJs and sets the dance floor alight with its electro, house and hip-hop nights.
Right next door, the ABC offers a more intimate but equally festive atmosphere, with varied sets and comedy shows every Thursday.
Open from Thursday to Saturday (sometimes from Wednesday), these two clubs complement each other perfectly for an unforgettable evening, combining electrifying beats with more subdued moments.
For students: Thursday night is your night at D! Just be careful not to oversleep for Friday morning classes… unless you’re celebrating the end of exams?
The No Name / Chauderon 18 – Place Chauderon
Opened in 2014 without a website or sign, No Name has made a name for itself solely through word of mouth… and what a success! Today, the place is packed every weekend. With its two bars, large dance floor and cosy little lounges where you can settle down on sofas, the atmosphere is both festive and relaxed.
Here, rock music, live concerts and stand-up comedy nights bring the club to life from Thursday to Saturday. It’s a refreshing alternative to electro and house music, sure to appeal to night owls looking for a different vibe.
Jumeaux Jazz Club
Founded in 2024, the Jumeaux Jazz Club quickly established itself as a must-visit venue on the Lausanne music scene. Located in the second basement of the Les Jumeaux buildings in the Flon district, this club combines excellent acoustics with a cosy atmosphere and can accommodate up to 300 people.
Its eclectic programme combines jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop and world music, with regular concerts on Tuesdays and Fridays. Events such as jams, masterclasses and round tables also enrich the offering, making the club a true hub of musical creativity.
The “Bermuda Triangle”– Between Rue Etraz, Rue Caroline and Rue Langallerie
This is not just a club or a nightclub, but a real hub of places to go out, dance and have fun. The neighbourhood’s unofficial nickname is no coincidence: with such a varied offering, it’s easy to get lost… and that’s precisely what makes a night out here so exciting.
To start the evening, Bleu Lézard, Café St-Pierre, Captain Cook, Les Boucaniers, Happy Days and Etoile Blanche welcome you for a meal or a drink in a young and lively atmosphere. Some even keep the party going until 2 a.m.
For the most motivated night owls, head to La Cave du Bleu Lézard, Liquors Club, Jagger’s or Le Bourg, where the dancefloors are open and the party is in full swing. No matter the day or musical style, in Flon there is always a place to suit your mood. In short, it’s one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Lausanne for going out and enjoying the night.
There would be so many other places to name and neighbourhoods to mention… In addition to the nightclubs and bars, many festivals, concerts, screenings and shows liven up Lausanne evenings and nights all year round. This reputation as a festive city is therefore well deserved, so you have no excuse to stay at home on Saturday nights… The Lausanne nightlife awaits you with open arms!
And for even more discoveries and good nightlife tips, check out Lausanne’s Hango app!
As for us, we’re heading home to bed, but not before wishing you a long and exuberant night in the heart of our beautiful city…
