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Lausanne, Olympic Capital… of partying? It does seem that Lausanners love to cultivate the taste for all night long revelling! The city’s reputation for a lively nightlife is, of course, due to its festive spirit, but also to the large number of bars, venues and clubs.
Such a reputation attracts many partyers from all over Switzerland and Europe. Which, then, are the trendiest spots right now? And which are the venues absolutely not to be missed to have a good time? Answers below.
MAD Club – Flon District
Let’s start with the largest and best known of Lausanne nightclubs. Since 1985, the MAD has indeed seen many mad and diverse nights. The list of artists who have performed there is as long as a night on the tiles! Nothing surprising there, would you say, for a venue that features four dancefloors, a private club and a restaurant. Thanks to its eclectic programming from Thursday to Sunday (and non-stop during the whole summer), you’ll be sure to find the style that matches your hottest moves!
Good to know: The JETLAG, on the third floor, is reserved exclusively for over 28s. Ideal to meet up with other more “mature” clubbers…
The ABC… D! – Place Centrale, at the entrance to the Flon District
To be precise, there are two clubs in the same building. The D! Club opened in 1996, while the ABC Bar Club exists since 2012. Named after the ABC Cinema that used to occupy the premises, the two establishments have become complementary. The second-largest club in Lausanne, the D! is a hot spot for electro, house as well as minimal music. Add to that all kinds of concerts and very popular hip hop nights and let the party begin!
As for the ABC, it offers a more intimate atmosphere, though still very festive as a DJ can perform there. You’ll dance on just about every music style, from soul to electro. These establishments are open from Thursday to Saturday, but sometimes kick their week off on Wednesday, depending on the programming. Perfect for a two in one night out, isn’t it?
For students, Thursday night is your D! night. Beware, however, not to sleep through your alarm for Friday morning classes… Unless you’re celebrating the end of your exams?
The No Name / Chauderon 18 – Place Chauderon
Since 2014, this trendy Lausanne club has been able to rely on word of mouth. When it launched, it had no website, no name, just a reputation. The number of clubbers going there has been increasing ever since. It’s got to be said that the venue is attractive, what with two bars and a large dancefloor surrounded by small “salons” where you can sink into sofas. Unlike the first two clubs mentioned, the No Name has more of a rock atmosphere than electro and house – which isn’t to displease us, quite the opposite! Concerts and comedy clubs also take place there from Thursday to Saturday. It’s big yes from us!
Les Jumeaux Jazz Club
Newly arrived on the Lausanne scene, this jazz club located in the heart of the Flon perfectly complements the district’s trendy nights. Jazz and cocktails are on offer, of course, as well as festivals, round tables and quality musical discoveries from near and far. The venue can welcome up to 300 people. To reach it, head to the second basement of the iconic buildings Les Jumeaux!
The “Bermuda Triangle” – Formed by Rue Etraz, Rue Caroline and Rue Langallerie
We’re not talking here of a single club, but an impressive concentration of venues to go out, dance and party. The area’s nickname surely comes from the risk of getting lost in the meanders of such a diverse offer… Let’s review them in chronological order to prepare for your next outing in Lausanne.
The Bleu Lézard, Café St-Pierre, Captain Cook, Boucaniers, Happy Days and Etoile Blanche offer liquid and solid sustainment in a young and lively atmosphere. You can even stay and party in some of these establishments until 2 in the morning.
For the most enthusiastic, the Cave du Bleu Lézard, Liquors, Jagger’s and Bourg welcome you with open dancefloors. After all, the night is still young… No need to go into the details of opening hours, you can roam the area any evening as at least one of those places is bound to be open. As for musical styles, the same goes: you’ll find your ideal club, for sure. Together with the Flon, it’s one of the perfect neighbourhoods to go out in Lausanne.
Beer lovers, check out the huge drink menu of the Boucaniers beer bar and pair your pint with a lush burger. Our tip: remember to taste one of the many local beers that are served there!
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!
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!