Lausanne travel guide

Switzerland

Olympic capital and culinary powerhouse on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Lausanne is home to the École Hotelière de Lausanne, frequently ranked the world's best hotel management school, its imaginative entrepreneurs giving the city's food scene a new dynamism that makes it one of the world's most lauded culinary destinations.

Lausanne — TL;DR

Lausanne at a glance

What are the best things to do in Lausanne? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Lausanne trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Lausanne? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Lausanne — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Lausanne? May to September offers warm weather for exploring the Lavaux vineyard terraces and Lake Geneva waterfront.
Where should I stay in Lausanne for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Lausanne? Lausanne rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.

Lausanne overview

May to September offers warm weather for exploring the Lavaux vineyard terraces and Lake Geneva waterfront.
Lausanne's city centre is hilly but walkable, with a metro connecting the lakefront (Ouchy) to the upper town.
Swiss Franc (CHF)
French, German or Italian depending on the canton. English is widely spoken.
CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Lausanne's dining scene continues to draw energy from the École Hotelière de Lausanne's graduates, with imaginative new restaurants and refined cocktail bars opening across the city as its culinary reputation continues to climb.

Where to eat, drink & do in Lausanne

Lausanne neighborhoods

Ouchy (lakefront) The lakeside district on Lake Geneva, home to promenades and waterfront dining.
City centre (Cité) The historic hilltop centre, home to the Cathedral and main shopping streets.
Lavaux vineyard terraces UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces just outside the city along Lake Geneva.

Practical info for Lausanne

Getting around in Lausanne? Lausanne's city centre is hilly but walkable, with a metro connecting the lakefront (Ouchy) to the upper town.
When to go in Lausanne? May to September offers warm weather for exploring the Lavaux vineyard terraces and Lake Geneva waterfront.
What's changing now in Lausanne? Lausanne's dining scene continues to draw energy from the École Hotelière de Lausanne's graduates, with imaginative new restaurants and refined cocktail bars opening across the city as its culinary reputation continues to climb.
Seek out Bakklandet-style riverside cafes in Lausanne? Smaller residential streets away from the main lakefront offering a quieter side of the city.
Base yourself in Ouchy (lakefront) in Lausanne? The lakeside district on Lake Geneva, home to promenades and waterfront dining. Known for lake geneva views, promenade.

Frequently asked questions about Lausanne

What are the best things to do in Lausanne? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Lausanne trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Lausanne tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Lausanne? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Lausanne — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Lausanne? May to September offers warm weather for exploring the Lavaux vineyard terraces and Lake Geneva waterfront.
Where should I stay in Lausanne for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Lausanne? Lausanne rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.

Browse all AVARA city guides