Why Lausanne Became One of Our Favorite Swiss Cities (Lausanne Travel Guide)
We’ve taken the train from Zurich to Lausanne more times than we can count, and every single time, it feels like the start of a little escape. Especially once you pull into the main station and realize you’re suddenly in a totally different rhythm.
The journey alone is part of the experience. As the train rolls along Lake Geneva, vineyards stretch across the hillsides, and the water starts catching the light in a way that makes you put your phone down for a second. Even after living in Switzerland for years, we still look out the window and think, this is why we moved here.
Lausanne has quietly become one of our favorite cities in Switzerland. Not because it’s flashy or because it’s packed with world-famous landmarks. But because it feels good to be there.
The first time we visited, we expected a pleasant lakeside stop between Geneva and Montreux. What we found instead was a city with real personality. Steep cobblestone streets that lead to wide lake views, students filling terraces with energy, locals swimming in the lake after work, and vineyards that feel almost Mediterranean in summer. Lausanne has a big student population, and you feel it everywhere.
Now, living in Zurich, we often choose Lausanne for a weekend when we want lake air, good food, and a slightly different rhythm without having to travel far. It’s far enough to feel like a break, close enough to be easy. And every time we return, we notice something new – a café we hadn’t seen before, a better sunset spot, a quieter swimming area along the shore.
In this guide, we’re sharing how we experience Lausanne now, as repeat visitors who genuinely love the city. We’ll cover what to do, how long to stay, where to eat, what it actually costs, and the practical tips we wish someone had told us the first time.
If you’re planning your Switzerland itinerary and wondering whether Lausanne is worth visiting, we’ll make it clear: it is – and not just as a quick detour.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Lausanne
- Best Luxury: Beau-Rivage Palace (Ouchy)
- Best Mid-Range: Palmiers by Fassbind (Near the Station)
- Best for Lake Views: Château d’Ouchy (Ouchy)
What You Should Know Before Visiting Lausanne, Switzerland
Before we get into what to do and where to eat, let’s cover the basics. This is the kind of information we always look for ourselves (and often miss) when planning a trip.
Where is Lausanne in Switzerland?
Lausanne sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s also known as the Olympic Capital, home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The city is built on a slope, rising from the lake up into the hills, which means two things: incredible views almost everywhere, and a layout that’s more vertical than you might expect.
That lakeside location is a big part of the appeal. Lausanne feels more open, sunnier, and more relaxed than many inland Swiss cities, especially from late spring through early fall.
If Lausanne is part of a longer trip, our Switzerland travel guide covers the practical basics for planning your first visit to the country.
How to Get to Lausanne (and Why the Train Is the Best Option)
If you’re already in Switzerland, the train is the clear winner.
From Zurich, the direct train takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and we honestly consider it one of the most scenic long-ish train rides in the country. Once the lake comes into view, it’s hard not to stare out the window the rest of the way. We’ve done this ride countless times, and it still feels special.
From Geneva Airport (the closest airport for most international arrivals), Lausanne is even easier, roughly 45 minutes by train, with frequent connections.
Driving isn’t necessary unless you’re planning to explore rural areas or vineyards in depth. Lausanne itself is compact, well-connected, and much easier without a car.
How Many Days Do You Need in Lausanne
You can see Lausanne in a day or a few hours, but we don’t think that’s ideal (even though we’ve done this several times before).
One day gives you a taste: Old Town, Ouchy, and a quick lake walk. Two days is where it starts to feel relaxed, and three days lets you add Lavaux vineyards or a boat trip without rushing.
When we come down from Zurich for a weekend, two nights feels just right.
Best Time to Visit Lausanne
Lausanne is very much a seasonal city.
Late May through September is our favorite window. The lake is swimmable, terraces are full, and the city feels lively without being overwhelming. Summer evenings along the waterfront in Ouchy are a big reason people fall in love with the place (as we did).
Spring and early fall are also excellent if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, especially for walking.
Winter is quieter and still pretty, but Lausanne really shines when life spills outdoors. We usually recommend it outside the coldest months unless you’re combining it with nearby alpine destinations.
For a more detailed breakdown of temperatures, swimming conditions, crowds, and festivals, see our season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Lausanne.
If Lausanne is only one stop on your trip, our guide to the best time to visit Switzerland overall compares this with conditions in the Alps and other parts of the country.
Is Lausanne Expensive? A Realistic Budget Snapshot
This is Switzerland – so yes, it’s not cheap. But compared to Zurich or Geneva, Lausanne often feels slightly more forgiving.
As a rough daily estimate per person:
- Budget travelers: CHF 120-150 ($ 150-190)
- Mid-range travelers: CHF 180-250 ($ 230-320)
- Comfort/luxury: CHF 300+ ($ 380+)
Food prices are fairly standard for Switzerland, but you can balance things out with bakeries, supermarkets, and casual lunches. Public transport is efficient and often included with hotel stays, which helps keep costs down.
Getting Around the City
Lausanne is walkable, but it’s not flat. Expect stairs, slopes, and a bit of effort.
The good news: the public transport system is excellent, and the M2 metro line is especially helpful for getting between the lake and the upper city without breaking a sweat. We use it all the time.
Tip: We often take the M2 to Sallaz and start our walking tour of Lausanne from there, so we only have to walk downhill.
Comfortable shoes are not optional here; they’re part of the Lausanne experience.
Best Things to Do in Lausanne
Since we have a full guide to the best things to do in Lausanne, we’ll keep this section focused on the highlights we personally return to.
Wander Through the Old Town
Lausanne’s Old Town isn’t huge, but it’s layered. You’ll climb stairs, you’ll pass small cafés, and you’ll turn a corner and suddenly see the lake again.
At the heart of it stands the impressive Lausanne Cathedral. Even if you’re not particularly into churches, go inside – and if you’re up for it, climb the tower. The view over the rooftops down to Lake Geneva makes the steps worth it.
If you want an easy “just wander” route, we usually drift past Place de la Palud, cut through Rue de Bourg, and then take the ridiculous-but-fun stairs/escalators vibe on Rue du Petit-Chêne.
One place we always enjoy passing through is Place de la Riponne, a lively square at the edge of the Old Town. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the square fills with one of Lausanne’s biggest markets.
It’s also where you’ll find the impressive Palais de Rumine, a historic building that houses several science and art museums. Even if you’re not visiting the museums, it’s worth a short walk through the square to see the local atmosphere.
Spend Time by the Water in Ouchy
If the Old City shows you Lausanne’s history, Ouchy shows you its lifestyle.
The lakeside district is where locals come to swim, walk, rollerblade, picnic, or simply stare at the Swiss Alps across the water. On warm days, you’ll see students jumping into the lake after class and couples sharing wine on the grass.
We almost always block out at least half a day here.
Whether you take a boat ride across Lake Geneva or just sit with an ice cream and watch the light change, the Ouchy district feels like summer, even in late spring.
Visit the Lavaux Vineyards (Even If You’re Not a Wine Expert)
Just outside the city lie the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape that looks almost Mediterranean in golden light.
You don’t need to be a wine specialist to enjoy it. Walk between the vines. Stop at a small winery. Order a glass of local Chasselas or book a wine tasting. Take your time.
We’ve done this as a spontaneous half-day trip more than once, and it never disappoints.
Choose One Museum That Actually Interests You (Bad Weather Alternative)
Lausanne has a strong museum culture, but we wouldn’t try to see everything in one visit.
If you’re into sports history (or you grew up obsessed with the Olympic Games), the Olympic Museum is beautifully curated and surprisingly engaging. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel the city’s whole Olympic spirit in an hour or two.
If you prefer something more unconventional, the Collection de l’Art Brut offers a completely different perspective on art. It focuses on self-taught artists, and it’s genuinely different from your typical museum day.
Another great option is the Photo Elysée, Lausanne’s photography museum, located in the new Plateforme 10 arts district near the train station. The museum focuses on photography and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both historic work and contemporary international artists.
The Perfect Lausanne Itinerary
Since we live in Zurich, we’ve been to Lausanne quite a few times by now, sometimes for a weekend, sometimes just for a spontaneous day trip when we felt like seeing this picturesque city again.
A lot of travelers pass through Lausanne on the way between Geneva and Montreux. They walk up to the cathedral, maybe spend an hour by the lake, and then move on.
You can do that. But after several visits, we’d say Lausanne works much better when you slow down just a little.
The city itself is compact, but what makes it special is the combination of things you can do in one place: wandering the Old Town, swimming in Lake Geneva, sitting in a café with a view, or taking a quick train into the Lavaux vineyards.
Here’s how we’d plan your time based on our own visits.
If You Have 1 Day in Lausanne
If Lausanne is just one stop on your Switzerland itinerary, focus on the areas that give you the best feel for the city.
We’d start in the Old Town and walk up to Lausanne Cathedral. The cathedral is impressive, but what we actually enjoy most are the small streets around it.
After that, take the metro down to Ouchy and spend the rest of your time along the waterfront. Walk the promenade, sit by the water, or grab something to eat with a view.
If you still have energy after dinner, the Flon district is an easy add-on for a casual drink. It’s modern, a bit edgy, and very Lausanne.
It’s a simple plan, but it captures the two sides of Lausanne: the historic hilltop and the relaxed lakeside.
If You Have 2 Days in Lausanne (Our Recommendation)
Two days is the sweet spot in our opinion.
You can explore the city without rushing and still have time to experience one of the best things around Lausanne: the Lavaux vineyards.
The vineyards are only about 15 minutes away by train, which makes them perfect for a half-day trip. We’ve done this several times – walking between the terraces, stopping for a glass of local wine or a full wine tasting, and just enjoying the view over the lake.
When you come back to Lausanne in the evening, the city feels completely different again. The lakefront gets lively, people sit outside with drinks, and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
If You Have 3 Days in Lausanne
In three days, you can take things slower and add a few extra experiences.
You could visit the Olympic Museum, spend longer by the lake, or even take a boat across Lake Geneva.
But honestly, the biggest advantage of having more time is that you don’t need to plan every hour anymore. Some of our favorite moments in Lausanne were unplanned, finding a nice café in the Old Town, swimming in the lake on a warm afternoon, or sitting somewhere with a view and realizing we had nowhere else we needed to be.
Where to Stay in Lausanne
The city is built on a hillside between the Old Town and Lake Geneva, so your hotel location can mean the difference between stepping out directly into cafés and restaurants… or taking the metro up and down the hill several times a day.
The good news is that Lausanne isn’t huge, and public transport works really well. So even if you stay near the lake, you can reach the Old Town quickly – and vice versa.
Since we already have a detailed guide to where to stay in Lausanne, we’ll keep this section simple and focus on the areas we personally think work best.
Old Town (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If it’s your first time in Lausanne, staying near the Old Town is a great choice.
This area around Lausanne Cathedral has the most character: narrow streets, historic buildings, small cafés, and plenty of viewpoints overlooking the lake. It’s also where you’ll find many restaurants and wine bars in the evening.
The only thing to keep in mind is the terrain. Lausanne is famously hilly, so expect stairs and slopes. Comfortable shoes are definitely helpful here.
Hotels we recommend in the area are Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique and Swiss Wine by Fassbind.
Ouchy & the Lakefront (Best for Views and Relaxed Vibes)
If your idea of a perfect stay includes morning walks along the lake, Ouchy is the place to stay.
This lakeside district feels more relaxed and open than the Old Town. You’ll be right by the promenade, parks, and swimming spots, and sunsets here are honestly hard to beat.
If you’re splurging, this is also where you’ll find iconic stays like the Beau-Rivage Palace and Château d’Ouchy.
The trade-off is that most historic sights are up the hill, but the metro connects the lake and the city center in just a few minutes.
Around the Central Station (Best for Convenience)
The area around Lausanne’s main train station is the most practical option, especially if you’re only staying one night or arriving late.
From here, you can easily reach both the Old Town and the lake. It’s also the best base if you plan to take day trips to places like the Lavaux vineyards or Montreux.
It’s not the prettiest part of the city, but for a short stay, it works perfectly well. Try to find a room at Continental Hotel Lausanne or Elite Hotel Lausanne.
Food & Wine in Lausanne (Travel Guide)
One thing we always look forward to when visiting Lausanne is the food scene. The city has a reputation for good restaurants, and after several trips, we’d say it’s deserved.
The city sits right next to one of Switzerland’s best wine regions, and the restaurant scene reflects that. Compared to Zurich, things feel a bit more relaxed here. Long lunches, apéro by the lake, and dinners that turn into two-hour conversations seem to be part of the culture.
Since we come here quite often from Zurich, eating well has become a bit of a ritual for us in Lausanne.
Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss (instead of eating Swiss chocolate all day):
Swiss Cuisine
Restaurant Chalet Swiss – It sits in the Parc de L’Hermitage above the city with a fantastic view over Lausanne and Lake Geneva. The food is classic Swiss (think cheese fondue and traditional dishes), but the setting is what makes it special.
Brasserie de Montbenon – This is one of the most iconic dinner spots in Lausanne. The restaurant sits inside a beautiful historic building overlooking the city and Lake Geneva, and the terrace is fantastic on warm evenings. Expect refined brasserie-style cooking and a great apéro atmosphere before dinner.
Casual & Local Favorites
Café de Grancy – A Lausanne classic, which we would recommend for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The terrace is great in summer, and the menu focuses on seasonal dishes.
Black Market Ramen -If you want something different from traditional Swiss food, this ramen spot is extremely popular among locals.
Qasti – A modern Lebanese restaurant that we regularly recommend for its flavorful dishes and friendly atmosphere.
If You Want a Michelin-Level Experience
La Table du Lausanne Palace – A restaurant with two Michelin stars and panoramic views over the city and Lake Geneva, serving modern French cuisine created by chef Franck Pelux.
Le Berceau des Sens – A Michelin-starred restaurant located at the Lausanne hospitality school, known for creative seasonal menus and an interesting concept where future chefs train at a very high level.
Wine Bars in Lausanne
Street Cellar Lausanne – A relaxed wine bar with a strong focus on local wines, older vintages, and small sharing plates. It’s casual, friendly, and the kind of place where one glass easily turns into two.
Ta Cave – A lively wine bar known for its community vibe and rotating wine selection. They serve simple bistro-style dishes alongside a solid list of Swiss wines and beyond.
Vintage Wine Bar – A great spot if you want to explore Swiss wines in more detail. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the staff is happy to recommend wines from the Lavaux region.
Service is already included in Swiss restaurant prices, but our guide to tipping in Switzerland explains when we still round up or leave something extra.
Best Day Trips from Lausanne
One of the reasons we enjoy visiting Lausanne so much is how easy it is to explore the surrounding region. Within less than an hour, you can be in vineyards, medieval villages, mountain viewpoints, or lakeside towns that look like they came straight out of a postcard.
If you have a bit more time in Lausanne, these are the day trips we’d recommend:
Montreux – About 20 minutes by train from Lausanne, Montreux is famous for its beautiful lakeside promenade and relaxed Riviera atmosphere. The biggest highlight nearby is Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most famous castles, sitting directly on the lake.
Lavaux Vineyards -Technically, this is more of a short excursion than a full-day trip, but it’s absolutely worth doing. The UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces stretch along Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. You can walk between the vineyards, stop for a glass of local Chasselas, and enjoy stunning views over the lake.
Gruyères – If you want something that feels very traditionally Swiss, Gruyères is a great option. The small medieval town sits on a hill and is famous for its cheese. Walking through the cobbled streets, visiting the castle, and trying fondue here makes for a great half-day or day trip.
Glacier 3000 – If you want to see the Swiss Alps up close, Glacier 3000 is an amazing experience. From the top, you’ll get views of famous peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and you can walk across the Peak Walk suspension bridge between two mountain summits.
Geneva– Only about 45 minutes away by train, Geneva makes for an easy day trip if you want to see another major Swiss city. Walk along the lake, visit the old town, and see the famous Jet d’Eau fountain.
Evian-les-Bains – If you want something different, you can hop across the lake to the French side. Depending on the boat/train combo, it’s about 35 minutes, and it feels like a mini international detour.
Lausanne Travel Tips You Need to Know
After several trips to Lausanne, we’ve learned a few small things that make visiting the city much easier. None of them is complicated, but knowing them beforehand can save you time, money, and a bit of confusion.
Here are the tips we’d tell friends before they visit:
Use the Metro for the Hills
One thing people quickly notice about Lausanne: the city is steep.
The Old Town sits high above the lake, and walking up and down the hills multiple times a day can get tiring. Luckily, Lausanne has a very efficient metro system. The M2 line connects the lakefront in Ouchy with the train station and the upper city in just a few minutes.
We use it almost every time we visit, especially after dinner when we don’t feel like climbing uphill again.
Many Hotels Include Free Public Transport
If you stay overnight in Lausanne, your hotel will usually give you a Lausanne Transport Card. This pass allows you to use buses and the metro for free during your stay.
It’s a small detail, but it makes getting around the city incredibly convenient.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Tap water in Lausanne is safe to drink, so there’s no need to keep buying bottled water during your trip. We usually bring a reusable bottle and refill it at our hotel or at one of the public fountains around the city.
Just check for a sign before drinking from a fountain, as decorative fountains aren’t always connected to drinking water. Our guide to drinking tap water in Switzerland explains what to look out for and whether the public fountains are safe to use.
Sundays Are Very Quiet
Like in many parts of Switzerland, Sundays in Lausanne are very calm. Most shops close, and the city slows down noticeably.
Restaurants, cafés, and museums usually stay open, so sightseeing isn’t a problem, but if you need groceries or shopping, it’s better to plan that for another day.
Sunday closures are just one of several local differences that can catch first-time visitors off guard. Our Switzerland travel tips cover the practical details worth knowing before your trip, from payment habits and opening hours to mountain weather and everyday Swiss customs.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
This sounds obvious, but it really makes a difference here. Between the cobblestone streets, stairs in the Old Town, and the hills connecting the hilly city to the lake, you’ll end up walking more than expected. Good shoes make exploring Lausanne much more enjoyable.
FAQ
Is Lausanne worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy cities that combine culture, lake views, and great food without feeling overly crowded. Lausanne has a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery along Lake Geneva, and easy access to the Lavaux vineyards.
How many days do you need in Lausanne?
You can see the main highlights in one day, but we think two days is the ideal amount of time. That gives you enough time to explore the Old Town, spend time by the lake, and take a short trip to the nearby Lavaux vineyards.
Is Lausanne expensive?
Like most places in Switzerland, Lausanne isn’t cheap. But compared to Zurich or Geneva, prices can feel slightly more reasonable. You can save money by having lunch at bakeries or casual cafés, using public transport, and staying in mid-range hotels instead of luxury ones.
Is Lausanne walkable?
Yes, Lausanne is very walkable, but it’s also quite hilly. The city rises steeply from Lake Geneva up to the Old Town, so expect stairs and uphill streets. The metro is very useful for getting between the lake and the city center.
Is English spoken in Lausanne?
Yes. The main language in Lausanne is French, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Learning a few basic French words is always appreciated, but you shouldn’t have trouble communicating.
When is the best time to visit Lausanne?
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the best time to visit. During these months, the lakefront is lively, outdoor terraces are open, and you can swim in Lake Geneva. Summer evenings in Ouchy are especially enjoyable.
Can you swim in Lake Geneva in Lausanne?
Yes, and locals do it all the time in summer. There are several swimming spots along the lakefront in Ouchy, and the water is usually clean and refreshing during warmer months.
Is Lausanne safe?
Lausanne is generally very safe, but our detailed Lausanne safety guide explains what to expect around the station, Flon, and the city at night.
