Why Choosing the Right Area in Lausanne Matters
Lausanne might look like a small city on the map, but choosing the right area to stay in can make your trip a lot easier. The city is built on steep hills between the old town and Lake Geneva, so what looks close on Google Maps can sometimes feel much farther once you start walking.
We’ve visited Lausanne several times since moving to Switzerland a few years ago, and one thing we noticed quickly is that the different neighborhoods have very different vibes.
Staying by the lake in Ouchy feels almost like a small resort town, while the Old Town is more historic and lively. The area around the train station is practical if you’re planning day trips to places like Montreux, Geneva, or the Lavaux vineyards.
The good news is that Lausanne is well-connected, and our guide to using public transport in Switzerland explains how trains, local tickets, and travel passes work. The M2 metro line runs between the lake, the train station, and the city center, which makes getting around surprisingly easy even if your hotel isn’t right in the middle.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best areas to stay in Lausanne, the best neighborhoods, and a few hotel suggestions to help you decide where to book.
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)
Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Lausanne
If you don’t want to read the full guide, here’s the short answer. Lausanne isn’t a huge city, but the different neighborhoods feel quite different, so it helps to choose the one that fits your trip.
| Area | Best for | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Ouchy (Lakefront) | Lake views, relaxing stays, couples | Beautiful promenade, parks, and some of the city’s best hotels |
| Old Town / City Center | First-time visitors, sightseeing | Historic streets, cathedral views, cafés and museums |
| Flon | Nightlife, restaurants, younger travelers | Modern district with bars, shopping, and a lively evening scene |
| Near the Train Station | Short stays and day trips | Practical location with easy train connections |
| Lavaux (outside Lausanne) | Wine lovers and scenic stays | Vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, quieter and very picturesque |
We’ll go through each area in more detail below so you can decide which one fits your trip best.
Best Hotels in Lausanne (Quick Picks)
If you’d rather skip the neighborhood comparisons and just want a few good hotel options, these are some of the places we’d personally look at first.
Lausanne isn’t a huge city, and the overall hotel quality is quite high. Even the mid-range hotels are usually very well maintained, which is something we’ve noticed in many places across Switzerland.
Here are a few options that stand out depending on the type of stay you’re looking for:
Best Luxury Hotel
Beau-Rivage Palace (Ouchy)
One of the most famous hotels in Switzerland and located directly on the lake. If the budget allows and we want a memorable stay with incredible views, this would be the place.
Best Luxury Spa Hotel
Hotel Royal Savoy & Spa
One of the most elegant luxury hotels in Lausanne, located just a short walk from Lake Geneva. The hotel combines historic architecture with a modern spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and panoramic views over the city.
Best Boutique Hotel
Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique (City Center)
A stylish and comfortable boutique hotel in a very central location. Great if we want something smaller and more personal while still staying close to the Old Town.
Best Modern Hotel
Moxy Lausanne City (Flon)
A fun and modern hotel with a younger atmosphere. Good choice if we want something lively and centrally located.
Best Mid-Range Option
Palmiers by Fassbind (Near the Station)
Spacious rooms and a very convenient location next to the train station. A practical choice if we’re planning day trips around the region.
Best Hotel for Lake Views
Château d’Ouchy (Ouchy)
A unique hotel inside a small lakeside castle. The location right by the harbor makes it one of the most memorable places to stay in Lausanne.
Understanding Lausanne Before Booking a Hotel
Before choosing where to stay in Lausanne, it helps to understand how the city is laid out. Lausanne isn’t very big, but it’s built on several steep hills between the historic upper town and Lake Geneva. That means areas that look close on the map can feel quite far apart once you’re actually there.
Luckily, Lausanne has a very convenient metro system. The M2 metro line connects the lake area in Ouchy, the train station, and the city center in just a few minutes, so getting around is usually easy even if your hotel isn’t right in the middle.
Another thing that makes staying in Lausanne quite convenient is the Lausanne Transport Card. If you stay in a hotel and pay the local tourist tax, you’ll usually receive this card for free at check-in. It allows you to use all public transport in Lausanne, including buses, trains, and the metro, for free during your stay.
It’s also helpful to know that Lausanne has a few very different “centers”:
- The historic Old Town around the cathedral is where you’ll find museums, viewpoints, and charming streets.
- Down by the lake, Ouchy feels much more relaxed, with parks, a long promenade, and great views over Lake Geneva.
- The area around the train station is more practical and works well if you’re planning day trips to places like Montreux, Geneva, or the Lavaux vineyards.
Lausanne is generally very safe, but our local Lausanne safety guide explains what to expect around the station, Flon, and the city at night.
Once you understand these different areas, choosing where to stay becomes much easier. Our guide to the best things to do in Lausanne can also help you see which attractions you want closest to your hotel.
Best Areas to Stay in Lausanne
Here’s how we’d break down the neighborhoods in Lausanne:
Ouchy (Lakefront)
If we wanted to stay right by Lake Geneva, this is where we’d book when looking for the most scenic hotels in Lausanne.
Ouchy sits directly on the waterfront and has a much more relaxed feel than the upper part of Lausanne.
There’s a long lakeside promenade along the shores of Lake Geneva, small parks, and plenty of places to sit by the water. In summer, locals come here to swim, paddleboard, or just watch the sunset over the Alps.
Even though it feels calm and almost resort-like, you’re not isolated here. The M2 metro connects Ouchy with the city center in just a few minutes, so getting around is easy.
Location-wise, Ouchy also works well if you’re planning to explore the region. Boats leave from the harbor for trips across Lake Geneva, and trains from Lausanne can quickly take you to Montreux or the Lavaux vineyards.
Best For
✔ Couples and romantic trips
✔ Travelers who want lake views
✔ Relaxed city breaks
✔ Summer visits
Not Ideal For
✘ Budget travelers
✘ People who want nightlife outside their door
✘ Travelers who prefer staying right in the historic center
Average Price
Hotels in Ouchy are usually on the higher end. Expect roughly CHF 300-600 ($ 330-660) per night for most well-located properties near the lake.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Ouchy
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Beautiful lakefront setting | Higher hotel prices |
| Great promenade and parks | Fewer budget options |
| Easy metro access to city center | Less nightlife than central areas |
| Perfect for relaxing evenings | Slightly removed from Old Town sights |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Beau-Rivage Palace – If we wanted a classic luxury hotel in Lausanne directly on the lake, this would be the obvious choice. The gardens and lake views are incredible.
Château d’Ouchy – A unique hotel set in a historic castle right by the harbor. It feels special without being overly formal.
Hotel Angleterre & Résidence – A beautiful lakeside property with a slightly more relaxed vibe than the big luxury hotels. Great if we want views without the full palace experience.
Old Town / City Center (Vieille Ville)
If it’s your first time in Lausanne and you want to be close to the main sights, this is where we’d stay.
The Old Town sits on the upper part of the city around the Lausanne Cathedral (Notre Dame), and it’s easily the most historic area. The streets are narrow, a bit steep, and full of small cafés, bakeries, chic boutiques, and viewpoints overlooking Lake Geneva.
During the day, the area is lively with visitors exploring the cathedral, museums, and little squares. But in the early morning or later in the evening, it actually becomes quite calm again, especially once most day visitors leave.
Location-wise, it’s very practical. Many of Lausanne’s main sights are within walking distance, and the M2 metro makes it easy to get down to the lake.
Best For
✔ First-time visitors
✔ Travelers interested in history and sightseeing
✔ Couples and weekend trips
✔ Anyone who likes exploring cities on foot
Not Ideal For
✘ Travelers looking for lake views
✘ People who prefer modern neighborhoods
✘ Visitors wanting lots of nightlife
Average Price
Most hotels in the Old Town fall in the CHF 200-450 ($ 220-500) range per night, depending on the property and season.
Pros & Cons of Staying in the Old Town
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Most historic part of Lausanne | Some steep streets |
| Close to cathedral and museums | Limited hotel options |
| Walkable to many attractions | Few lake views |
| Good metro access | Rooms can be smaller in older buildings |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Hôtel des Voyageurs Boutique – A stylish boutique hotel in a central location. Comfortable rooms and a good balance between design and practicality.
Swiss Wine by Fassbind – A fun, slightly quirky hotel themed around Swiss wines. The location near the cathedral is excellent.
Flon
If we wanted to stay somewhere modern, lively, and close to nightlife, we’d look at Flon.
This area feels very different from the historic parts of Lausanne. Instead of old buildings and quiet squares, Flon is a former warehouse district that has been turned into a trendy neighborhood with restaurants, numerous galleries, bars, and modern culture spaces. In the evening, the area becomes quite lively with people going out for dinner or drinks.
It’s also one of the most central areas in the city. The metro stops here, the Old Town is just a short walk away, and the train station isn’t far either. So even though Flon is known for nightlife, it’s also a practical base for exploring Lausanne.
Best For
✔ Nightlife and restaurants
✔ Younger travelers
✔ City trips with a lively atmosphere
✔ Travelers who like modern neighborhoods
Not Ideal For
✘ Travelers looking for quiet evenings
✘ Romantic lakefront stays
✘ Visitors who prefer historic surroundings
Average Price
Hotels in Flon usually range between CHF 180-350 ($ 200-380) per night, depending on the hotel and season.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Flon
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very central location | Can be noisy at night |
| Lots of restaurants and bars | Less scenic than other areas |
| Good metro connections | Limited luxury hotel options |
| Modern atmosphere | Not very traditional |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Lausanne Palace – A historic five-star hotel in the city centre with panoramic views, multiple restaurants, and a large spa.
Moxy Lausanne City – A fun and modern hotel with a young atmosphere. Good choice if you want something social and central.
ibis Lausanne Centre – A practical and reliable option with reasonable prices for Lausanne.
Near Lausanne Train Station (Gare)
If you’re planning lots of day trips around Lake Geneva or arriving via Geneva Airport, staying near the train station would honestly be our most practical choice.
Lausanne’s main station sits between the lake and the Old Town, so it’s not the prettiest part of the city, but it’s incredibly convenient.
From here, trains leave regularly for Montreux and the Lavaux vineyards, while continuing your trip to Geneva is also easy by direct train. And the M2 metro connects the station to both the lake and the city center in just a few minutes.
The area itself is quite lively with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets nearby. It’s a good option if you want everything within easy reach and don’t mind a slightly busier urban setting.
If Lausanne is one stop on a longer trip, our Switzerland itinerary can help you decide how many nights to spend here and where to travel next.
Best For
✔ Travelers planning day trips
✔ Short stays or quick city visits
✔ Easy access to trains and public transport
✔ Practical and central location
Not Ideal For
✘ Travelers looking for lake views
✘ Romantic or scenic stays
✘ Quiet neighborhoods
Average Price
Hotels around the station typically range between CHF 180-350 ($ 200-380) per night, depending on the hotel and season.
Pros & Cons of Staying Near the Train Station
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Excellent train connections | Less scenic area |
| Easy access to metro and buses | Busier atmosphere |
| Great base for day trips | Fewer charming boutique hotels |
| Restaurants and shops nearby | Not as relaxing as lakeside areas |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Palmiers by Fassbind (Near the Station) – A comfortable hotel right next to the station with spacious rooms and a convenient location.
Continental Hotel Lausanne – Very practical if you want to be steps from the train station and metro.
Elite Hotel Lausanne – A smaller and quieter option with a pleasant garden terrace.
Lavaux (Vineyard Villages Near Lausanne)
If we wanted a quiet and scenic stay surrounded by vineyards, we’d look at the Lavaux region instead of staying directly in the city.
Lavaux sits just outside Lausanne and is famous for its terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva and the mountains of western Switzerland. The entire landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most beautiful areas around the lake. Small villages like Cully, Epesses, or Saint-Saphorin are especially charming.
Staying here feels very different from staying in Lausanne itself. The atmosphere is much slower and more peaceful. Instead of city streets and shops, you’ll find wine terraces, hiking paths through the vineyards, and incredible views over the lake and the Alps.
At the same time, it’s still easy to visit Lausanne. Regional trains run frequently along the lake, so you can usually reach the city center in 15–20 minutes.
Best For
✔ Wine lovers
✔ Scenic and quiet stays
✔ Couples or romantic trips
✔ Travelers who enjoy nature and hiking
Not Ideal For
✘ Travelers who want to stay in the city
✘ Short stays with lots of sightseeing
✘ Visitors without interest in wine or nature
Average Price
Small hotels and guesthouses in Lavaux usually range between CHF 200-400 ($ 220-440) per night, depending on the location and view.
Pros & Cons of Staying in Lavaux
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Incredible vineyard and lake views | Outside the city |
| Very peaceful atmosphere | Fewer hotels |
| Unique wine region experience | Less nightlife and restaurants |
| Easy train access to Lausanne | Requires a bit more planning |
Hotels We’d Personally Consider
Auberge du Raisin (Cully) – A charming historic inn in the middle of the vineyards with a very authentic atmosphere.
Hotel Lavaux (Cully) – A modern hotel with beautiful views over the lake and vineyards.
Crêt-Bérard (Puidoux) – A peaceful retreat above the vineyards with panoramic views and a very quiet setting.
Lausanne Hotel Prices: What to Expect
If you’re visiting Switzerland for the first time, hotel prices can be a bit of a surprise. Lausanne is generally slightly cheaper than Zurich or Geneva, but it’s still not a budget destination.
Since moving to Switzerland, we’ve noticed that hotel prices here are simply on a different level than in many other cities in Europe. Even simple hotels are often well-maintained and comfortable, but they rarely come very cheaply.
For a broader overview of accommodation, transport, costs, and trip planning, our complete Switzerland travel guide covers everything you need before booking the rest of your trip.
As a rough guide, these are the typical prices you can expect in Lausanne:
| Hotel Category | Average Price per Night |
|---|---|
| Budget hotels | CHF 120-180 ($ 130-200) |
| Mid-range hotels | CHF 200-350 ($ 220-380) |
| Luxury hotels | CHF 400+ ($ 440+) |
Prices can increase quite a bit in summer, during festivals, or when large conferences are taking place in the city.
One thing that helps balance the cost a little is the Lausanne Transport Card, which most hotels provide for free when you pay the local tourist tax. This card allows you to use public transport in the city at no extra cost, including the metro that connects the lake, the train station, and the city center.
So even if your hotel isn’t directly in the center, getting around Lausanne is usually very easy.
If you’re still working out your overall budget, our guide to how much a Switzerland trip really costs breaks down accommodation, food, transport, and activities in more detail.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in Lausanne
Before booking, it’s worth checking our complete Lausanne travel guide so you can match your hotel location with the sights and day trips you actually want to include.
If this is your first time visiting the country, our Switzerland travel tips also cover practical details such as payment habits, Sunday opening hours, local customs, and other things that are useful to know before checking into your hotel.
Check the Metro Connection
Because Lausanne is built on steep hills, the location on the map doesn’t always tell the full story. Hotels that are close to a metro stop on the M2 line are usually the easiest choice, since this line connects the lake, the train station, and the city center.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Being “Central”
Lausanne is relatively compact, and with the Lausanne Transport Card, you can use public transport for free during your stay. So even if your hotel isn’t directly in the Old Town, getting around is usually quick and simple.
Book Early in Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Lake Geneva region. Hotels in scenic areas like Ouchy or the Lavaux vineyards can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Check out our blog post on the best time to visit Lausanne if you’re not sure yet when you want to come.
Decide Between Lake Views or Convenience
In Lausanne, you’ll often choose between staying by the lake in Ouchy or closer to the train station and Old Town. Lakefront hotels are more scenic, while the station area can be more practical if you’re planning lots of day trips.
Should you still be unsure whether Lausanne is worth visiting, check out our post for more details on whether it would be worth stopping there.
Our Verdict: Where We Would Stay in Lausanne
If it were our first time visiting Lausanne, we’d probably book a hotel in Ouchy. Being close to the lake simply makes the experience feel more special.
The promenade is beautiful for evening walks, the views over Lake Geneva and the Alps are hard to beat, and it’s a very relaxed area to come back to after a day of sightseeing. With the M2 metro, you can still reach the train station or the Old Town in just a few minutes.
If we were planning lots of day trips around Lake Geneva, though, we’d seriously consider staying near the train station instead. It’s the most practical base for exploring places like Montreux, the Lavaux vineyards, or Geneva.
And if we wanted to stay somewhere a bit more scenic and slow-paced, spending a night or two in the Lavaux vineyards would also be an amazing option.
In the end, Lausanne is small enough that there isn’t really a bad area to stay. It mostly depends on whether you prefer lake views, historic streets, nightlife, or convenience for exploring the region.
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Lausanne?
For most visitors, Ouchy and the Old Town are the best areas to stay in Lausanne. Ouchy is perfect if you want to stay by Lake Geneva with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. The Old Town, on the other hand, is better if you want to be close to the cathedral, museums, and historic streets.
Is Lausanne walkable?
Lausanne is quite compact, but it’s also very hilly. Walking between neighborhoods is possible, but some routes can be steep. Luckily, the M2 metro line connects the lake, the train station, and the city center in just a few minutes.
Is Ouchy a good place to stay in Lausanne?
Yes, Ouchy is one of the most popular areas to stay in Lausanne. It sits directly on Lake Geneva and has a beautiful promenade, parks, and several of the city’s best hotels. It’s especially nice in summer when locals and visitors spend time by the water.
Should I stay near the Lausanne train station?
Staying near the train station is a good option if you’re planning day trips around Lake Geneva. From here, you can easily reach places like Montreux, Geneva, or the Lavaux vineyards. The metro also connects the station with the lake in just a few minutes.
How many days do you need in Lausanne?
Most visitors spend 1-2 days in Lausanne, which is enough to explore the Old Town, visit the Olympic Museum, and stroll along the lake in Ouchy. Many travelers also use the city as a base to discover the surrounding Lake Geneva region.
