Lausanne

Geneva lake promenade near the Chateau Ouchy Castle, an old medieval castle in Lausanne city in Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland, Luxury hotel on Lake Leman. Bright sunny summer day.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne is like Geneva’s cooler, slightly more laid-back cousin—the one who loves art, wine, and a good lakeside sunset. Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by rolling vineyards, this Swiss city offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery. With its picturesque Old Town, Olympic heritage, and lively student vibe, Lausanne is anything but boring.

For solo travellers, Lausanne is a dream destination. It’s safe, easy to navigate (as long as you don’t mind a few hills!), and packed with things to do, whether you’re museum-hopping, wine-tasting, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the lake. Plus, the city’s friendly atmosphere makes it easy to strike up a conversation—especially if you’re discussing cheese or chocolate.

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Things to Do in Lausanne

Lausanne is a city that blends history, culture, and nature effortlessly. Wander through the Old Town, where medieval buildings and charming streets lead you to landmarks like Lausanne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Switzerland. If you love museums, don’t miss the Olympic Museum, celebrating Lausanne’s status as the Olympic capital.

For something more scenic, take a stroll along Ouchy Promenade, a beautiful lakeside area perfect for people-watching, relaxing, or hopping on a boat tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the nearby Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO-listed wine region where you can sip Swiss wines with a view that’s almost too good to be real.

Lausanne Switzerland - Motor boat with people on board on Lake Geneva in Lausanne Switzerland
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - Place de la Palud square with fountain is the oldest square in Lausanne city, which located on Lake Geneva shores in Switzerland
Geneva lake promenade near the Chateau Ouchy Castle, an old medieval castle in Lausanne city in Switzerland
Beautiful sunset on the shore of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland
Fondation de Hermitage in Lausanne with flowers at sunset

Where to Stay in Lausanne

Lausanne offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveller’s needs. Stay in the Old Town (Centre-Ville) for easy access to historical sites, charming cafes, and lively markets. If you prefer lakeside views and a relaxed atmosphere, Ouchy is the perfect spot, with scenic hotels and walking paths right by the water.

For a more budget-friendly or student-friendly vibe, Flon & Chauderon are great areas, offering trendy accommodations and easy access to nightlife. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider staying near Lavaux, where you’ll wake up to breathtaking vineyard landscapes. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging on luxury, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Lugano Switzerland - The villa on Ciani botanical park in the center of Lugano Switzerland
City of Lausanne. Cityscape image of downtown Lausanne, Switzerland during twilight blue hour.
LAUSANNE SWITZERLAND - Everyday life on Place de la Riponne near Palais de Rumine in the center of Lausanne
View from a lookout to the forest.
Lausanne Switzerland - Motorboat with man wakeboarding on Lake Geneva embankment near Chateau Ouchy in Lausanne Switzerland.

tineraries for Lausanne

Make the most of your time in Lausanne with carefully crafted itineraries. From exploring historic landmarks and lakeside promenades to indulging in local wine and Swiss delicacies, these guides help you hit the highlights without feeling rushed.

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Montreux, Switzerland - The most beautiful steam boat called La Suisse with Swiss flag waving at the stern approaching Montreux pier on Swiss Riviera, Vaud, Switzerland on summer day
Lausanne, Switzerland- Downtown Lausanne, Place Centrale
Lausanne, Switzerland- Downtown Lausanne, Place Bel-Air
Lausanne, Switzerland - Passenger ship docked at pier in Lausanne Ouchy port, Switzerland on Lake Leman (Geneva Lake) on sunny summer day
Lausanne, Switzerland - : The Cathedral hill seen from the Bessieres bridge

Solo Travel Tips for Lausanne

Lausanne is an excellent destination for solo travellers, with its friendly locals and safe, walkable streets. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or relaxing by the lake, Lausanne offers a mix of social and peaceful experiences. Don’t hesitate to join a walking tour or strike up a conversation at a local café—solo adventures here are both rewarding and fun.

  • Take advantage of Lausanne’s free public transport card, which most hotels provide to guests.
  • Visit popular spots like Lausanne Cathedral and The Olympic Museum early to avoid crowds.
  • Pack comfortable shoes—Lausanne is built on hills, so expect a bit of a workout while exploring the city.
Lausanne, Switzerland, Luxury hotel on Lake Leman. Bright sunny summer day.
Amazing winemaking village Rivaz in the Swiss Lavaux wine region. Houses and vineyard located on the slopes by the stunning Lake Geneva. Natural landscapes in Switzerland. European travel destination
Winter evening in Lausanne. Skyline of Lausanne, Switzerland as seen from the Cathedral hill at sunset zoomed-in on the tower of St-Francois Church.
City of Lausanne. Cityscape image of downtown Lausanne, Switzerland during twilight blue hour.
Lausanne, Switzerland - modern sculpture in front of the Olympic museum, on the shore of Lake Leman in Lausanne, Switzerland

Cultural Experiences in Lausanne

Lausanne’s mix of history, Olympic legacy, and lakeside charm make it an exciting place to explore. From medieval sites to contemporary cultural hotspots, the city offers countless ways to immerse yourself in Swiss heritage.

  • Visit Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic landmark with breathtaking views from its tower.
  • Explore the Olympic Museum, dedicated to the history and spirit of the Olympic Games.
  • Take a wine-tasting tour in the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO-listed region with some of Switzerland’s best wines.
Lausanne Switzerland - Le Flon district and Grand pont bridge with flags in Lausanne Switzerland. People on the background
Lavaux, Switzerland - : Running train at the railroad near Lavaux Vineyard Terrace hiking trail, Lavaux-Oron district, Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland - The Cathedral hill seen from the Bessieres bridge
Lausanne, Switzerland - Chateau Ouchy at Lake Geneva promenade, Lausanne, Switzerland. People on the background
La Cite the historic centre of Lausanne Switzerland

FAQ’s

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for lakeside activities, but it can get busy. If you love Christmas markets, winter is a cozy time to visit, with plenty of festive charm.

Yes! Lausanne is very safe, and Swiss cities in general have low crime rates. The public transport is reliable, and walking around—even at night—is generally hassle-free.

Lausanne has an efficient public transport system, including metro, buses, and trains. Most hotels provide a free public transport card, which makes getting around easy. Walking is also a great option—just be prepared for some hills!

Top picks include Lausanne Cathedral, The Olympic Museum, and the scenic Ouchy Promenade by Lake Geneva. If you have time, visiting the Lavaux Vineyards is a must for wine lovers.

Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating Lausanne’s hills. A light jacket is great for spring and autumn visits, while summer calls for sunglasses and sunscreen for lakeside relaxation. If visiting in winter, pack warm layers and a good coat.

Lausanne offers a delicious mix of traditional Swiss cuisine and international flavors. Try fondue or raclette for a true Swiss experience, and don’t miss out on filets de perche, a local fish specialty. The city also has a strong café culture and plenty of cozy spots for a glass of Swiss wine.

Absolutely! Lausanne is perfectly positioned for easy day trips. Head to Montreux for a lakeside escape with a famous jazz festival, visit Gruyères for cheese and medieval charm, or explore Evian-les-Bains just across the lake in France.

Wrapping Up Your Lausanne Adventure

Lausanne may not always be the first Swiss city people think of, but it’s one of the most rewarding to explore. From its historic Old Town and Olympic legacy to its incredible lakeside scenery and nearby vineyards, this city packs in a lot of charm (not that we’re using that word, but you get the idea). Whether you’re here to soak up the views, dive into Swiss history, or just eat your weight in fondue, Lausanne delivers.

Looking for more of Switzerland? Check out our guides to Geneva, Zürich, and beyond. Switzerland is waiting—time to start planning!