Lausanne
About Lausanne
Lausanne is a dynamic, hilly city on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, home to the International Olympic Committee and one of Switzerland's liveliest cultural scenes. Built on three hills with the lake below and Alps across the water, the city rewards those willing to climb its steep streets with stunning views at every turn.
The medieval Old Town (Cité) sits above, connected to the lakeside Ouchy district by Switzerland's only metro. With a major university, the prestigious EPFL, and a buzzing nightlife in the Flon quarter, Lausanne feels younger and more energetic than its Francophone neighbor Geneva.
Useful links:
Quick Tips
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Cards widely accepted. 1 CHF ≈ €1.
- Transport: Your hotel provides a free Lausanne Transport Card. The city has Switzerland's only metro (M2 line). Buses and metro cover the hilly terrain well.
- Tipping: Service included in bills. Rounding up for good service is customary.
- Lavaux vineyards: The UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraced vineyards are just 15 minutes east by train. Walk the vineyard trail and taste Chasselas wine at family cellars.
- Hills: Lausanne is steep. Wear comfortable shoes and use the metro/buses for the uphill parts. The escalators at Flon help too.
Interesting Places to Visit
Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame)
One of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Switzerland, dating to the 13th century. The painted portal and rose window are exceptional. A night watchman still calls the hours from the tower at 10 PM — a tradition since 1405.
Olympic Museum
The world's largest archive of the Olympic Games, set in beautiful lakeside gardens in Ouchy. Interactive exhibits, historic medals and torches, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. Allow 2–3 hours. One of Lausanne's must-visits.
Ouchy Lakefront
Lausanne's waterfront district with a charming promenade, marina, and parks along Lake Geneva. Perfect for a stroll, lake cruise, or simply sitting with a gelato and watching the Alps turn pink at sunset. The CGN boats depart from here.
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just east of Lausanne — 800 hectares of terraced vineyards cascading down to Lake Geneva. Walk the trail from Lutry to Saint-Saphorin, stopping at wine cellars to taste Chasselas. One of Switzerland's most scenic walks.
Plateforme 10 — MCBA
Lausanne's new arts district near the train station, housing three museums including the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) in a striking building. Contemporary and classical art under one roof. The Photo Elysée and mudac design museum are next door.
Collection de l'Art Brut
A unique museum dedicated to "outsider art" — works by self-taught artists, psychiatric patients, and visionaries. Founded by Jean Dubuffet. Fascinating, moving, and unlike any other museum. Small but unforgettable.
Sauvabelin Tower & Forest
A wooden observation tower in the forest above Lausanne offering 360° views of the lake, city, and Alps. Free entry. Surrounded by a small lake, a deer park, and walking trails. A local favorite for a nature escape.
When to Visit
Lausanne benefits from a mild lakeside climate with warm summers and cold but rarely harsh winters:
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Lovely season. Mild (10–20°C), the Lavaux vines turn green, and the lakeside parks fill with flowers. The Cully Jazz Festival (April) draws music lovers to the vineyards.
- Cully Jazz Festival (April)
- Lavaux vineyard walks reopen
- Cherry blossoms along the lakefront
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Warm (20–28°C) and vibrant. Lake swimming, open-air festivals, and long evenings on café terraces. The Festival de la Cité (July) turns the Old Town into an open-air stage.
- Festival de la Cité (July)
- Lake swimming at Bellerive-Plage
- Lavaux vineyard terraces at their finest
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Golden vineyards (8–16°C) make autumn the most photogenic season in Lavaux. Wine harvest festivals and the BDFIL comic festival (September). Fewer tourists, lower prices.
- Lavaux wine harvest — golden terraces
- BDFIL comic book festival
- Seasonal menus with game and mushrooms
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Cold (0 to 5°C) with occasional fog over the lake. Lausanne Lumières (light festival) brightens December. The Bô Noël Christmas market spreads across several squares.
- Bô Noël Christmas market
- Lausanne Lumières light installations
- Day trips to nearby ski resorts
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Lausanne's French-speaking culture means excellent food with a strong bistro tradition:
Café de Grancy$ – $$
Beloved neighborhood café near the train station. French bistro classics, excellent brunch, and a lively terrace. Plat du jour around 20 CHF (~€18). The locals' living room — always buzzing.
Le Barbare$
Iconic chocolate café near the cathedral. Famous for their rich hot chocolate served in a bowl. Drinks and pastries 6–12 CHF (~€5–11). A tiny, cozy gem — perfect afternoon treat.
Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger$
Popular Swiss burger chain born in Lausanne. Quality burgers with creative toppings for 14–19 CHF (~€13–17). Great fries and milkshakes. Several locations — the Flon one has the best vibe.
Pinte Besson$ – $$
Lausanne's oldest restaurant (since 1780) serving traditional Vaud cuisine. Excellent fondue and papet vaudois (leek and potato stew with sausage). Mains 22–34 CHF (~€20–31). Full of character.
Bleu Lézard$ – $$
Vibrant café-bar in the Flon district with a great terrace. French-Mediterranean cuisine, good salads, and tartines. Mains 18–28 CHF (~€16–26). Live music and DJ nights downstairs.
Eat Me$$
Creative fusion restaurant in the Old Town. Asian-Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Dishes 12–22 CHF (~€11–20). Trendy atmosphere and excellent cocktails. Book for weekend evenings.
La Bossette$ – $$
Charming wine bar and bistro specializing in local Vaud wines and seasonal small plates. Glasses from 6 CHF (~€5), dishes 14–24 CHF (~€13–22). Perfect for a relaxed evening in good company.