A hillside city on the north shore of Lake Geneva and the “Olympic Capital”, home to the International Olympic Committee; a metro climbs from lakeside Ouchy to the cathedral, and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards lie nearby.
Lakeside walks, boat trips and Lavaux vineyard hikes. source
Weather: May–September is best, with harvest scenes in the Lavaux vineyards in September–October; winters are often grey. source
Times to avoid: Papet vaudois (leek and potato with sausage) is mostly a September–April dish. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Lausanne
The Olympic Museum The lakeside museum of Olympic history; children up to 15 are free. source
Lavaux vineyards UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards above the lake, a short train ride away. source
Papet vaudois Leeks and potatoes with cream and white wine, served with cabbage sausage. source
Where to stay in Lausanne
Flon / Old Town
The metro hub, close to the cathedral and restaurants.
Ouchy (lakeside)
Lakeside, home to the Olympic Museum and promenade.
What to eat in Lausanne
Papet Vaudois — Leek and potato stew with cabbage sausage
Cheese Fondue — Melted cheese fondue, often half-and-half
Carac — Small tart with green icing in the canton’s colours
Lausanne tips and things to watch out for
Lausanne travel tips
Guests in Lausanne hotels, hostels and campsites get a free Lausanne Transport Card for their stay (up to 15 days); private rentals are excluded. source
Good to know in Switzerland
The Swiss Travel Pass covers eligible trains, buses and boats, while some mountain excursions are discounted. Check the area of validity. source
Swiss tap water is safe to drink; check that a public fountain is marked as drinking water. source
Watch out for in Switzerland
High mountains are cold even in summer and change fast; bring layers. source
Most shops close on Sundays except those in stations. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Lausanne are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Switzerland.
Lausanne attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
The Olympic Museum (Adult): CHF 20.00 · child CHF 0.00