Lausanne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lausanne showing street scenes
Lausanne showing an administrative building and street scenes
Lausanne which includes a park and flowers
Lausanne showing street scenes as well as a large group of people
Lausanne featuring a square or plaza and a pond as well as a large group of people
This Olympic city along Lake Geneva is the perfect destination for a short trip with its alpine panorama, the historical old town as well as exciting nightlife.

The heart of the old town, called the Cité, is home to a number of buildings from the Middle Ages. The most famous monument is definitely the cathedral Notre-Dame in Lausanne. It sits high above the city and is considered the most significant Gothic structure in Switzerland. The window rose from the 13th century has become world-famous. And the organ is worth a visit as well. Not only because it contains 7,000 different organ pipes but also because it has a fascinating American-Italian story. Be sure to climb the tower of the cathedral, so as not to miss a beautiful view across Lausanne and Lake Geneva while on your city trip to Lausanne.

The nightlife of the city primarily takes place in the districts of Le Flon and Ouchy. Modern entertainment centres as well as a number of clubs and bars invite visitors to party. For transport across the city while on your mini-break in Lausanne, simply take the underground which is remote controlled. It was expanded by a second line in 2008 and connects the different districts in Lausanne. The metro’s rail network covers a change in altitude of 336 metres with inclines of 12%.

After 20 months of renovations, the Olympic Museum, located in the district Montchoisi, finally opened its doors again. Visitors are invited to marvel at an interactive exhibition about the history and successes of the Olympic Games. Another attraction is the Olympic Park which offers expansive views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. One highlight of the park is the virtual competitive track on which visitors can compete with the current Olympic champions in the 100 yard dash.

The Bois-de-Vaux is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Switzerland and a must for Visitors on a city trip to Lausanne. When the architect Laverrière designed the cemetery, he attempted to provide the atmosphere of a generous park. Famous people like Coco Chanel and Pierre de Coubertin are buried here. Sports enthusiasts are invited to visit the ice-skating stadium Malley in the district Sébillon/Malley. Ice hockey games as well as figure skating events take place here. The stadium has a capacity of 12,000 spectators and houses not only sporting events but also cultural spectacles during which the tracks can be transformed into a stage.

Where to stay in Lausanne

Lausanne featuring a square or plaza and a pond as well as a large group of people

Lausanne Center

4/5(40 area reviews)

Lausanne Center is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Lausanne Cathedral and Hôtel de Ville while in the area.

Lausanne Center
Olympic Museum showing outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Ouchy

If you're spending time in Ouchy, you might enjoy attractions like Ouchy Port and Alpine Panorama Path. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's fantastic lake views before hopping on the metro at Ouchy-Olympique Station to see more of the city.

Ouchy
Olympic Museum showing outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Montchoisi

While visiting Montchoisi, you might make a stop by sights like Olympic Museum and Musée de l’Elysée.

Montchoisi
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Sébeillon-Malley

Sébeillon-Malley might not have many top sights, but Palais de Beaulieu and CIG de Malley are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sébeillon-Malley
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Montriond-Cour

If you're spending some time in Montriond-Cour, Theatre de Vidy and Jardin Botanique Lausanne are top sights worth seeing.

Montriond-Cour
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Montoie-Bourdonnette

Montoie-Bourdonnette is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like International Olympic Committee and Bois de Vaux Cemetery.

Montoie-Bourdonnette
Hotel Continental
Hotel Continental
4 out of 5
Place de la Gare 2, Lausanne
The price is ₹11,913 per night from 3 May to 4 May
₹11,913
₹13,602 total
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (762 reviews)
"Close to train station and we were given a pass to use public transport during our stay"

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2025

Hotel Continental
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Avenue d'Ouchy 40, Lausanne, VD
The price is ₹29,210 per night from 10 May to 11 May
₹29,210
₹31,761 total
includes taxes & fees
10 May - 11 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (542 reviews)
"The location was great! Room was comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2025

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa
Hotel Mirabeau, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Mirabeau, BW Signature Collection
4 out of 5
Avenue de la Gare 31, Lausanne, VD
The price is ₹15,868 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
₹15,868
₹17,707 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (485 reviews)
"The train station isn't far and there's a bus stop which gets you to most places easily. Staff is VERY friendly and the room was great. I loved having a balcony and my own outside space."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025

Hotel Mirabeau, BW Signature Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Rue Caroline
VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Rue Caroline
3.5 out of 5
Rue Caroline 23, Lausanne, VD
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cave a Jazz Chorus ...
7.4/10 Good! (106 reviews)
"The property was nice, but it was noisy at night due to passing vehicles on the nearby road."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2024

VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Rue Caroline
VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Chemin des Epinettes
VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Chemin des Epinettes
3.5 out of 5
Chemin des Epinettes 11, Lausanne, VD
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition ...
7.4/10 Good! (42 reviews)
"Loved the proximity to the train station and easy check in."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2024

VISIONAPARTMENTS Lausanne Chemin des Epinettes
The Downtown
The Downtown
2 out of 5
Av. d'Echallens, Lausanne, VD
Stay at this apartment in Lausanne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Place de la Palud and Musée de l’Art Brut are located ...
The Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lausanne

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very hilly town if wanting to walk anywhere but excellent public transport, with free ticket from hotel for duration of stay.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful Lac Leman with mountains in background. Good to visit in summer

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Take the train to Montreux and walk along the beautiful promenade. Take the boat back to Lausanne.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Find parking locations which is cheaper and try to negotiate charges for total number of days rather paying each trip. Lausanne is lovely place to visit with lots of attractions

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Close to London so only short journey. Train journey efficient from airport to resort

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice compact town - very hilly but excellent metro system, free to visitors (pass given by the hotel).

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