Lausanne travel guide

The official currency of Lausanne, like the rest of Switzerland, is the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs are widely available, and they typically offer the best exchange rates. It's worth noting that while some places accept Euros, change is often given in Swiss Francs.

Credit cards including Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, although small shops and cafes may prefer cash. It's advisable to carry some Swiss Francs for such instances. Lausanne is a somewhat expensive city, so budget accordingly. Dining out and accommodation can be quite costly, especially in the city center or near the lake. However, public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced, and many of the city's attractions are free or inexpensive. Always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any interruptions in card services.

Lausanne, located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, primarily uses French for communication. Hence, knowing a few basic French phrases can greatly enhance your experience. Phrases such as 'Bonjour' (Good day), 'Merci' (Thank you), and 'Où est...?' (Where is...?) can prove to be quite useful.

However, don't worry if you do not speak French. English is widely understood, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Moreover, Switzerland is multilingual, with German, Italian, and Romansh also being official languages. Hence, you might encounter these languages, but French and English should suffice for most interactions. Overall, remember that a smile and polite manners are universally understood!

Lausanne, Switzerland experiences a temperate climate with marked seasonal variations. The summer months (June to August) are typically warm, with temperatures averaging between 20°C to 25°C. These months also receive the most rainfall, but showers are usually short-lived and interspersed with sunny spells.

The winter season (December to February) is cold, with temperatures often falling below freezing, and snow is common especially on the higher ground. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and a mix of sunny and rainy days.

Despite its inland location, Lausanne can occasionally experience winds from the Atlantic, leading to sudden changes in weather. The city's location on the shores of Lake Geneva also means it can be foggy in the mornings, particularly in autumn and winter. Therefore, it's a good idea for travelers to check the local forecast before heading out and to pack a variety of clothing options to accommodate sudden weather changes.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Lausanne is more than just a wonderful city in Switzerland. Lausanne is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Switzerland.

One fascinating sight in Lausanne is the unforgettable The Olympic Museum. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Lausanne. This remarkable attraction is located at Quai d'Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 09:00-18:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Switzerland, check out our list of top attractions in Lausanne below. Discover the best places to visit in Lausanne, including the fascinating The Olympic Museum, Lausanne Cathedral, Esplanade de Montbenon, Sauvabelin Tower, and Place de la Palud.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Lausanne.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Lausanne.

Lausanne offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Bus Tours, Walking Tours, and Guided Day Trips are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Switzerland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Lausanne by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Lausanne can choose from 11 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Cultural Tours is the answer.

The most popular tour in Lausanne is the fantastic Vine Stories: Lavaux & Lutry wine walk. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Lausanne one of the best travel destinations in Switzerland.

Lausanne also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Medieval Lausanne: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 5 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Lausanne. This Historical Tour is available in 1 language: English. Around 3 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Lausanne and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Lausanne below.

Discover the best things to do in Lausanne. Choose from 35 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Lausanne. Click the green button to view your options.

Lausanne, a charming city in Switzerland, offers a unique culinary experience that pairs local traditions with international flavours. The best places to eat in Lausanne range from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. The districts of Flon and Ouchy are renowned for their diverse food scenes. At Flon, you'll find trendy eateries serving innovative cuisine, while Ouchy boasts exquisite dining establishments offering picture-perfect views of Lake Geneva. For traditional Swiss fare, try the emblematic fondue or raclette, dishes that showcase the region's exceptional cheese production. Visit Lausanne's weekly markets to savour local produce and street food, especially at the bustling Riponne Market. For a high-end dining experience, try the Michelin-starred restaurants like Anne-Sophie Pic at the Beau-Rivage Palace, which serves up intricate dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients. Don't miss trying the Swiss pastries such as Pain de Pâques or Le Carac– a delightful pastry filled with green icing and chocolate ganache. Exploring the culinary landscape of Lausanne promises to be a delightful journey of gastronomic discovery.

Lausanne's nightlife is a vibrant blend of elegance and excitement, offering something for everyone. The city's unique night culture is best experienced in the Flon district, widely regarded as the best area for bars in Lausanne. This former industrial district has been transformed into a lively hub for nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy everything from quiet wines at trendy wine bars to energetic dance nights at popular clubs like MAD, one of the biggest nightclubs in Switzerland.

For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, the Ouchy waterfront area offers a range of cozy bars and eateries. The White Horse Pub is a must-visit, revered for its great selection of beers and enchanting Lake Geneva views. Don't miss out on trying local Swiss brews for an authentic taste of Lausanne's nightlife. Remember, the local law mandates bars and clubs to close by 2 a.m. during the week and 5 a.m. on weekends, so plan your night out accordingly. With its buzzing atmosphere and diverse offerings, Lausanne promises an unforgettable nightlife experience.

Lausanne, a beautiful Swiss city, is a paradise for shoppers. Its vibrant shopping scene perfectly combines high-end fashion, local craftsmanship, and unique souvenirs. One of the best places to go shopping in Lausanne is the pedestrian Rue de Bourg, packed with luxury boutiques and international brands.

For a more localized experience, visit the Flon district. It's known for its trendy boutiques and design stores where you can discover the city's distinct fashion and creativity. Don't forget to explore Place de la Palud, the city's oldest square, where you'll find weekly markets selling fresh produce, Swiss delicacies, and local crafts.

Lausanne's shopping malls, such as Metropole 2000 and Centre Commercial de la Riponne, offer a diverse array of shops in a contemporary setting.

If you're searching for the perfect Swiss souvenir, head to Lausanne's old town, a hub for independent boutiques selling traditional Swiss watches, chocolates, and the famous Swiss army knife. Remember, the city's shops usually open around 9 AM and close at 7 PM, with an extended shopping night on Thursdays. Lausanne's shopping scene offers an exciting mix of tradition and modernity, truly an essential part of your Swiss visit.

Exploring the best free things to do in Lausanne offers a rich and fulfilling experience for travelers on a budget. Embark on a journey through time at the Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic monument offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and Lake Geneva. Stroll through the vibrant neighborhood of Flon, peppered with modern art installations, trendy murals, and eclectic architecture. Immerse yourself in Swiss culture by visiting the weekly Farmer's Market at Riponne Square, where you can sample local produce and witness the bustling everyday life of Lausanne. Wander through the tranquil paths of the Lausanne Botanical Garden, home to a treasure trove of exotic plant species. Don't forget to visit the Olympic Museum, which offers free entry on certain days and houses a wealth of information on the history and spirit of the Olympic Games. Lastly, for a peaceful retreat, head to the picturesque Sauvabelin Forest and climb the Sauvabelin Tower for an unparalleled view of the city and surrounding countryside. These activities showcase Lausanne's cultural richness and historical significance at no cost.

The most popular way to experience Lausanne is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Switzerland. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Lausanne on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Switzerland, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Switzerland, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Lausanne, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Lausanne below.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Lausanne.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Lausanne get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Switzerland. Your customized holiday package to Lausanne is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Lausanne, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Switzerland.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Switzerland and the city of Lausanne from your city of departure.

A trip to the fascinating Lausanne, Switzerland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 3 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 59 hotels, 43 vacation rental apartments and 1 bed & breakfast. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Lausanne provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, ibis Lausanne Centre Hotel is one of the top picks of travelers in Lausanne.

The hotel is located at 20 rue du Maupas and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Lausanne. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Lausanne, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Lausanne Youth Hostel. For approximately 48 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 3 different types of places to stay in Lausanne. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Lausanne for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 103 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Lausanne provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Lausanne are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Lausanne.

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Lausanne. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Lausanne, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Moxy Lausanne City, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Lausanne. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Lausanne on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Lausanne that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Lausanne to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Lausanne can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Switzerland at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Lausanne is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Lausanne is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Lausanne.

Check out all options available in Lausanne and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Switzerland below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Lausanne. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Lausanne, Switzerland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Switzerland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Switzerland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Lausanne to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Switzerland on the selected dates.