Lausanne, Switzerland Travel Guide (2026): Where to Stay, Eat & What to Do
Lausanne sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva with the Alps visible across the water and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces running along the hillsides to the east. It’s smaller and less internationally known than Geneva, which works in its favor — the city has genuine character, a strong restaurant and café scene, and a lakefront that in summer becomes the center of daily life in a way that feels authentically Swiss rather than performed for visitors.
We visited in late June. Here’s what we’d tell someone going for the first time.
Where to Stay in Lausanne
The best base for most visitors is the Ouchy waterfront area — lake access, wide promenades, and easy connections into the city center via the metro. Read our entire list of favoirte hotels here.
Room with a view at Beau-Rivage Palace
Beau-Rivage Palace — The grandest option on the lake, and genuinely worth it if you’re going to splurge. Michelin-starred dining, indoor and outdoor pools, lake views from the upper rooms, and a garden that makes the property feel more like an estate than a hotel. Coco Chanel lived here for a period after WWII. We stayed here with our kids and our 8-year-old now says it’s where she wants to get married, which feels like the right endorsement. Read our full review.
Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa — A beautifully restored historic hotel between the lake and the city center. Large spa, modern rooms inside a heritage building, good flexibility for accessing both the waterfront and the old town on foot.
Lausanne Palace — Higher up in the city, closer to the old town and the cathedral. The better base if you want walkability to restaurants and shops over lakefront access. Strong spa.
Chateau d’Ouchy- A great option in the center of the lake action and prommenade. Nice cafes in front and lots of places to rent boats.
It’s the kind of place where you can hop from a 12th-century cathedral to a wine cave in under 15 minutes. It’s smaller and more soulful than Geneva, with a creative energy that hums beneath its serene surface. There’s art, wine, history, and a perfect alpine lake where you can take a dip or rent a boat to explore. You can even hop on the ferry to venture across the lake to France.
Pool at Beau Rivage Palace
Best Restaurants Laussane
Café de Grancy – Creative, cozy, and beloved by locals. Come for brunch, stay for the vibe.
Brasserie de Montbenon – Art deco interiors, regional wine list, and sweeping lake views.
Le Pointu – For natural wines, on-point playlists, and the feeling of being in a European indie film.
La Table du Lausanne Palace – One Michelin star set in a stunning hotel
Restaurant Le-Vieux-Laussane- One of th best locations in Laussane with food to match.
The Lacustre- Casual dining overlooking Lake Geneva.
Bar Côté Lac Lausanne- A super casual bar with charcuterie options on the edge of the lake.
**Don’t skip the Lavaux wines—the terraced vineyards just outside town are a UNESCO World Heritage. site. We had beautiful meals at Auberge de Rivaz and Le Deck.
Dining al fresco at The Lacustre
Best Cafes in Laussane
Bar Côté Lac Lausanne
Blackbird Downtown Diner – Aussie-inspired, oat milk everything, aesthetic overload.
Ça Passe Crème – Minimalist, cool, and serious about their espresso.
Sleepy Bear – Tiny, intimate, perfect flat white.
Things to Do in Lausanne
Ouchy Waterfront — The lake in summer is the main attraction. Designated swim platforms, paddleboard and pedal boat rentals, wide promenades, parks opening directly onto the water. Ferries depart from the port for villages along the Swiss shore and across to France — worth taking at least once for the perspective on the lake.
Lavaux Vineyard Trail — The UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards east of Lausanne are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. Trains connect directly from the city. The walking paths between vine rows and stone walls are manageable for most fitness levels and the views across the lake to the French Alps are exceptional. Combine with lunch at Auberge de Rivaz or Le Deck.
Olympic Museum — Lausanne is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and the museum is more engaging than you’d expect — interactive, well-designed, and genuinely interesting for visitors with no particular interest in sport. The outdoor sculpture park overlooking the lake is worth an hour on its own.
Collection de l’Art Brut — One of the most distinctive museums in Switzerland, dedicated to outsider art created by self-taught artists outside the mainstream art world. Housed in a château, genuinely moving, completely unlike anything else in the city.
Cathédrale de Lausanne — The best-preserved Gothic cathedral in Switzerland. Climb the bell tower for views over the rooftops to the lake and Alps.
Old Town — The historic center is steep but compact. Worth exploring in the morning when it’s quieter — cobblestone streets, hidden fountains, good bakeries. Not a full-day activity but a worthwhile hour or two.
Best Stores in Lausanne
Septième Étage — The best concept store in the city. Clothing, objects, books, a well-curated edit.
Globus — The Swiss department store chain at its best. Good for cashmere, food hall, Swiss-made products.
Papeterie Avry — Stationery, journals, fountain pens. Worth a look.
Practical Information
Getting there: Direct train from Geneva Airport every 15 minutes, journey time around one hour. One of the easier city arrivals in Europe.
Getting around: The metro is small — two lines — but genuinely useful for the Ouchy to city center connection. Most of Ouchy and the old town are walkable within their respective areas.
Currency: Swiss Franc. Cards are widely accepted but worth having some cash for markets and smaller cafés.
Language: French, with reliable English almost everywhere.
Sunday closures: Most shops and many attractions are closed on Sunday. Plan accordingly — it’s actually a good day for the lake and outdoor activities.
Best time to visit: Late May through September. June and September offer the best combination of warm weather and manageable crowds. July and August are peak season.
FAQs About Lausanne
Is Lausanne worth visiting?
Yes — particularly if your Switzerland itinerary includes Geneva, which is only 45 minutes away. Lausanne is more interesting to spend time in than Geneva for most travelers.
How many days do you need in Lausanne?
Two to three days covers the main sights, a Lavaux excursion, and enough lake time to feel like you’ve actually been there.
Is Lausanne good for families?
Very — see our Lausanne with kids guide for the full picture.
Is Lausanne expensive?
Yes, by most standards — it’s Switzerland. Budget accordingly for hotels and restaurants in particular.