Local Secrets of Lausanne

Lausanne

Lausanne is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. Sitting right on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by vineyards and hills, it has a mix of chill lake vibes and classy city energy that just works.

With around 140,000 people living there, it’s big enough to have cool stuff going on, but small enough to feel super personal. The weather’s pretty mild, averaging about 10°C across the year—expect cozy winters and sunny, breezy summers.

Over 1.5 million tourists visit every year, drawn in by its unique mix of nature, culture, sport, and good living. Whether you’re into museums, lakeside walks, or cool little cafés, Lausanne has this laid-back charm that’s hard to explain but easy to love.

If you’re planning a trip, late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot. The weather’s perfect, everything’s open, and the lake is calling.

Lausanne Cathedral

Swiss Cheese

Arriving to Lausanne

Lausanne is the kind of city that surprises you in the best way. It’s got that perfect combo of lake views, hilly streets, and a cool mix of old-school charm and young energy. Getting there is super easy—Lausanne is well connected by train from Geneva (only about 40 minutes) or Zurich (around 2.5 hours). If you’re flying, Geneva Airport is your best bet, and from there, you can hop on a direct train straight into the city.

When it comes to neighborhoods, tourists usually love Ouchy, the lakeside area that’s perfect for strolls, sunsets, and chilling by the water. If you want to stay close to the action, La Cité (the old town) is packed with history, cute cafés, and markets. For a younger, more local vibe, check out Le Flon, which used to be a warehouse zone and is now full of bars, shops, and art spaces.

Getting around Lausanne is a breeze. The city has a metro system (yep, even with its size!) and a bunch of buses that make it easy to move between neighborhoods. If you’re staying at a hotel, you’ll likely get a free transport pass. And since it’s a walkable city (even with the hills), exploring on foot is totally doable—and worth it.

Now let’s talk food. Lausanne loves cheese, like the rest of Switzerland, so you’ve got to try a good fondue or raclette when you’re there. Also, being close to the French border means you’ll find some amazing pastries and wine. Don’t miss out on local specialties like papet vaudois, a dish made with leeks, potatoes, and sausage—it’s simple but delicious.

There’s plenty to see. The Olympic Museum is a must if you’re into sports, since Lausanne is actually home to the International Olympic Committee. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame gives you stunning views if you’re up for a climb. And the Collection de l’Art Brut is perfect if you like quirky, outsider art.

For experiences, rent a paddleboard or take a boat cruise on Lake Geneva, chill at the lakeside parks, or explore the Lavaux vineyards just outside the city. Lausanne feels relaxed but full of little surprises—perfect if you’re into cities that don’t try too hard but still have everything you’re looking for.

Accomodation

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Currency: The official currency of Lausanne is the Swish Franc (CHF) 1 is equivalent to 1.25 USD.

Keep in mind before travelling to Lausanne

Lausanne might not be the loudest city in Switzerland, but it knows how to celebrate in its own fun and creative way. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with unique festivals that mix music, art, sports, and cinema—all with a local twist.

Things kick off in spring with Balélec, a high-energy student-run music festival that’s all about good beats and great vibes. In summer, the Festival de la Cité transforms Lausanne’s old town into an open-air stage with dance, theater, concerts, and installations everywhere you look. If you’re into sports, don’t miss the 20 km de Lausanne in April or the Lausanne Marathon in October—both big community events with beautiful lake views.

Film fans will love the African Cinema Festival, a celebration of bold storytelling and diverse voices. Then there’s LUFF, the city’s underground film and music fest—alternative, edgy, and full of surprises. And for something totally different, La Fête du Slip explores identity, gender, and creativity through performance and art.

Got extra time? Lausanne is the perfect base for day trips to nearby gems like Montreux, Vevey, Gruyères, Fribourg, Yvoire, or the postcard-perfect Lavaux vineyards. Easy to reach, full of charm, and totally worth the detour.

Tips to visit Lausanne

Lausanne has this chill mix of lake life and city culture that makes everything feel super easygoing. People from here are called Lausannois (yep, kind of fancy), and locals usually greet you with a simple “Bonjour” or “Salut”, always polite but relaxed.

The main language is French, but you’ll hear a lot of English, especially in shops, cafés, and tourist areas. People usually eat lunch around 12 to 1:30 pm, and dinner kicks off between 7 and 9 pm. Shops open around 9 am and most close by 6:30 or 7 pm, and on Sundays, everything’s pretty much shut—classic Swiss style.

Tipping isn’t mandatory because service is included, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. The healthcare system is private but universal—everyone needs insurance, and it works really well. Fashion is simple and clean, think smart casual with a touch of sporty. Oh, and if you hear someone say “ça joue”, it basically means “it’s all good”—very Lausanne.