For a first visit, base yourself in the Old Town (Cité) or the central Flon/Gare area, both walkable and close to Lausanne Cathedral and transit. Ouchy, on the shores of Lake Geneva, suits travellers wanting lakeside calm and views. Flon is best for nightlife, while quieter residential districts like Sous-Gare or Chailly suit families and longer stays.
The areas, by traveller
Old Town (Cité)
The historic heart of Lausanne, wrapped around Lausanne Cathedral and Place de la Palud with cobbled streets, cafés and museums. Hilly but central and highly walkable.
Explore Old Town (Cité) →Flon
A converted warehouse district full of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops, with a metro hub connecting the whole city. Lively in the evenings and central.
Explore Flon →Ouchy
Lausanne's waterfront on Lake Geneva, with promenades, gardens, boat departures and Alpine views across the water. Calmer than the centre and linked uphill by metro.
Explore Ouchy →Gare / Central
The area around Lausanne's main train station puts you near rail connections and a short ride from both the Old Town and the lake. Practical for day trips and arrivals.
Explore Gare / Central →Sous-Gare
A residential neighbourhood just below the station, midway between the centre and Ouchy. Local shops and a relaxed feel with easy access downhill to the lake.
Explore Sous-Gare →Chailly / Montchoisi
Leafy residential districts east of the centre with a village-like atmosphere and green spaces. Well suited to visitors wanting a quieter base away from the crowds.
Explore Chailly / Montchoisi →
Practical basics
- Getting in
- Most visitors arrive via Geneva (GVA) airport and take a direct train to Lausanne's main station in roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
- Best time to visit
- Late spring through early autumn brings the best lakeside weather and outdoor events, while winter is quieter and cooler.
- Getting around
- Lausanne's compact metro, buses and walkable centre make a car unnecessary, though the steep hills mean comfortable shoes help.
Frequently asked
Is the Old Town or Ouchy better for a first visit?
The Old Town is best if you want to be among the sights and nightlife, while Ouchy suits those wanting lakeside calm; the two are just a short metro ride apart.
Do I need a car in Lausanne?
No — the metro, buses and trains cover the city and region well, and the centre is walkable, so a car is more of a hassle than a help.
Where should families stay?
Quieter residential areas like Sous-Gare, Chailly or Montchoisi offer a calmer base with green space while staying well connected to the centre and lake.
Cities near Lausanne
Hand-picked hotel guides for Lausanne — real hotels, exact prices and distances — are on the way. This page will grow into the full recommendation set.
An independent guide to where to stay in Lausanne — hotel recommendations are on the way.