ABOUT LAUSANNE
Experience the Magic of Lausanne
Welcome to Lausanne, the picturesque capital of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland!
Lausanne has many titles:
‘the official ‘Olympic Capital’, ‘the Pearl of Lake Geneva’ and the ‘world's best small city’ are just a few.
Bordered by the breathtaking, UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces, the city is filled with incredible sights. Main attractions include the majestic Gothic Lausanne Cathedral, the world-famous Olympic Museum, the historic Sauvabelin Tower, the lively Flon District, and the scenic Ouchy Lakeside Promenade.
Lausanne will soon convince you why people fall in love with its unique "dolce vita" lifestyle, beautifully set against a backdrop of Lake Geneva and the majestic Swiss Alps.
Moreover, it is a green, clean, and highly connected city—boasting the world's smallest metro system to easily navigate its hilly slopes. Museums, fine-dining restaurants, lakeside relaxation, and vibrant entertainment—all are virtually within arm's reach on a wonderfully human scale.
Lausanne is a place where nature, culture, and innovation perfectly meet.
Come, enjoy and take a piece of its beauty with you!
For more information, please visit the Official Tourist Information Site of Lausanne.
Lausanne's Main Attractions
The historic Old Town and Cathédrale de Lausanne
At the heart of the city lies La Cité, Lausanne’s historic Old Town. Wander through its steep, cobblestone streets, climb the historic wooden Escaliers du Marché (Market Steps), and emerge at the magnificent Cathédrale de Lausanne—widely considered Switzerland's most beautiful Gothic masterpiece. From the top of its belfry, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the red-tiled rooftops, Lake Geneva, and the Alps. For a truly magical experience, visit at night: Lausanne is one of the last cities in Europe to keep the medieval tradition of the Night Watchman (Le Guet) alive, who climbs to the top of the cathedral tower to call out the hours from 10 PM to 2 AM!
Stunning vineyards of Lavaux
Just a short, scenic trip from Lausanne lies Lavaux, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching along the shores of Lake Geneva, these 800 hectares of steeply terraced vineyards have been carefully shaped by humans and nature for nearly a thousand years. Known for benefiting from "three suns" (the direct sun, the heat reflecting off Lake Geneva, and the warmth stored in the ancient stone walls), Lavaux produces some of Switzerland's finest Chasselas wines. You can hike the marked panoramic trails, catch the charming Lavaux Express tourist train up the hills, or stop at a local cellar to enjoy a wine tasting with views of the Swiss Alps reflecting in the water below.
The elegant lakeside promenade at Ouchy
For a change of pace, take the metro straight down to Ouchy, Lausanne’s vibrant waterfront district. This elegant lakeside promenade offers a breezy, resort-like atmosphere with its flower-lined paths, palm trees, and panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps. Stroll past the historic Château d’Ouchy (a neo-Gothic castle now serving as a luxury hotel), watch the sailboats bobbing in the harbor, or rent a pedalo to hit the water. Ouchy is also the perfect starting point to hop on a historic CGN paddle steamboat for a scenic cruise, or to explore the nearby Olympic Park and its world-famous museum.
Language
Lausanne is located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, known as "Romandy," making French the primary language of the city.
As a highly cosmopolitan and international city, English is widely spoken across hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, ensuring easy communication for visitors from around the world.
Time Zone
Lausanne runs on Central European Summer Time (CEST), GMT+2 during the conference period.
Dining in Lausanne follows a relaxed Swiss rhythm — lunch is generally served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, while dinner runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Many restaurants along the lakefront stay open later in the summer months.
Weather
Lausanne's setting on the shores of Lake Geneva makes for a beautiful summer backdrop. Expect warm, sunny days with the possibility of brief afternoon showers.
- Average High: Around 22–26°C (72–79°F)
- Average Low: Around 13–16°C (55–61°F)
Currency
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its official currency. Unlike most of its European neighbors, Switzerland is not part of the Eurozone, so euros are not always accepted. We recommend exchanging money or withdrawing CHF upon arrival for a hassle-free experience.
Credit Card
Card payments are widely accepted across Lausanne's hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used, with American Express accepted in larger establishments.
Having a small amount of Swiss Francs (CHF) on hand is still useful for markets, smaller cafés, or public transport.
Tipping
Unlike many countries, tipping in Switzerland is entirely at your discretion — service charges are generally included in the bill by law. That said, rounding up the total or leaving a small amount as a thank-you is a appreciated gesture for great service.
Banks
Banks in Lausanne are typically open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Note that most banks close over lunch and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. ATMs are widely available throughout the city center and accept most international cards, giving you easy access to cash at any time.
Electricity
Switzerland uses 230V AC, 50Hz electricity. Swiss sockets are Type J, which are unique to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, so most international travelers will need an adapter.
We recommend picking one up before your trip or upon arrival at the airport.