Lausanne is the fourth largest city of Switzerland located on the shores of Lake Geneva and very close to Geneva.
No matter the way you will choose to discover the city it is advisable to explore the museums, have a walk in the parks and gardens, take some guided excursions on the lake as well as get involved in some cultural activities promoted on the national web-site.
Also, it is really recommended as a tourist to enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the Unesco-listed Lavaux vineyards.
Warnings & Dangers in Lausanne
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Overall it can be claimed that it is a safe destination for tourists if all precautions measures will be taken into account and choose wisely your accommodation.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport infrastructure is very developed in the city and as a result, traveling facilities are available everywhere and are claimed to be very safe.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are often met here and therefore it is advisable to keep a close look at your belongings especially on your documents and try if possible not to carry all you have with you but instead store them in a safe place.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no considerable natural disaster risks that can somehow affect you negatively as in almost all European countries.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
There is an increasing number of violent crimes in the city, meaning that in order for you to avoid such unpleasant cases you should opt for not walking alone at night is not so populated places and take all measures to safeguard your possessions as well as yourself.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorist attacks happening in the city can not be ruled out and the only solution to this would be to follow the advice of public authorities. They will be able to preserve your safety state and diminish the effect terrorist attacks could have on your lives.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There are scammers in the city but these could be easily avoided through using your common sense and not being easily influenced. If you feel the pressure from a person regarding a decision report it immediately and get rid of that person as soon as possible.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
This is definitely a safe place for solo traveling women that decided to travel to Lausanne, but as everywhere in the world be aware of the risks that can somehow affect you negatively.
So... How Safe Is Lausanne Really?
Overall it is a safe destination for you as a tourist from almost all perspectives, but it is advisable to take all measures in order to preserve your safety and security.
In recent years with the development of tourism in the city the cases of robberies, thefts, and crime, in general, have increased, which means that you as a tourist should choose wisely your accommodation which will ensure your safety.
Be aware of a big gang of pickpockets that operate in the most populated areas of the city and keep a close look at your belongings, especially your documents.
Also, it is recommended to always have a mobile phone from which in case of emergency you will be able to call as well as have a list of numbers.
Even if it is claimed to be relatively safe there are some neighborhoods that are advisable especially by night to not be visited however, during the day these could be and are recommended to be visited.
These one could be easily found at the tourist information point together with a lot of more interesting and important updates related to tours, guides, experiences of any kind as well as the must-see and do of the city which will ensure you a safe and great trip.
Taking everything into account and following all the above-mentioned pieces of advice you will be able to safely enjoy your trip.
How Does Lausanne Compare?
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Lausanne | 78 |
Zurich | 87 |
Geneva | 72 |
Basel | 87 |
Bern | 85 |
Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
It depends on your citizenship whether you need a visa or not, but all the required information is clearly provided by the web-site of the public authorities.
Currency
The local currency is the Swiss franc which is considered to be the most stable currency due to the stability of the Swiss government and financial system.
Weather
The climate of the city is mild and temperate meaning that Lausanne has a significant amount of rainfall during the year which is true even in the driest month.
Airports
Airport Lausanne is a very small civil airport that operates a small range of flights as it has no scheduled commercial traffic and is used for general aviation.
Travel Insurance
As it is always recommended to have travel insurance while traveling, no matter the destination, therefore, Lausanne is not an exception.
Lausanne Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High °C | 3 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
Low °C | -3 | -2 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 2 | -2 |
High °F | 37 | 41 | 50 | 57 | 64 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 39 |
Low °F | 27 | 28 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 55 | 54 | 50 | 43 | 36 | 28 |
Switzerland - Safety by City
City | Safety Index |
---|---|
Basel | 87 |
Bern | 85 |
Geneva | 72 |
Lausanne | 78 |
Zurich | 87 |