Poets have tried, and rock stars have sung, but words rarely do justice to the sheer beauty of Montreux. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva with the Alps standing guard, this Swiss Riviera town is a place where nature, music, and history collide in the most breathtaking way. It’s a destination that genuinely lives up to the postcards.
But beyond the picture-perfect promenade, what should you actually do here? Drawing from first-hand travel experience, this is your no-fluff guide to the very best of Montreux, packed with practical tips that will save you time, money, and hassle.
1. Walk with Giants on the Sculpture Promenade
The entire lakeside path in Montreux is a beautiful, easy stroll, but the real highlight is bumping into some legends along the way. It’s a free, open-air gallery celebrating the town’s rich cultural history.
The undisputed king is the iconic bronze statue of Freddie Mercury. Posed triumphantly facing the lake, it’s a powerful tribute to the Queen frontman who found peace and creative sanctuary here. But keep your eyes peeled! You might also spot statues of classical composer Igor Stravinsky and, in a fun surprise, even Chinese gymnastics icon Li Ning.
2. Explore the Fairytale Chillon Castle
Perched dramatically on a rocky island in the lake, Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) looks like it was ripped straight from the pages of a storybook. This is, without a doubt, Montreux’s most famous landmark. The medieval fortress, which famously inspired Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon,” is a maze of courtyards, grand halls, and eerie dungeons.
- Getting There: It’s a lovely 50-minute walk along the lake from central Montreux, or a quick 10-minute bus ride.
- Tickets: The entrance fee is 13.50 CHF, but you can often get a 50% discount with various Swiss travel passes.
3. Chase the Most Spectacular Alpine Sunset
When the sun begins to set over Lake Geneva, something magical happens. The sky explodes in color, and if you’re lucky, you’ll witness the “alpenglow”—a phenomenon where the snow-capped peaks of the Alps blush with a pink and gold light. It’s an unforgettable sight.
The two best spots to catch this daily spectacle are the main Montreux Pier and the shoreline near Chillon Castle. Grab a spot, take a deep breath, and enjoy the show.
4. Take a Day Trip to Vevey and the Lavaux Vineyards
Montreux is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding region. A short 15-minute train ride will take you to the charming town of Vevey, where you can find the iconic giant fork sculpture rising out of the lake and visit Chaplin’s World, a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin who spent his final years here.
From Vevey, you are at the doorstep of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient, sun-drenched terraces cling to the hillsides and offer incredible hiking opportunities with wine tasting stops along the way.
5. An Honest Tip on Dining in Montreux
Let’s be real: dining out in Switzerland can be shockingly expensive, and Montreux is no exception. A simple stir-fried vegetable dish at a Chinese restaurant can cost 20 CHF, with meat dishes soaring to 35 CHF. A two-person meal can easily top 100 CHF.
Insider’s Money-Saving Tip: Skip the pricey restaurant meal for one evening. Instead, do what the locals do. Go to a supermarket, grab a bottle of excellent local white wine (from the Lavaux region, of course!), some cheese, bread, and find a bench along the lake. An incredible meal with a million-dollar view for a fraction of the price. You won’t regret it.
6. A Crucial Tip for Where to Stay
While this isn’t a hotel review site, here’s one piece of advice that can save you a fortune: find a hotel with free parking. We stayed at a lovely place called “La Villa” primarily for this reason. Parking in Swiss towns is not only expensive but also notoriously difficult to find. A hotel with its own parking is worth its weight in gold and removes a major source of stress from your trip.
7. Be Smart About When You Visit
Montreux is world-famous for its Summer Jazz Festival. While it’s an amazing event, be warned: during the festival, accommodation prices skyrocket and rooms are booked out months in advance. If you’re not specifically visiting for the music, plan your trip outside of the festival dates to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.