Dive into Lake Geneva: Top Things to Do in Montreux Switzerland

Nestled between the crisp peaks of the Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, Montreux is like that effortlessly classy friend who also knows how to have fun. Here you can wander palm‑lined promenades, toast with a crisp Chasselas from the nearby Vaud wineries, or hop a train up to Rochers‑de‑Naye for jaw‑dropping Alpine views. From exploring the fairy‑tale corridors of Chillon Castle to snapping a photo with the legendary Freddie Mercury statue, this lakeside gem delivers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and good vibes, making it an adventure you won’t forget anytime soon.

Best things to do in Montreux Switzerland

Visit the legendary Château de Chillon

No trip to Montreux is complete without a stop at Château de Chillon, Switzerland’s most visited historic site and a total scene‑stealer. Just a scenic walk or breezy bike ride from town, this picture‑perfect medieval castle rests right on the shore of Lake Geneva. Once a strategic stronghold for the Counts of Savoy, it now welcomes travelers with its fairytale turrets, beautifully preserved rooms, and stories that transport you straight into the Middle Ages. Between its lake‑side charm and sweeping Alpine views, it’s an absolute must‑see, and one of the best ways to soak up the timeless magic of Montreux.

Walk along the promenade

The Montreux Promenade, or Quai des Fleurs, is like the town’s red carpet, lined with blooming flowers, swaying palm trees, and quirky art pieces, all set against the jaw‑dropping backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It’s the ultimate spot for a laid‑back stroll, a moment on a sun‑warmed bench, or a selfie with the iconic Freddie Mercury statue, a nod to the Queen frontman who fell in love with this very place. Pure charm, lake breeze, and a dash of music history, it doesn’t get more Montreux than this

Wander through the old town

Tucked into the hills above the lake, Montreux’s Old Town feels like a secret you just have to discover. Its cobblestone streets, rustic façades, and cozy cafés invite you to slow down and soak up the charm. Get lost in its winding alleys, grab a cup of Swiss hot chocolate, and drink in the panoramic views of Lake Geneva from a whole new angle. It’s like stepping into a postcard you’ll never forget.

Head to the Freddie Mercury statue

The Freddie Mercury statue is one of Montreux’s biggest crowd‑pleasers, and for good reason. The larger‑than‑life tribute captures the Queen frontman in all his glory, fist to the sky and looking out over the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva. But that’s just the start! Pop into the nearby Montreux Casino and you’ll find the Queen Studio Experience, where the band laid down some of their best‑known tracks like Made in Heaven and wrapped up recording on The Show Must Go On. It’s packed with memorabilia, rare footage, and a serious dose of rock ‘n’ roll magic, a must‑visit for music lovers and Freddie fans alike.

Enjoy the annual Montreux Jazz Festival

If your trip to Montreux lands in July, you’re in for a treat, this is when the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival takes over the town. Since 1967, it’s been one of the biggest music celebrations on the planet, filling lakeside stages and concert halls with jazz, blues, rock, and more. The vibe is electric, the sunsets over the lake are unreal, and the line‑ups always draw huge names and hidden gems alike. It’s one of those moments where music, lake, and summer nights collide, making it a must‑do in western Switzerland.

Pause at the Lakeside Montreux Palace

The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace isn’t just a hotel, it’s a piece of living history wrapped in Belle Époque glamour. Even if you’re not checking in, it’s worth stopping by for a drink on its lakeside terrace or a classy dinner with dreamy lake and Alpine views. This place has welcomed everyone from royals and writers to rock stars, and it still feels like a scene from a movie. Pure Montreux magic, and the kind of spot that makes you feel a tiny bit like a celebrity, too!

Best things to do around Montreux Switzerland

A toast to pure Alpine flavors

Just a short drive from Montreux, 5 miles, Passionnément Vin is a wine lover’s dream come true. Picture yourself strolling through sun‑drenched vineyards with the mountains peeking in the background, a crisp glass of Chasselas in hand, and a smile on your face. Here, tasting is less about labels and more about moments, a chance to slow down, soak up the view, and toast to life in one of Switzerland’s best‑kept wine secrets.

Unwind with vinotherapy in the heart of Lavaux

4 miles (a 10–15 minute drive) from Montreux lies La Vigne Swiss Wine Therapy at Domaine Bovy in Chexbres. Imagine yourself soaking in a warm vineyard bath, glass of Chasselas in hand, with terraced wine slopes all around, magic, right? This isn’t just a tasting; it’s a full sensory escape where grape-based spa rituals meet unforgettable views. Scrubs, facials, massages, and yes, wine included, come together to turn your afternoon into a blissful wellness retreat.

Gruyères: A storybook village of cheese & castles

About an hour and 15 minutes from Montreux by train or by renting a car, Gruyères feels like stepping into a storybook. This picture‑perfect medieval village is famous for its creamy Gruyère cheese and its close‑by neighbor, Maison Cailler, where chocolate dreams come to life. But it’s not just about tasting your way through the area, here you can wander cobblestone streets, explore a castle that’s been standing tall since the 13th century, and soak up the charm of a place framed by Switzerland’s Pre‑Alps.

Vevey: Lakeside charm & cultural delights

Just a 5‑minute train ride from Montreux, Vevey shines like a jewel along the shore of Lake Geneva. This charming town is where Nestlé was born, and it was also the final home of the legendary Charlie Chaplin, a fact celebrated by the fascinating Chaplin’s World museum. Vevey’s lakefront is a delight, lined with colorful flowerbeds, bustling cafés, and boutiques, while its weekly market and nearby vineyards add a delicious local flair. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the giant fork rising from the lake, one of Vevey’s quirkiest landmarks! It’s the perfect spot for a short, fun, and very memorable day trip from Montreux.

See why Vevey is Switzerland’s best‑kept secret, and find out all the things to do in Vevey Switzerland!

Nyon: Lakeside charm and timeless history

Nestled between Geneva and Lausanne, Nyon is a beautiful lakeside town where Roman ruins, cozy cafés, and dreamy lake views create a perfect escape. Just a 30‑minute train ride from Montreux, this historic gem shines with character. Climb up to Nyon Castle for sweeping panoramas over Lake Geneva, wander cobblestone streets, or soak up the atmosphere by the marina. From ancient columns to bustling markets, Nyon delivers a laid‑back vibe you’ll want to linger in.

Catch the lakeside magic, discover the best things to do in Nyon Switzerland!

Morges: Where flower power meets lakefront charm

Perched along the shore of Lake Geneva, Morges is like Switzerland’s colorful secret garden. Every spring, over 100,000 tulips explode into bloom for the Fête de la Tulipe, and summer swaps them for a wave of dahlias that turn the lakeside into a flower-filled wonderland. Stroll down the Grand‑Rue for a dose of old‑town charm, or pop into the Château de Morges, a quirky fortress packed with tiny toy soldiers, cannons, and even police memorabilia. Finish your day with a lakeside ice cream or a crisp local wine, gazing out at the Alps and Mont‑Blanc. It’s like stepping into a postcard with a lot more flowers.

Bloom, sip, and stroll, discover all the best things to do in Morges Switzerland!

Lausanne: Culture, charm, and stunning views

Lausanne is one of those places that pulls you in with its mix of old-world charm and modern flair. Wander the bustling old town, climb the cathedral tower for a jaw‑dropping panorama, or soak up the lively atmosphere along the Ouchy promenade. From its Olympic Museum to colorful markets and nearby Lavaux vineyards, Lausanne has a way of making every visitor feel like a local in no time.

Get ready to explore, see all the best things to do in Lausanne, Switzerland!

Good to Know before visiting Montreux