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Beautiful view of Montreux's waterfront with the Swiss Alps in the background, highlighting Lake Geneva.

Things to Do in Montreux, Switzerland

Photo made by Jean-Paul Wettstein on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan3°10d rain
NOT BUSYFeb4°8d rain
MODERATEMar8°9d rain
MODERATEApr11°10d rain
MODERATEMay15°11d rainBEST
BUSYJun18°12d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul20°13d rain
VERY BUSYAug20°12d rain
BUSYSep17°9d rainBEST
MODERATEOct13°10d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov7°8d rain
NOT BUSYDec4°9d rain

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Montreux, Switzerland

Chateau de Chillon

1. Chateau de Chillon

4.7 (23,707)
CastleTourist AttractionCultural LandmarkHistorical LandmarkHistorical Place

Una visita que te transporta a la Edad Media. Experimenta la belleza del antiguo castillo y los frescos únicos con tus propios ojos.

Quick facts: Inside the castle walls, you will find more than 100 rooms spread across three floors. Every year it attracts approximately 300,000 visitors from around the world.

Highlights: Waiting for your visit is a secret prison that leaves a chilling sense of the past with a view of Lake Geneva. The castle is also known for its medieval frescoes, which are among the best preserved in Europe.

Freddie Mercury Statue

2. Freddie Mercury Statue

4.7 (9,875)
SculptureTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Para los amantes de la música, esta estatua es una historia viva del legendario Freddie Mercury. Disfruta de un lugar tranquilo lleno de inspiración y una hermosa vista al lago.

Quick facts: The statue depicts Freddie Mercury sitting on a bench, perfect for a photo with a view of Lake Geneva. It is located near the Hôtel Montreux Palace, where Freddie spent a lot of time recording albums.

Highlights: Around the statue, flowers grow that remind of Freddie's love for nature and evoke the atmosphere of his creative days in Montreux. Visitors often leave small items or messages on the bench in memory of the singer, creating a unique community and almost family atmosphere.

Montreux Jazz Festival Venue

3. Montreux Jazz Festival Venue

4.4 (451)
Event VenuePoint of InterestEstablishment

Conciertos inolvidables con una atmósfera mágica junto al lago. Disfruta la música que vive entre las olas y las estrellas.

Quick facts: Festivali tërheq çdo vit më shumë se 200,000 vizitorë nga e gjithë bota, të cilët vijnë për muzikantët legjendarë. Skena ndodhet në bregun e Liqenit të Gjenevës, që i jep koncerteve një atmosferë unike.

Highlights: Skena drejtpërdrejt mbi ujin e Liqenit të Gjenevës lejon performanca artistike me reflektime drite në sipërfaqen e ujit, që krijojnë efekte vizuale magjike. Më shumë se 300 artistë performojnë aty çdo vit, përfshirë shumë legjenda të xhazit.

Queen Studio Experience

4. Queen Studio Experience

4.7 (4,483)
MuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Vive el estudio original de una leyenda del rock. Sumérgete en la atmósfera auténtica de una leyenda de la grabación y descubre secretos musicales con tus propios ojos.

Quick facts: The legendary band recorded their biggest hits here in the 1980s. The place captures the authentic atmosphere of the studio with original recording instruments and equipment.

Highlights: Visitors can enter a real recording studio with the original mixing console and immerse themselves in the sounds that Mercury and the band once created here. It is fascinating to see how the music was born in the same place where the band's energy is still felt.

Montreux Old Town

5. Montreux Old Town

4.3 (73)
Historical LandmarkHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment

Pasear por calles que muestran más de 700 años de historia es una experiencia maravillosa. Los turistas vivirán la atmósfera auténtica del pasado y vistas espléndidas al lago.

Quick facts: The old town in Montreux has narrow stone streets and buildings that bear traces of various historical periods, including the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There is an ancient church with one of the largest Baroque organs in the region.

Highlights: Notable is the Powder Tower, built to protect the town, which offers a wide 180-degree view of Lake Geneva. At the annual local markets, visitors can taste traditional Swiss delicacies right on the paved squares.

Where to Stay in Montreux, Switzerland

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Tartes aux Myrtilles

Tartes aux Myrtilles

A traditional blueberry tart from the Alpine region, highlighting the use of wild berries collected from nearby mountains.

Nidelkuchen

Nidelkuchen

This custard pie is a local favorite in Montreux, known for its creamy texture and flaky crust, popular during festive occasions.

Petits Gâteaux de Montreux

Petits Gâteaux de Montreux

These small cakes often include almonds and honey, reflecting the local ingredients of the region and cherished for their delicate taste.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Filets de Perche

Filets de Perche

A famous dish of perch fish caught from Lake Geneva, typically fried and served with lemon and parsley, showcasing Montreux's fresh lake produce.

Papet Vaudois

Papet Vaudois

A hearty dish of leeks and potatoes cooked slowly with sausage, representing the rustic culinary tradition of the Vaud canton where Montreux is located.

Rösti

Rösti

Though popular throughout Switzerland, Rösti has a special place in Montreux cuisine as a crispy potato dish often paired with local cheese and meats.

Traditional Beverages

Vin Chaud

Vin Chaud

A warm spiced wine drink enjoyed especially during the Montreux Christmas Market, perfect for cold weather and festive gatherings.

Fendant Wine

Fendant Wine

A white wine from the Valais region, frequently enjoyed in Montreux for its light and fruity profile that pairs well with fish and cheese dishes.

Rivella

Rivella

A unique Swiss soft drink made from milk whey, popular in Montreux for its refreshing taste and cultural significance as a national beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Montreux, Switzerland

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Most popular day trips

Chillon Castle

4 km 15 min by bus

A historic medieval castle located on Lake Geneva's shore.

Vevey

7 km 20 min by train

Picturesque town known for its lakeside promenade and Charlie Chaplin museum.

Lavaux Vineyards

12 km 25 min by car

UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards with scenic hiking trails.

Gruyeres

75 km 1h 40min by train

Medieval town famous for cheese and Gruyeres Castle.

Lausanne

30 km 30 min by train

Vibrant city housing Olympic Museum and beautiful old town.

Rent a car in Montreux, Switzerland

Comments (9)

S
Signe K.

If you want cheap eats, skip the main square restaurants. Walk a few blocks inland, found some amazing local bistros with better prices.

8
E
Esperanza F.

Tried the local fondue and it did not disappoint, but beware smaller restaurants closed early on weekdays.

8
S
Suman B.

Montreux feels like a peaceful escape but the crowd around the Jazz Festival time was too much for me, would avoid then.

7
T
Travis A.

Catch the train to Rochers-de-Naye early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy stunning panoramic views without the rush.

7
L
Lin Z.

Weather was all over the place, sunny one moment and rain the next. Took 3 days to really see the main sights comfortably.

12

Getting there

Train stations

Montreux Rail Station

Swiss Federal Railways, connections to Lausanne, Geneva, and beyond

From Geneva Airport, take the direct train to Montreux for a scenic and efficient trip.

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Useful information for Montreux, Switzerland

Shopping locationsRue du Marché, Centre Commercial
Nightlife locationsMontreux Jazz Club, Le Baroque
Popular casual restaurantsCafé Très, Le Palais Oriental
Popular fancy restaurantsLe Pont de Brent, Restaurant du Vieux Manoir
Popular coffee shopsCafé des Artisans, Java Café
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Taxi.ch, mytaxi
Taxi price / km$7
Tourists / year2000000
Mobile internet speed100 Mbps
Unemployment percentage3.1 %
Poverty percentage7.9 %
Average income / month$6000
Average cost of living / month$3500
Hotel price / night from$150
Beer price from$7
Coffee price from$4
Street food price from$10
Restaurant meal price from$25
Local currencyCHF
Power plug typesC, J
ReligionsChristianity, Atheism, Islam
Spoken languagesFrench, German, Italian, English
EthnicitiesSwiss, Germans, French, Italians
Political orientationcenter
Population density1200 /km²
Geographical area33.4 km²
Possible natural disastersFlood
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkLakeside Promenade, Montreux Old Town, Chillon Castle
Public transportationsTrain, Bus, Boat
AirlinesSwiss International Air Lines, EasyJet, Edelweiss Air
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies
Architecture typeMedieval, Belle Époque, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year55 l
Average wine consumption per person / year45 l
Tipping cultureTip not obligatory, but appreciated for good service
Coworking / day$40
Airbnb / month$3500
1BR rent / month$2000
Gym / month$90
Daily budget (backpacker)$60
Daily budget (mid-range)$150

Overview for Montreux, Switzerland

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersVery good
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationVery good
HealthcareVery good
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyVery good
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelBad
CleanlinessVery good
Nature accessVery good
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