Montreux, Switzerland: travel guide
A Lake Geneva riviera town of jazz, vineyards and a lakeside castle
Lake Geneva's riviera town — the Montreux Jazz Festival every July since 1967, a statue of Freddie Mercury facing the water on Place du Marché, and the Château de Chillon along a lakeside path running to Vevey.
About Montreux
Montreux is a lakeside town on Lake Geneva's northern shore, sheltered by hills with a mild climate and palm trees along the promenade. It is known as the Swiss riviera.
The Montreux Jazz Festival fills July, and a statue of Freddie Mercury stands on the lakefront. The Château de Chillon is reached along the lakeside path, and the terraced Lavaux vineyards climb the hillsides nearby. Montreux's old town and market add a cosy note.
Montreux suits music fans, couples and gentle walkers. Summer and early autumn are the best time to visit Montreux, and the Christmas market draws winter visitors.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
- Country
- Switzerland
- Currency
- CHF
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich
- Nearest airport
- GVA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Montreux
Chateau de Chillon
Medieval Castle · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · entry CHF 14 (≈ ₹1,550)
Switzerland's most visited monument — a spectacular medieval island castle on Lake Geneva, dating from the 10th century. Lord Byron visited in 1816 and carved his name in the dungeon pillar, inspiring 'The Prisoner of Chillon.' 100+…
Montreux Jazz Festival & Freddie Mercury Statue
Music Venue · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The lakefront Stravinski Auditorium hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival every July since 1967. The lakeside Walk of Fame and the iconic Freddie Mercury bronze statue (1992) are free to visit year-round.
Montreux Freddie Mercury Statue
freddie-mercury · 4.7 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The Freddie Mercury Statue — Montreux's spectacular 1996 bronze statue of the Queen frontman on the lakefront, with the iconic pose holding the microphone, and the famous Mountain Studios heritage.
Montreux Christmas Market
christmas-market · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Montreux Christmas Market (Marché de Noël) — Switzerland's spectacular largest Christmas market (since 1995), with the iconic flying Santa, the famous 160 chalets, and the magical lakefront.
Montreux Lavaux Vineyards
unesco-vineyards · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The Lavaux Vineyards — Montreux's spectacular UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva (since 11th century), with the famous Chasselas wines and the iconic terraces.
Montreux Riviera Promenade
lakeside-promenade · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Montreux Riviera Promenade — the spectacular 10km lakeside promenade with the iconic Belle Époque hotels, the famous flower beds, and the panoramic Lake Geneva views.
Montreux Jazz Festival Heritage
jazz-heritage · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Montreux Jazz Festival heritage tour — Montreux's spectacular annual July festival (since 1967), with the iconic Stravinski Auditorium, the famous Miles Davis-Quincy Jones legends.
Montreux Rochers de Naye
cogwheel-mountain · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The Rochers de Naye — Montreux's spectacular 2,042m mountain peak accessible by the 1892 cogwheel railway, with the iconic panoramic Alps views, and the famous Marmots Paradise park.
Montreux Vevey Day Trip
riviera-town · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Montreux to Vevey — the spectacular Swiss Riviera town with the famous Charlie Chaplin statue, the historic Nestlé heritage, and the Alimentarium food museum.
Montreux Mountain Studios
recording-studio · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Queen The Studio Experience at Mountain Studios — Montreux's spectacular 1975-1996 recording studio where Queen made 7 albums (including A Day at the Races), with the iconic memorabilia.
Montreux Glion Funicular
victorian-funicular · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Montreux-Glion Funicular — Montreux's spectacular 1909 funicular railway climbing to the iconic 700m Glion village, with the panoramic Lake Geneva views, and the Victorian heritage.
Montreux Old Town
old-town · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Montreux Old Town walking tour — exploring the spectacular Vieille Ville with the historic medieval streets, the famous Saint-Vincent church, and the rich Swiss Riviera heritage.
Things to do
- Rochers-de-Naye Mountain Railway Mountain Excursion · 0.9 h · from CHF 46 per person
Day trips and tours
- Rochers-de-Naye & Marmot Paradise from Montreux 5 h · from CHF 46
Where to stay in Montreux
- Montreux Lakefront & Casino about CHF 420 per night
Montreux's prime address — the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is here, with direct lake access, the Jazz Festival Stravinski Auditorium opposite, and the Freddie Mercury statue on the lakeside walk. Jazz Festival…
- Vevey (Budget Riviera Alternative) about CHF 180 per night
The elegant sister town 5km west of Montreux — more affordable, equally beautiful, and home to Nestlé HQ, the Fork sculpture in the lake, and the Alimentarium food museum. 6-minute train to Montreux and Château de…
Hotels
- Fairmont Le Montreux Palace 5-star · CHF 450 to CHF 1,800 per night
- Hotel Masson Montreux 3-star · CHF 150 to CHF 280 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurant du Raisin Vevey Swiss, French, Seafood · about CHF 70 per person
- Palais Oriental Montreux Moroccan, Middle-Eastern · about CHF 80 per person
- La Table du Palace Montreux French, Swiss, Fine-Dining · about CHF 150 per person
Getting to Montreux
Nearest airport: Geneva (GVA), about 65 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Boat
- Transit Pass
- Walking
More in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions about Montreux
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Montreux?
- The highest-rated places in our Montreux guide are Montreux Lavaux Vineyards, Chateau de Chillon, Montreux Riviera Promenade, Montreux Jazz Festival Heritage, Montreux Rochers de Naye.
- Where should I stay in Montreux?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Montreux: Montreux Lakefront & Casino, Vevey (Budget Riviera Alternative).
- How do I get around Montreux?
- Ways to get around Montreux covered in our guide: Boat, Transit pass, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Montreux?
- The nearest airport to Montreux has the code GVA.