Montreux is my hometown and I share here my ultimate itinerary if you only have one day in Montreux (+ some stuff to do if you do have more than one day!).
Montreux is a famous city in Western Switzerland, situated along the shores of the Lake Geneva. The two most famous events are The Montreux Jazz Festival and The Xmas Market. Definitely something you need to experience once in your lifetime! But Montreux attract people year round and is a beautiful and charming city to visit at anytime!
Feel free to adjust the itinerary to your wants and needs!
This itinerary can all be done without a car! It requires some walking but you could take the bus if you feel like it!
Okay let's get started!
With breakfast! If it is not included where you are staying at, I would recommend going to a "boulangerie". If you are staying near the shores, these are good choices:
If you want to have an amazing brunch and splurge a bit, this is the perfect spot for you. There is a huge variety of excellent food and even a chocolate fountain. There is also live music and the vibes are just amazing! $$$
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Now, time to explore!
Direction the shores or "les quais" in french. Once you reached the water, I would start by walking to your right (direction Vevey/Geneva).
I usually walk up to the Stravinski and then make my way back. You will find some art work on your way.
The Promenade is a beautiful boulevard with palm trees, places to enjoy the view and colorful flowers. During the walk along the boulevard you will pass some of the most popular sights of Montreux. You can fully enjoy a view of the azure lake and the impressive mountain peaks, as well as various art pieces!
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You can either walk back on the "quais" or on the street inside (which has some shops).
Walk until you reach the famous Freddie Mercury statue.
As well as living in Montreux, Freddie Mercury also recorded six albums there with Queen, including “Made in Heaven”. In memory of his presence, Freddie Mercury’s bronze statue has stood on the lakeside promenade since 1996. One special touch is that his fans are constantly laying flowers there.
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After taking some pictures, you can continue walking on the shores until you reach the Casino. Inside, there is a free Queen museum that is worth visiting!
The exhibition-museum "Queen: The Studio Experience" opened its doors in 2013 in Montreux following the closure of the famous Mountain Studios.
This recording studio was formerly owned by Queen from 1979 to 1993. The site has since been transformed into a permanent exhibition in honour of the British group.
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After the museum, your next stop in the famous Chillon Castle. You quickest way is to take the bus, but I would much rather suggest to walk along the shores!
Note: If you are getting hungry, grab a sandwich at Moutarlier before you go (that is usually what locals do). There are many spots until you reach the Castle where you can eat peacefully with a view.
My all-time favorite pastry shop in Montreux. You can find delicious pastries, amazing desserts, and even really good unique sandwiches if you are there for lunch! You really can't miss on that one!
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On your way to the Castle, don't miss on these two great photo spots:
Mostly used during the summer, this is a very popular spot along locals. Many come here to take a dip, grill, or paddle around the castle! Definitely a hidden gem.
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Once you arrive at the Castle, you can either visit it or just walk around! The visit is insightful and fun! There is another museum close to it that focuses on military if you are interested in that! (opened recently and my sister already went twice!)
Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. And definitely worth it!
The former Swiss Army retreat is now an interactive museum with an impressive scenography. The created exploration universe offers an exciting insight into the military world.
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Next step: The funicular of Territet! You can either walk back on the shores or take the bus! get out at the first stop: Collonges (you will have to press the button). It is like a minute or two of ride.
Another good viewpoint to observe Montreux from higher!
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From the Church, continue walking downwards until you reach old town (the Hotel Tralala). Walk into the "Rue du Pont". The old town is super small but there are cute shops and stop by the coffee shop if you are hungry/need to sit down.
A quite famous path/hiking trail where you walk along a river. Feels exotic in a natural and wild setting! You can ether walk the whole path (2 hours) or just walk a bit and come back!
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#2 JAMAN & ROCHERS DE NAYE
Take the train from Montreux to reach Jaman & les Rochers de Naye. There is a good restaurant in Jaman and great view on the top of the mountain. The train ticket can seem a little expensive but most people say it's worth it! In the winter, it is a skiing area and in the summer, people hike or just go enjoy great views.
If you like hiking, you can go from Montreux or Caux up to the Rochers de Naye. It is one of my personal favorite hike, but not made for everyone!
This train is quite famous and it will take you to Gstaad, one of the most famous town of Switzerland ($$$). A panoramic train with scenic views. So worth it for a day trip!
This is one of the most beautiful train rides you will ever take. You can either take the panoramic train or the normal one (the panoramic one is more expensive and more traditional but you will have the same view with the normal train if you are one a budget).
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#4 PATINOIRE DE CAUX
In the winter, this is a natural ice skating area and is only open if the weather permits it. Truly magical!
Mostly known for its restaurant and incredible view over Montreux, this hotel is situated above Montreux. Giving more a vibe of a cozy hut in the mountains, yet still close to Montreux.
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#6 RENT A PEDALO/PADEL OR GO FOR A SWIM
The locals love to get in the water during the summer. you can do so along the Quais, or at the Chateau de Chillon beach for example.
You can also rent a boat/pedalo/padel if you want to!
Rent boats and other stuff and have fun on the lake!
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#6 CGN BATEAU
You can take the boat to go around the lake, and I would strongly recommend it. Definitely a highlight! You can go from Montreux to Vevey, or Montreux to Lausanne, or even Montreux to St-Gingolph.
Here is a good options for you where you can book ahead and have nos stress/skip the line. Discover the scenic beauty of the Swiss Riviera on a paddle steamer boat cruise.
Visit the rest of the Swiss Riviera! Vevey is really fun as well as the UNSECO protected vineyards in Lavaux! There are great "hikes" that brings you through vineyards and through beautiful small towns. Vevey is another great cultural and foodie town!
This is not your one-week relax and chill retreat vacation recommendations at the beach. I am more of a live-my-life-to-its-fullest and make-the-most-of-my-day type of traveler.
Ironically, I love equally to travel solo or with a bunch of friends/family, eat old sandwiches on a backpacking trip or lavish on gastronomic food, a spontaneous adventure where we decide at 9pm where we are sleeping or a day-by-day planned trip. No matter where, how, with whom, and for how long, I choose to prioritize the experience and memories. And with a friendly budget. Sometimes, budget friendly means only booking a room on Airbnb in order to enjoy a nice brunch. Or, going to the grocery store to balance out an expensive scenic train ride. It's all about balance!
At 24 years old, I am nowhere to be a travel expert. But, I lived in 4 different countries already, across two continents, and have a google maps saturated with saved pins. My obsession in finding the best gems, hidden spots, good food, fun cocktails, and unique experiences, has brought me here.
You will find a good mix of shorts spontaneous weekends trips up to longer adventures; road-trip itineraries to nice hotels; Instagram- or TikTok-inspired worthy spots to unknown local gems; photogenic sceneries to more authentic views and smells. And occasionally, great spots to relax on your adventure. Because even if I enjoy walking 20'000 steps a day, I also enjoy a good spa/beach day as well!
