Montreux in 48 Hours: Must-See Highlights

Scenic and Cultural Delights

Montreux is home to the annual Montreux Jazz Festival and the Chillon Castle. Reservations during the festival need to be made well in advance. Hotels were booked during the time of the festival. As a result, we made this our second stop at the beginning.  A friend said this was a must-see stop. Subsequently, we included one night and a day and a half, which gives plenty of time to explore.

Moreover, this city offers stunning views of Lake Geneva. A stroll along the promenade is not to be missed. From the gorgeous views to the stunning flowers, it is breathtaking. Along the promenade is where you will see the Freddy Mercury statue.

We took the two-hour panoramic scenic train from Geneva to Montreux, included in the Swiss Travel Pass. The views are stunning.

Accommodations

We stayed at the Grand Suisse Majestic. This Marriott Autograph Collection property is directly across from the train station. It is on the shores of Lake Geneva and is of great value. The room was spacious for three. Since it is located in the heart of Montreux, navigating the city is simple. Request a balcony room for the beautiful views alone.   Because we were there the week before the Montreux Jazz Festival, there was a lot of construction around the lake. It prevented us from walking along Montreux’s famous lakeside promenade in some areas.

Places to Visit

• Chillon Castle: Admission is free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Freddie Mercury Statue: Unveiled in 1996, this statue commemorates his influence and connection to Montreux. Queen recorded several albums in the town’s studio.
• The Promenade is lined with flowers, sculptures, and amazing views of the lake and mountains.
• Explore Old Montreux: Walk up the narrow, winding path filled with boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants, and incredible views.

 

     

Where We Ate

Typically, many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, but hotel restaurants stay open. Breakfast at our hotel was the traditional European buffet. Imagine eating your meal while looking out at the most majestic view of Lake Geneva with the mountains in the background.

We wanted to experience our first fondue dinner and found Restaurant Le Museum. This charming and authentic Swiss restaurant is housed in a historic building. The walk up the winding street added to the experience. The restaurant’s several rooms, adorned with antiques, wooden furniture, and Swiss decor, created a rustic and homely feel. We ordered the cheese fondue and meat fondue.

Because of the limited space during the summer, reservations are recommended. Several walk-ins were turned away. Ultimately, Restaurant Le Museum offers a delightful blend of traditional Swiss cuisine, warm hospitality, and a charming atmosphere. It is a must-visit spot in Montreux.

 

Goodbye Montreux

Although we spent less than two days in Montreux, if you’re into music, history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying beautiful landscapes, Montreux has something to offer.

Read about our stays in Geneva, Interlocken, and Zurich. This trip was one of our most amazing  Swiss Mother-Daughter Adventures.