How to give your trip to Montreux everything it deserves

Mountains on the Montreux Riviera — **Zcenerio / Shutterstock**

Montreux isn’t just another picturesque Swiss town—it’s a place where icons have escaped the noise of the world, where rock legends have found their muse, and where old-world glamour still lingers like a perfectly aged wine. If you’re going to do Montreux, do it the way the stars have: with flair, indulgence, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. Here’s how to experience this lakeside paradise as if you belong in a vintage travel poster—or at least on the VIP guest list at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Arriving in Style

Forget arriving in Montreux in any old fashion—this place demands an entrance. The GoldenPass Express from Lucerne is the move if you want to glide through fairytale landscapes in a stylish carriage that oozes classic European elegance. With panoramic windows framing the Alps, the journey itself is as much an experience as the destination.

If you’re flying in, Geneva is your best bet, with a seamless, scenic rail connection straight from the airport. No stress, no delays—just you, a glass of chilled Chasselas in hand, and the anticipation of arriving somewhere that has lured great minds, musicians, and aristocrats for centuries.

For those who prefer a more leisurely entrance, consider a luxury transfer by limousine from Geneva or Lausanne. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about arriving in style, sipping a glass of Swiss sparkling wine as the breathtaking scenery unfolds around you. If you’re feeling adventurous, chartering a private boat to arrive via Lake Geneva offers an unparalleled experience, docking at Montreux’s marina like an old-world Hollywood star.

Checking into Luxury

Hotel in Montreux — The Montreux Palace Hotel has some serious pedigree | **marekusz / Shutterstock**

There’s really only one place to stay if you want to do Montreux properly: the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. This is the kind of place where chandeliers hang grandly over marble floors, where staff greet you with an effortless kind of charm, and where the lake views from your suite’s private balcony feel almost indecently beautiful. The Fairmont doesn’t just offer a room; it offers a sense of belonging in an era when travel was synonymous with grandeur.

For something more intimate but equally opulent, the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey offers a retreat into old-world Swiss sophistication. With a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa that overlooks the lake like something out of a dream sequence, it’s a destination in its own right.

If boutique elegance is more your style, consider the Grand Hôtel du Lac, a stunningly restored 19th-century mansion in Vevey. With impeccable service and an intimate setting, it’s the kind of place where the concept of time slows, and luxury is measured not in extravagance but in quiet perfection.

Morning Rituals

Start the day as the artists and aristocrats have for decades: with an unhurried breakfast by the water. The only acceptable croissants in town are from Zurcher Pâtisserie, where the buttery perfection rivals anything in Paris.

With coffee in hand, stroll the famed Montreux lakeside promenade. This is no ordinary waterfront path; it’s a living gallery of sculpted gardens, palm trees swaying like Riviera postcards, and unexpected artistic flourishes—including the legendary Freddie Mercury statue. Stop, take it in, and appreciate the fact that this is a town where legends came to breathe.

Soak Up History at Château de Chillon

Chateau on a lake — **kavram / Shutterstock**

If there’s one place in Montreux that has a legitimate claim to being one of the most breathtaking historical sites in Switzerland, it’s Château de Chillon. The medieval fortress, perched dramatically on the lake’s edge, is straight out of a gothic romance novel. Lord Byron left his literal mark here, scratching his name into the damp stone walls of the castle’s dungeon. If you want to visit in true style, book a a guided tour and finish with a crisp glass of local wine on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Enjoy a Lunch to Remember

A meal at Le Pont de Brent isn’t just lunch—it’s an experience. With two Michelin stars, Chef Stéphane Décotterd crafts dishes that take Swiss ingredients and elevate them into something ethereal. Every bite is a work of art, and the kind of culinary moment that lingers long after the last sip of wine.

For something a little more casual but still infused with style, Montreux Jazz Café is a must. Situated in the Fairmont, this brasserie channels the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, with a menu that nods to musical greats and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret.

If you crave something more offbeat, try Ze Fork in Vevey, a lakeside bistro that plays with flavors and textures in a way that feels like modern art on a plate. The view alone makes it worth the visit.

The Afternoon: A Symphony of Wine & Water

The Riviera produces some incredible local wines | **Boris-B / Shutterstock**

If you truly want to experience the Montreux Riviera as it was meant to be, it’s time to board a Belle Époque paddle steamer. These vintage boats glide across Lake Geneva with an elegance rarely seen in modern travel. The best way to do it? Settle in with a glass of wine and let the scenery unfold around you—the Lavaux vineyards tumbling towards the water, the mountains rising in majestic indifference.

For a more immersive experience, step off the boat in Vevey or Lutry and take a detour into the Lavaux vineyards. Domaine Bovy and Domaine du Daley offer private tastings with some of the best views in Switzerland, where golden wines are poured with the same ease as stories about the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions. If you’re feeling indulgent, hire a private sommelier to guide you through a curated tasting of rare Swiss vintages.

Evenings in Montreux: The Art of Fine Dining & Timeless Glamour

Montreux at night — **Ioana Catalina E / Shutterstock**

As the day winds down, Montreux takes on a new kind of magic. Make the short trip to Le Deck in Chexbres, where the panoramic vineyard views steal the show, but the gourmet cuisine makes sure you’re paying attention to every bite.

End the night at Funky Claude’s Bar. Named after Claude Nobs, the founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, this spot is where live music meets cocktail perfection. Order something strong, settle into the lively yet intimate atmosphere, and let Montreux cast its spell on you one last time.

The Final Word

Montreux isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a place to sink into, to experience with all the senses. It’s where music, history, luxury, and nature collide in the most effortless way. To visit Montreux in style means stepping into a world where every detail is intentional—where the lakeside air is scented with jasmine, where the rhythm of life is dictated by jazz and lapping waves, and where you leave knowing that you have, if only for a moment, lived like a star.