Montreux Jazz Festival 2027: things to do nearby between sets

2 to 17 July 2027 · ExpectedMontreux, Switzerland

At Montreux Jazz Festival the music runs from the afternoon, so mornings and the day after are free. This guide covers the town around the site: boat trips, a real meal, a shower and a day out from Montreux.

Tours in Montreux Hotels for these dates

Know before you go

Many lakeside stages and bars are free; only the big halls need tickets.

Airport to Lakeside, Montreux

Geneva airport (GVA) has direct trains to Montreux in about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Trains from Geneva and Lausanne; the festival is along the lake promenade.

Public transport directions to Lakeside, Montreux

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Vevey and Clarens	Cheaper towns along the same lake shore.
Mid-range	Montreux centre	Walk to the festival stages.
Splurge	Lakefront palace hotels	Belle Époque hotels on the quay.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Hotel Masson
Mid-range: Hotel Eden Palace au Lac
Splurge: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

Links search the nights from 1 July to 18 July. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual festival weekend schedule for 2 to 17 July 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Before the gates open

Friday 2 July

Music runs from the afternoon. Mornings are free: get out on the water or into town.

Easy outingChillon Castle Half day · Family · Indoor
Castle on the water.
FreeFreddie Mercury statue.

A day off-site

Saturday 3 July

Skip the early acts and take a day trip. Be back for the headliners.

Half-dayLavaux vineyard walk and tasting Half day · Food
UNESCO terraces.
EatLakeside festival stalls Street food during the festival

Campers: shower, food and a break

Day passes for pools and spas, and a real meal in town.

Rain or heat backupAlimentarium in Vevey.
EatVevey market Saturday market

Recovery day

Sunday 18 July

Slow outings only.

Easy outingRochers-de-Naye cog railway Half day · Family
Mountain top and marmots.
EatLavaux wine cellars Caveaux tastings

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family · Indoor

Chillon Castle

Castle on the water.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Rochers-de-Naye cog railway

Mountain top and marmots.

See times and prices

Full day · Family · Food

Gruyères cheese and chocolate day

Castle, cheese dairy and Cailler.

See times and prices

Chaplin's World in Vevey.

Evening and day-trip tours

Full day · Low walking

GoldenPass panoramic train

To Gstaad or Interlaken.

See times and prices

Full day · Family · Food

Gruyères cheese and chocolate day

Castle, cheese dairy and Cailler.

See times and prices

After dark

Free stages at the festival.

5 tours worth booking for Montreux Jazz Festival

Tour	Length	Good for
Chillon Castle	Half day	Families, Bad weather
Lavaux vineyard walk and tasting	Half day	Food lovers
GoldenPass panoramic train	Full day	Tired legs
Rochers-de-Naye cog railway	Half day	Families
Gruyères cheese and chocolate day	Full day	Families, Food lovers

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Lakeside festival stalls Street food during the festival
Vevey market Saturday market
Lavaux wine cellars Caveaux tastings

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Family · Indoor

Chillon Castle

Castle on the water.

See times and prices

Chaplin's World.
Alimentarium in Vevey.

Getting around on event days

Trains, boats and buses; the Riviera card is free for hotel guests.

Day trips from Montreux

Lausanne: 20 minutes
Gruyères: 1 hour

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Montreux Jazz Festival.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Montreux Jazz Festival 2027?

The next edition is 2 to 17 July 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Lakeside, Montreux?

Geneva airport (GVA) has direct trains to Montreux in about 1 hour 10 minutes. Trains from Geneva and Lausanne; the festival is along the lake promenade.

Where should I stay for Montreux Jazz Festival?

For most visitors the best base is Montreux centre: Walk to the festival stages.

What else can we do around Montreux Jazz Festival?

Good short outings in Montreux include Chillon Castle, Lavaux vineyard walk and tasting, Rochers-de-Naye cog railway. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Montreux Jazz Festival?

Family-friendly picks: Chillon Castle, Rochers-de-Naye cog railway, Gruyères cheese and chocolate day. Chaplin's World in Vevey.

How far is Lakeside, Montreux from Montreux centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. Trains from Geneva and Lausanne; the festival is along the lake promenade.

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