A wander along the serene promenade tracing the shores of Lake Geneva provides the best introduction to the town, with scores of shops, cafes, and restaurants to draw you in. Be sure to check out the lakeside Freddie Mercury memorial statue and the stunning medieval Château de Chillon castle. If you can face the steep climb, head up the hill to the Old Town and check out the panoramic views from the church steeple.

A trip to the terraced Lavaux Vineyards is at the top of most visitors' hit lists, so set aside an afternoon to explore Montreux’s most famous sight. Take a stroll through the labyrinth of vines or hop on a train tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site before heading to the wine cellar to sample the region’s beloved Chasselas wine.

Enjoy the crisp mountain air on the cogwheel railway up to the rocky plateau of Rochers-de-Naye at 6,699 feet (2,042 meters), home to the La Rambertia Alpine Garden and the Marmot's Paradise animal zoo, as well as some great hiking paths.