Vevey, Switzerland is a charming town located on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva. It is known for its beautiful scenery, as well as numerous cultural institutions and events. Visitors to Vevey will find many things to do to keep them entertained, such as exploring the town’s museums and hiking in the nearby mountains. If you’re curious about the best things to do in Vevey, Switzerland, this article is here to guide you.
Overview: Vevey, Switzerland
Vevey is one of Switzerland’s most charming lakeside resorts. The scenic walkway in Vevey offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Aside from that, Vevey boasts several notable cultural institutions and events that contribute to its rich heritage such as the Vevey Historical Museum, the Vevey International Award, Vevey International Photography Award, and the Fête des Vignerons.
Visitors can also stop at the Alimentarium, a museum dedicated to food and nutrition, or the Chaplin’s World museum, which celebrates the life and work of the famous actor and filmmaker.
Vevey offers a wide variety of activities. These are only a few examples. If you’d like to explore further, please continue reading below for more information.
Without further ado, here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Vevey, Switzerland.
12 Best Things to Do in Vevey, Switzerland
1. Stroll around Vevey’s Old Town
One of the best things to do in Vevey is to stroll around its historic old town. It is a picturesque area filled with narrow streets, stretching from Grande Place to Roussy Garden (Jardin Roussy). Here, you can see charming buildings, interesting boutiques, fountains and statues, and cafés.
One of the most interesting sights in the Old Town is the Saint-Jean Tower. It is an ancient clock tower named after St. John the Baptist (Saint Jean Baptiste). At its base is a fountain built in the 18th century.
Another interesting historical site in Vevey is St. Martin’s Church, a Protestant Church constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and expanded in the 19th century. The tower, the fountain, and St. Martin’s Church are registered as Swiss cultural properties of national significance.
Hôtel des Trois Couronnes, one of the leading hotels of the world, has hosted royalty, famous musicians, and movie stars throughout the years.
2. Immerse in Charlie Chaplin’s Work at Chaplin’s World
One of the most interesting places to visit in Vevey is Chaplin’s World. It is located in Corsier-sur-Vevey, not far from Vevey itself.
Chaplin’s World offers a unique glimpse into the life and career of Charlie Chaplin, right at the most ideal location – his own manor, open for visitors to explore.
The museum honors Charlie Chaplin’s life and work, showcasing his former residence where he lived until the end of his life. A nearby studio features interactive displays, props, costumes, and recreated movie scenes for an engaging experience, making it particularly appealing to movie enthusiasts and the creatively inclined.
If you would like to learn more about visiting Chaplin’s World, you can check out this article: Chaplin’s World: The Inspiring Charlie Chaplin Museum In Corsier-sur-Vevey.
Picturesque gardens surround these two buildings. It is a well-maintained and serene location close to Vevey that is well worth a visit if you are already in the area. There is also a restaurant should you wish to grab something to eat.
If you love Charlie Chaplin, enjoy movies, or have an interest in cultural history, a visit to Chaplin’s World is a must.
3. Learn More About Food at Alimentarium
Food is a very important topic in Vevey due to Nestlé’s presence, one of the world’s largest food companies. Visiting the Alimentarium, a food museum supported by the Nestlé Foundation, is one of the best things to do in Vevey.
Located right on Lake Geneva’s shores, Alimentarium discusses the cultural, social, and scientific aspects of food. Throughout the exhibit, you will learn more about machines used in the food industry, the human body, how food affects your health, and the human diet.
If you would like to learn more about Alimentarium, you can check out Alimentarium, Vevey: Ultimate Guide to the Food Museum.
A number of important questions are discussed here, such as how food is produced, transported, and consumed. Children will enjoy interactive stations and even those about gaming.
Additionally, Alimentarium offers workshops for groups and a small play area for younger children. Near the entrance, there is a shop selling souvenirs.
4. Admire the Panoramic Views from Mont-Pélerin
With a funicular ride up Mont-Pélerin, you can see Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains in great detail. It’s the best thing to do in Vevey if you love panoramic views and hiking trails.
On the way up to Mont Pélerin, you will get a glimpse of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Mont-Pélerin, you will see Moléson, Rochers de Naye, and Diablerets, among others.
If you would like to learn more about Mont-Pèlerin, you can check out Mont-Pèlerin Switzerland: 7 Best Things to Do.
The Tibetan Center at Mont Pèlerin was established in 1977. Visitors who are interested in Tibetan culture are welcome. A Buddhist and meditation center, Rabten Choeling, provides information on Buddhism.
Mont-Pèlerin also has a Television Tower that stands at 123 meters high. The viewing platform is accessible by elevator. From the upper deck, you can see Western Switzerland, the Savoy Alps, and the Jura Mountains.
5. Walk along Vevey’s Lakeside Promenade
The Lakeside Promenade of Vevey is widely regarded as one of Lake Geneva’s most beautiful. From Place du Marché, the promenade connects Quai Perdonnet with Quai Roussy, providing a scenic lakeside walk for visitors.
As you stroll along Quai Perdonnet, you’ll be treated to a splendid view of La Fourchette de l’Alimentarium, which is a giant metal fork. Near it is a small statue of the beloved Charlie Chaplin, surrounded by a garden of fragrant roses.
This promenade offers a delightful panorama of the nearby mountains and a glimpse of the picturesque French landscape across the lake. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely day by the water, with many people savoring ice cream on sunny days.
On either side of the promenade, you’ll find ferry terminals. This makes it convenient to embark on boat trips from Vevey Marché and Vevey La Tour, adding to the charm and accessibility of this beautiful lakeside location.
6. Tour the Lavaux Vineyards
The Vinorama in Rivaz, near Vevey, offers wine-tasting tours around the Lavaux Vineyards. Wine lovers will enjoy this experience in the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The guided tour will take you to the vineyards, as well as an accompanied tour to the cellar where you can taste 3 crus on the spot.
The Capites Trail (ir Le Chemin des Capites in French) is a gourmet walk in Chardonne, near Vevey. When it is available, you can visit four capites on the first weekend of each month from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (June to October), visit the winegrowers, and taste their products. This trail begins in Chardonne.
7. Cruise Lake Geneva on a Paddle Steamer Boat
Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Geneva, the surrounding mountains, and Chillon Castle on a 2-hour paddle steamer boat cruise. The cruise is a fantastic opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery of the region. From Vevey-Marché, you will sail along Lake Geneva towards the city of Montreux, and see the famous Chillon Castle.
The boat also sails by the towns of Villeneuve, Le Bouveret, and St. Gingolph before heading back to Vevey. On the way, you will enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site Lauvaux Vineyards.
Taking a 2-hour Riviera Cruise from Vevey is a great way to see the sights of Lake Geneva. The tour can be booked easily through GetYourGuide.
Those interested in swimming in this region can go to the Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz, Chardonne, Corseaux, Saint-Saphorin, and Rivas beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can check out the Vevey Nautic Center, Watersports Montreux, Geneva Boats, Wave Club Vevey, and Nautic Loisirs.
Lake Geneva is truly one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Vevey and is definitely worth visiting.
8. Treat Yourself to Chocolates
Taking a trip to Vevey would not be complete without indulging in chocolates. If you are a chocolate lover, one of the best things to do in Vevey is to visit at least one of the two chocolate shops below:
- Läderach – chocolatier suisse – Rue de Théâtre 8, 1800 Vevey
- David, L’Instant Chocolat – Rue du Torrent 19, 1800 Vevey
The Läderach Shop in Vevey is more than just a chocolate shop; it also features well-equipped course rooms where visitors can participate in interactive chocolate-making classes. Additionally, the shop hosts a fascinating chocolate exhibition, providing insights into the production of Swiss chocolate.
In contrast, David L’Instant Chocolat is renowned for its premium and artisanal chocolates, with a commitment to quality and craftsmanship in every chocolate creation.
9. Visit the Weekly Market at Place du Marché
Place du Marché is located in the middle of Vevey, between the promenade and the old town. Weekly markets are held here. Among the items visitors can find are fresh produce, cheese, flowers, and crafts. There are many local delicacies to be found here.
Once every twenty years, this is the location of Fête de la Vignerons, a festival that celebrates the town’s wine-growing heritage. This unique tradition attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
When there are no events, it is used as a combination of a recreation area and a parking lot.
10. Experience Vevey’s Museums
You can choose from so many museums in Vevey, which is one of the best things about visiting there. Besides Alimentarium and Chaplin’s World, here are some other options:
| Museum | Address | Museum Description |
|---|---|---|
| Musée Jenisch | Av. de la Gare 2, 1800 Vevey | It is a museum dedicated to fine arts and prints thanks to the legacy of Fanny Henriette Jenisch |
| Swiss Camera Museum | Grande Place 99, 1800 Vevey | For photography enthusiasts searching for a collection of cameras and photographic equipment, the Vevey Photography Museum is a small, but well-organized museum. |
| Vevey History Museum | Rue du Château 2, 1800 Vevey | In the classical halls of Vevey Castle, the Vevey History Museum brings the region’s history to life |
| Swiss Museum of Games | Rue du Château 11, 1814 La Tour-de-Peilz | The Swiss Museum of Games is a unique museum that preserves and explores the world of parlor games. There are more than 10,000 games present here from all over the world. |
11. Explore Villa “Le Lac” by Le Corbusier
Another UNESCO Heritage Site near Vevey is the Villa “Le Lac”, a residential building designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret between 1923 and 1924. It is located just 20 minutes by foot from Vevey’s Train Station in Corseaux on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The building features a free plan, a roof terrace, and a ribbon window measuring 11 meters in length.
NOTE: As a World Heritage Site, Le Lac has strict rules that visitors must follow. For instance, shoes must not damage the floor, no audio or video recordings are allowed, and visitors may not eat, smoke, or touch anything.
12. Discover Montreux and the Chillon Castle
Montreux is a charming town on the northeastern shores of Lake Geneva around seven kilometers away from Vevey. Besides its spa facilities, Montreux is famous for its mild climate, awesome views, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.
One of the most popular places to visit in Montreux is the Chillon Castle. Well-preserved and enchanting, the Chillon Castle offers a glimpse into the past when it used to be held by the Savoy dynasty. Inside, visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and corridors, including the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Dungeon. Each room has its own, unique purpose and may contain historical artifacts and exhibits, helping to bring the castle’s rich history to life.
If you would like to learn more about Montreux and Chillon Castle, you can check out the following articles below:
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Vevey, Switzerland
The picturesque town of Vevey, Switzerland offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions. Vevey offers something for everyone, from exploring the historic Old Town to sampling the local wines and chocolates.
There are many things to do in Vevey, including strolling along the promenade, touring the vineyards, and cruising on Lake Geneva. Additionally, the town is home to a variety of museums, such as a food museum, a photography museum, and a graphic arts museum.
If you’re looking for an active vacation, there are plenty of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities nearby. In addition, Vevey isn’t complete without a visit to the Charlie Chaplin Museum.
Vevey is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Switzerland. This vacation destination is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable one with its stunning scenery, rich history, and endless activities.
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- Chaplin’s World: The Inspiring Charlie Chaplin Museum In Corsier-sur-Vevey
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.