Montreal is the cool kid of the French world. A world capital of art and history, the city is known for its variety of art, its history, and some of the best (and cheapest!) food in North America.
This article details all the best things to do when visiting — from wandering the historic cobblestone streets to gorging on the iconic food to celebrating culture during the numerous festivals to enjoying the seasonal activities that the city offers.
If you love history, food, or culture, Montreal will blow you away!
Discover Historic Old Montreal
1. Wander the Cobblestone Streets of Old Montreal
Old Montreal is like stepping into the past. The cobbled stone streets and historical buildings make it feel like you’re in a European city. As you explore, you’ll find boutique shops, cozy cafes, and street musicians lining this part of town.
Cost: Free for entry
Transport: Access is simple via metro. Stop at Champs-de-Mars station and walk from there.
Estimated Time Spent:1 hour–2 hours
Tips for Visiting: Plan to do some walking, take a comfortable pair of shoes and a camera.
2. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica is an architectural wonder to behold. The interior is just incredible, with spectacular stained glass, taking you through Montreal’s religious past. The ceiling is sky-high with ornate woodwork.
Cost: Admission is about $10 Canadian per adult.
Transport: Short walk from Place-d’Armes metro station.
Estimated Time Spent:1 hour
Tips for Visiting: Take a light show or guided tour to truly appreciate the basilica’s magnificence and story.
3. Explore the Old Port (Vieux-Port)
The Old Port is a lively waterfront area that lines the St. Lawrence River. It’s a great place to take a walk with the stunning scenery or do something active like bike or zip-lining.
The Montreal Science Centre is a big hit with families as is their terrific IMAX Theatre.
Cost: Free to roam, just pay for the tours.
Transport: Easily reached by metro, bus, or Bixi bike.
Estimated Time Spent:2 to 3 hours
Don’t miss the seasonal events and activities, such as ice skating in the winter or fireworks in the summer.
4. Ride the Montreal Observation Wheel (La Grande Roue)
For dizzying panoramic views of Montreal, take a spin on the Montreal Observation Wheel. It’s the largest observation wheel in the country and provides spectacular vistas of the city and the river.
Cost: Around $25 CAD for adults.
Transport: Within walking distance from Old Port.
Estimated Time Spent: for 30 minutes
Tips for Visiting: Go at sunset, for a breathtaking experience, and bring your camera!
5. Tour the Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to explore the history of Montreal — the city was actually founded on this very site. Built above archaeological remains, the museum offers fascinating insights into the city's origins and early settlement.
Cost:£10ish CAD for grown-ups.
Transport: A short walk from the Place-d’Armes metro.
Estimated Time Spent:2-3 hours.
Tips for Visiting: Kindly suggest you to take a guided tour for more background and be sure to visit the basement with its excavation.
Explore Montreal’s Iconic Attractions
6. Climb or Hike Mount Royal for Sweeping City Vistas and Natural Trails
Don’t leave Montreal without climbing Mount Royal. This hill dominates the center of the city and the views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere are stunning.
It’s an excellent place to escape to for a picnic, quick run, or hike, or just to get some peace and quiet away from the city.
Cost: Free
Transport: You can reach it by bus or walking from Mont-Royal Metro.
Estimated Time Spent:2-3 hours
Tips for Visiting: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water and come in the early morning to beat the crowds and see the sunrise.
7. Relax at Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) in Mount Royal Park
Located within Mount Royal Park, Beaver Lake is a little oasis. The perfect spot to relax, have a picnic, or just soak up the quiet atmosphere. During the winter, it’s converted into an awesome skating rink, making the wintry cold more bearable!
Cost: Free
Transport: Accessible by car or public transit to Mont-Royal Avenue, then a short walk.
Estimated Time Spent:1 or 2 hours
Tips for Visiting: Pack a picnic basket and blanket if the weather is warmer. Go ice skating in the winter. It is quintessentially Canadian.
8. See the Unique Architecture of Habitat 67 by the River
Habitat 67 is a unique housing complex that attracts architecture aficionados and photographers. Its odd cubist design is like nothing you’ve ever seen, and it’s all the better to marvel at this relic from the future-nuts 1960s World Expo when viewed from the river or the city.
Cost: Free
Transport: Best reached by road or bicycle, near Old Port region.
Estimated Time Spent: 30 minutes to an hour
Tips for Visiting: Pack a camera for amazing photos. Evening is best for lighting and crowd levels.
9. Tour the Olympic Stadium and Nearby Montreal Biodome for Nature Exhibits
The Olympic Stadium, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, is one of Montreal’s most famous buildings.
Not too far away is the Montreal Biodome, where there are immersive exhibits recreating a variety of ecosystems.
It’s a cool place to mix the history of sports and the environment.
Cost: The Olympic Stadium, including a tour, is approximately $15 CAD, and the Biodome is around $22 CAD for adults.
Transport: Accessible from the Pie-IX metro station.
Estimated Time Spent:3-4 hours
Tips for Visiting: Book your tickets online to avoid the line. Make sure you also head up the Stadium’s tower for a view (it’s one of the world’s tallest inclined towers).
10. Walk Across Jacques Cartier Bridge
Walking across the Jacques Cartier Bridge really lets you see Montreal from a unique vantage point. It’s even cooler at night when it gets lit up in different colors, making for a great view. You get a panoramic of the skyline and St. Lawrence River.
Cost: Free
Transport: Easy to reach from the Papineau Metro station with walk.
Estimated Time Spent:1 hr
Tips for Visiting: Check when the bridge is lit up and visit at night for a bright light show. It can be quite windy so dress warmly.
Savor the Local Food Scene
11. Taste Classic Poutine – Fries Topped with Cheese Curds and Gravy
Poutine is the epitome of Canadian comfort food, and Montreal is the best place to enjoy this delicious and filling meal.
You get buckets of fries covered in cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy.
It’s epic. Poutine: it’s not just food, it’s an experience that heats you from the inside out.
Cost: between $8 and $12 CAD depending on where you are.
Transport: Located in almost every diner and fast-food restaurant in the city.
Estimated Time Spent: 30 minutes up to an hour, depending on how slow you eat.
Tips for Visiting: For a big selection of poutines, you go to La Banquise. It never closes.
12. Grab a Smoked Meat Sandwich at the Legendary Schwartz’s Deli
You can’t go to Montreal and not eat at Schwartz’s Deli. The smoked meat sandwich here is famous throughout the city, and it has been since 1928.
The meat is so tender it melts in your mouth, and with mustard on rye, it’s an explosion of flavors!
Cost: Around $10 to $15 CAD (sandwich with a pickle).
Transport: Close to Saint-Laurent metro; you can walk it, just use your nose.
Estimated Time Spent: 30 min to an hour, depending on the line.
Tips for Visiting: There will be long lines, but don’t be discouraged — it’s worth the wait. Take a seat at the counter for the quintessential deli experience.
13. Try a Montreal-Style Bagel from Fairmount or St-Viateur
Montreal-style bagels are celebrated for their distinctive flavor and chewy consistency.
They’re smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York bagels.
After being boiled in honey water, they’re then baked in a wood-burning oven and should be eaten hot out of the oven.
Cost: About $1–2 CAD per bagel.
Transport: Both Fairmount and St-Viateur are located in the Mile End, accessible by bus or a short walk from Laurier metro station.
Estimated Time Spent:15 minutes, ideal for a light snack or breakfast.
Tips for Visiting: I’d highly suggest having it plain and warm to start — the taste will convince you to try more. And since both are open 24 hours, they are great for scratching that late-night itch.
14. Visit Jean-Talon Market
The Jean-Talon Market is a veritable feast for the senses, filled with sounds, smells, and flavors in every direction.
You can wander through the stalls to see and smell all kinds of fresh, local produce, cheeses, and foods being sold.
It’s a great place to taste some of the local foods and grab a truly unique souvenir.
Cost: Explore freely, but take money for delicious temptations.
Transport: Near Jean-Talon metro station, a stone’s throw from the market.
Estimated Time Spent:1 to 2 hours, soaking up the atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting: For the best bargains and smallest crowds, visit earlier in the day and be sure to negotiate your purchases. And eat some local Quebec strawberries during strawberry season!
15. Sip Espresso and Eat Pastries in a Cozy Plateau Mont-Royal Café
Plateau Mont-Royal is the coffee lover’s neighborhood of Montreal.
The cafes here are like snowflakes; no two are the same. Find a comfy spot by the window, sip on an espresso, and munch on a croissant.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your morning or your midday break, you can always stop for a coffee.
And what better place to do so than in a cafe where you can just sit and munch and people-watch?
Cost: Maybe up to $5 to $10 CAD for coffee and a snack.
Transport: Easily metro accessible, near Mont-Royal station.
Estimated Time Spent: 30 minutes to an hour (depending on the number of espresso shots you require).
Tips for Visiting: For a great coffee experience, visit Café Myriade.“Watch for vegan pastries” if you do not want dairy.
16. Dine at a French Bistro or Sample Local Quebecois Cuisine
Montreal is especially known for its well-established culinary scene, heavily influenced by its French and Quebecois roots. Visit a traditional French bistro or hole-in-the-wall diner to try some of the best duck confit and tourtière.
Just like the population, the city’s food scene is varied and eclectic. You won’t go home hungry.
Cost: Costs vary but most full meals are $20- $50 CAD.
Transport: The majority of bistros are centrally located and can be reached by foot or metro.
Estimated Time Spent:1-2 hours, soaking in the atmosphere and the flavors.
Tips for Visiting: Book in advance for the hot spots. Au Pied de Cochon is a must for a Québécois meal you’ll remember forever.
Dive into Arts, Culture & Museums
17. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a hidden treasure, famous for a wide variety of exhibits spanning classical to modern art.
Containing more than 41,000 works, such as paintings, sculptures, and decorative art, you can easily get confused and lost in the displays for an afternoon.
It draws art enthusiasts from everywhere and it’s one of the institutions that best reflects Montreal’s cultural scene.
Cost: Entrance is approximately $24 CAD for adults, though it’s free the first Sunday of the month.
Transport: The museum is situated on Sherbrooke Street; you can travel to it via Guy-Concordia metro station.
Estimated Time Spent: Expect to spend between 2 and 4 hours here.
Tips for Visiting: Don’t miss the museum’s changing exhibitions for more variety, and guided tours are available for more in-depth information.
18. Explore the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal for Modern Art
Visit the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal in the Quartier des Spectacles to explore 20th- and 21st-century art. It features innovative works by regional and international artists, challenging visitors to rethink art's boundaries.
Cost: Tickets cost about $20 USD for an adult.
Transport: Located close to Place-des-Arts metro station. Comments: The question described in this task is somewhat tricky, as the idea behind the original sentence will be interpreted differently depending on the reader.
Estimated Time Spent:1–2 hours, more if you’re really into the exhibits.
Tips for Visiting: If you can, try to make it out for the yearly Nuit Blanche. It features all kinds of cool nighttime exhibits and things to do.
19. Watch a Performance at Place des Arts
Place des Arts– This is like the Montreál’s version of Broadway (but also a place for ballet and classical music).
Cost: Prices change depending on the show, but ticket prices fall between $30-100 CAD.
Transport: The Place-des-Arts metro station is not far away.
Estimated Time Spent: Shows usually run between 2 and 3 hours.
Tips for Visiting: Pre-order tickets for popular shows and take in the pre-performance atmosphere in the café outside.
20. Admire the Murals Along Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Boulevard Saint-Laurent is awash with a kaleidoscope of colors and designs, courtesy of the murals painted during the MURAL Festival.
The festival, which takes place every summer, turns the street into an outdoor museum, displaying works by artists from around the globe, as well as local pieces.
Even if you aren’t a fan of art, and simply want your Instagram photos to pop, you’ll love these striking murals!
Cost: Time to wander. Split!
Transport: Bus or walking distance from Saint-Laurent metro station.
Estimated Time Spent: This trail will take between 1 to 2 hours.
Tips for Visiting: Come in June during the festival to see the artists and don’t forget your camera to take photos of your favorites.
21. Discover Indie Galleries in Mile End and Emerging Art Spaces
For the indie art scene of Montreal, Mile End is where it’s at. In this neighborhood you’ll find a ton of galleries featuring the works of up-and-coming artists.
The products of some very creative people are found here, and you never know when you’ll come across a future genius of the art world.
Kick back and take in the scene as you wander and explore these artistic meccas.
Cost: Mostly free, though some galleries will hold special paid events.
Transport: It’s easily accessible by bus or a short walk from Laurier metro station.
Estimated Time Spent: It takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on how many galleries you see.
Tips for Visiting: Check gallery hours, visit cafés for the Mile End experience.
Enjoy Montreal’s Festivals & Events
22. Laugh Your Heart Out at Just for Laughs Festival (July)
Every July there is acomedy festival in Montréal called “Juste pour rire” (Just for Laughs).
The city literally becomes the world’s funniest city ascomedians and entertainers take over and perform stand-up, sketches, and variety shows all over the city.
Stages pop up all over, and literally the whole city oozes laughter and fun.
Cost: Prices vary. Smaller shows from around $20 CAD; some outside events are free.
Transport: Located centrally, with metro stops at Place-des-Arts and McGill for easy access.
Estimated Time Spent: You could easily spend an entire night or two watching the different shows.
Tips for Visiting: Get the tickets in advance and see the best shows while making sure you don’t miss the amazing free street shows.
23. Soak in the Music (June/July)
The Montreal International Jazz Festivals a real treat for music enthusiasts, with literally hundreds of performances happening throughout the festival.
Jazz greats, up-and-coming musicians – they’re all here.
There are also free outdoor performances which spill out onto the streets, making the entire city vibrate with rhythm and song.
Cost: Prices range from nothing to around $50 CAD (or more) for headliners.
Transport: Getting there by metro is easy: you’ll be at Place-des-Arts station.
Estimated Time Spent: Anywhere from a couple of hours to a whole weekend depending on how many shows you want to watch.
Tips for Visiting: Get a pen and read the lineup, get there early, and try to check out both free and paid shows.
24. Celebrate Winter at Montréal en Lumière
The Montréal en Lumière festival lights up the city and warms up the winter. This is a wonderful combination of light shows, food festivals, and art exhibits.
It’s a fun way to embrace the winter and enjoy some illuminating experiences that brighten up the city and your vacation.
Cost: A lot of fun activities that don’t cost anything, while you can expect to pay anywhere from $15-40 CAD for indoor-based activities.
Transport: Be there by metro; Station Place-des-Arts is at the heart of the action.
Estimated Time Spent: and 2 or 3 hours doing lights & indulgent foods to an entire night if going to shows.
Tips for Visiting: Plan on wrapping up warm. Most things happen outside! And take part in the cool food experiences in the city!
25. Dance at Osheaga Music Festival on Parc Jean-Drapeau
Osheaga, our summer music festival, brings fans from far and wide. Taking place at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, it showcases artists from around the world as well as local indie acts.
Expect lots of fun, amazing shows, and an epic weekend on a musical journey.
Cost: Typically, tickets start at about $100 CAD per day.
Transport: Get there by metro on the Yellow Line going to Jean-Drapeau.
Estimated Time Spent: Take in the whole day, or stay for the whole weekend—either way, it’s non-stop music and festival fun.
Tips for Visiting: Get your tickets early, a bottle of sunscreen is essential for daytime, and be sure to drink plenty of water–you’ll need it to keep up with the party.
26. Join Locals at Tam-Tams, the Free Sunday Drum Circle at Mount Royal
Tam-Tams is a quintessential Montreal event. Every Sunday, people gather at the George-Étienne Cartier Monument to drum, dance, and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
There's also a nearby farmer’s market, making it a perfect spot to relax and connect.
Cost: Free
Transport: Easy to get to on the Metro, a short stroll from Mont-Royal station.
Estimated Time Spent: Just spend a couple hours soaking it up and relaxing.
Tips for Visiting: Bring a blanket, some snacks, and your own percussion instrument if you have one and enjoy the party.
Try Unique and Seasonal Activities
27. Bike or Kayak Along the Lachine Canal on a Sunny Day
Biking or kayaking on the 14.5 km Lachine Canal is a top outdoor activity in Montreal. Enjoy a relaxing summer day in nature by renting a kayak or biking along the canal.
Cost: Bike rentals are around $20 CAD and kayaks can be rented for around $15 CAD per hour.
Transport: The metro is the easiest way to get there, exit at Lionel-Groulx and follow the canal.
Estimated Time Spent: Depending on your activity and pace, about 1–2 hours.
Tips for Visiting: Sunscreen and water. For fewer crowds, go midweek when it’s less busy with Panama City residents hanging out along the canal.
28. Skate on the Old Port Ice Rink in Winter
During winter, there’s an ice-skating rink where the Old Port is. If you’re here in the snowy season, be sure to check it out, as it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon.
The scene — with the well-preserved buildings, the lights, the ice — makes you feel as if you’re in a movie. It’s cold…so you might as well ice-skate!
Cost: The cost is $6 CAD to get in, plus another $10 CAD for rentals.
Transport: Accessible by metro; exit at Champ-de-Mars.
Estimated Time Spent: 1-2 hours, depending on how much you skate.
Tips for Visiting: Don a warm layer of clothing and perhaps go at night, when they light up the rink. Some nearby vendors actually vend hot cocoa so you can warm up from the inside afterwards.
29.Visit Montreal Botanical Garden
If you love nature, you’ll want to visit the Montreal Botanical Gardens, especially in the spring and fall when everything is in bloom.
With 30 themed gardens and 10 greenhouses, the gardens showcase some of the most spectacular plant collections in the world.
Peep them during spring and fall when they are bursting with color for the best experience and to ensure an unforgettable trip.
Cost: Admission: Adults $21 CAD.
Transport: Accessible from the metro station. You will need to change at Pie-IX station.
Estimated Time Spent: Allow 2-3 hours at an easy pace.
Tips for Visiting: Be on the lookout for special events, such as the “Gardens of Light” in the fall or flower shows in the spring. Be sure to pack a camera to capture all the colorful scenes.
30. Explore the Underground City—Especially Useful During Winter
The Underground City is a vast network of pedestrian walkways linking office buildings, shopping malls, and subway stations throughout downtown Montreal.
It’s super handy in the winter when you don’t want to go outside! Wander through to find stores, eateries, and a warm, enclosed space.
Cost: Free to read.
Transport: Or you can take it via different subway stops, including Berri-UQAM, McGill, and Bonaventure.
Estimated Time Spent: For 1-2 hours, though longer if you want to wander.
Tips for Visiting: Use Underground City maps that can be found on the internet to navigate your way around. You’ll get lost without it, especially if you are a “newbie.”
31. Take a River Cruise on the St. Lawrence River
Taking a boat tour of the St. Lawrence River offers a great view of Montreal’s stunning skyline and the nearby islands.
It’s a peaceful break from the city and you can actually check out some of the popular attractions from the river too! Whether you just do an afternoon tour or an evening one at dusk, you won’t be disappointed.
Cost: You’re looking at a starting price of about $30 CAD for a daytime cruise. Dinner cruises are more expensive.
Transport: Destination is the Old Port; take the metro to Champ-de-Mars.
Estimated Time Spent: Most cruises take 1–3 hours.
Tips for Visiting: It is recommended to book in advance, particularly in high season.
Be sure to dress in layers as it may get cold on the water.
I strongly recommend taking a cruise with narration to learn about the history and monuments.
FAQ
1. Is Montreal safe for tourists?
Montreal is safe for tourists. As with all major cities, use common sense, especially after dark or in quiet areas.
2. Can you get by with only English in Montreal?
Yes, Montreal is a bilingual city. Although French is the language spoken, many people have at least a basic understanding of English.
3. What’s the culture like in Montreal?
Montreal is culturally diverse, with the best of both Europe and North America, vibrant art scenes, and numerous festivals.
4. What’s the nightlife like in Montreal?
The nightlife is quite lively, and you’ll find bars, clubs, and live music for every taste.
5. Are there any family-friendly activities in Montreal?
True, the Old Port is home to attractions such as the Science Centre and the Montreal Observation Wheel.
6. How expensive is Montreal compared to other cities?
Montreal is pretty affordable, especially by North American standards, although costs can fluctuate seasonally and by neighborhood.
Conclusion
Exploring Montreal is like being in Europe without leaving North America. The street scene is reminiscent of other cities on the continent, the festivals are crazy, the food is amazing, and there’s always something to do, see, or explore.
Whether you’re wandering the cobble stone hills of Old Montreal, eating out until the early hours of the morning, or joining in on a festival, you’re never going to have a dull moment.
Montreal is a city that wants you to dig into its storied past, connect with the present, and make your own future history.
So grab your bags and prepare for a trip where the unexpected is part of the fun. Montreal is waiting for you with arms wide open!