What to do in Montreal: A travel guide
As Canada’s second-largest city, Montreal is a vibrant destination with plenty of attractions and activities. With its European charm, bilingual culture and rich history, Montreal has something for everyone. Growing up, I’ve been to Montreal so often that it feels like home. It’s a great place for adventure and a perfect city break.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for fun adventures, Montreal will surely captivate your heart. This post will help you discover things to do in Montreal, from historic sites and museums to culinary delights and vibrant nightlife. Montreal is one of my favourite cities, and I think it will also be yours.
Brief history of Montreal
Montreal is one of those places where you can pinpoint the exact spot of its origins. In 1642, a handful of French settlers arrived at modern-day Place d’Youville. What makes this spot even more significant is that this area has been a gathering place for native peoples for 2,500 years.
The French missionaries initially intended to evangelize the natives by setting up a settlement called Ville-Marie. Despite their best intentions, this venture didn’t work out that well, so the settlers turned to fur trading, which was much more profitable. In 1760, the British took over, introducing a blend of English and French influences that continue to shape the city today.
Plan your perfect Montreal city break
No matter what you’re into, there’s no shortage of things to see in Montreal. From historic streets to iconic landmarks, here are the best places to visit in Montreal.
Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum
As the official spot marking Montreal’s birthplace, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum is a treasure trove for history buffs. This national historic site offers a journey through Montreal’s past, with remnants of the original settlement visible under a glass floor. You can walk on the glass floor above it to get a firsthand look into the past.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can also stroll through the city’s first collector sewer, an engineering marvel from 1838. Upon its completion, the cut stone tunnel was quite the achievement of the day in the New World. Today, it’s quite a spectacular experience.
Stroll through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Old Montréal is a must-see historic site that will transport you back in time with its narrow, cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. While not as old as Quebec City, this place is still a great throwback to its European founders. I always gravitate to this place when I visit.
This area is perfect for a leisurely walk, where you can visit numerous restaurants, bars and shops. Day or night, there is always something to discover. Key Montreal attractions include the Montreal Science Centre, the Clock Tower and the illuminated Ferris wheel along the Saint Lawrence River.
Visit the Notre Dame Basilica
This breathtaking church in the heart of Old Montreal will leave you speechless with its intricate details and colours. Step inside to admire its vaulted ceilings, historic organ, and stunning stained-glass windows. Situated in Place d’Armes, the Notre Dame Basilica is one of the top Montreal attractions for architecture lovers.
This church, modelled after its Parisian namesake, features stunning stained-glass windows and is a testament to Montreal’s rich religious heritage. Adjacent to the basilica is the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, the oldest building in Montreal.
Hike up to Mount Royal Park
Looking for great views of the city skyline? A hike or stroll to Mount Royal’s summit is a must. It’s an easy urban escape that rewards you with stunning photo ops. Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers a perfect spot for outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, or take a leisurely walk to the summit, which provides panoramic views of the city skyline. The park includes Beaver Lake, a strategic viewpoint, and several historic cemeteries.
The slopes of Mount Royal are also home to the picturesque campus of McGill University, its teaching hospitals, and many other educational institutions. On the foothills, you’ll also find Saint Joseph’s Oratory, which is modelled after the Sacre-Coeur church in Paris.
Stop by Montreal’s City Hall
At the top of Place Jacques-Cartier, you can feast your eyes on Montreal’s City Hall. Completed in 1878, it was destroyed by fire in 1922. Reconstructed in subsequent years, the building is as pretty as they come. You can admire its Second Empire architecture inside and out. Admission is free and is worth the stop.
Shop at Marche Bonsecours
Before the current City Hall opened, this was the home of Montreal’s lawmakers. It is a beautiful homage to the Classical Revival style of those days. Today, it is a lovely market filled with designer boutiques, quirky shops and full-on charm. Come for the architecture, stay for the shopping.
Engage with Montreal’s culture and arts
Like any large city with a long and fascinating past, Montreal celebrates the arts and culture. There is something to do for everyone, from museums to galleries to permanent and temporary exhibitions to events, concerts, and celebrations. From the old to the contemporary, the choices here are as eclectic as the city itself. Finding something to do here is easy. Finding time to do it all is a bit more challenging. It simply means you have to visit more often.
Explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada’s most prominent museums. It showcases a vast collection of art, from classical to contemporary pieces. It’s a perfect place for art lovers to spend an afternoon exploring permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Catch a performance at Place des Arts or Quartier des Spectacles
For those interested in performing arts, Place des Arts is a central cultural hub in the heart of the city. It hosts a variety of performances, including shows by the Montréal Symphony Orchestra and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Nearby, Quartier des Spectacles is a lively district known for its festivals, including the world-famous Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Taste local flavours at Jean-Talon Market
For a taste of local culture, visit the Jean-Talon Market. This bustling open-air market is one of the largest in North America. It offers a wide range of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products. It’s an ideal place to experience Montreal’s vibrant food scene.
Discover the World Trade Centre Montreal (WTC)
If you think this does not seem like an exciting spot to explore, you’re wrong. Today, it’s part shopping centre, part hotel and part office. The complex takes up the whole city block and seems even bigger on the inside. A glass canopy connects the 11 historical buildings and creates a beautiful atrium.
There are shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as an Instagram-worthy fountain by the French architect and sculptor Dieudonné-Barthélemy Guibal. The WTC, inaugurated in 1992, is a fantastic model for integrating old architecture with new purposes and historic preservation.
Explore Montreal’s Olympic Past
Montreal was home to Canada’s first Olympic Games in 1976. Although Canada has hosted two other Winter Olympic Games since then, Montreal got the Summer Games. Today, you can visit some of the venues used for the events, including the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Village, the Velodrome and the Botanical Gardens. Whether you love sports, nature, or unique architecture, the Olympic venues are a fascinating part of Montreal attractions.
Experience Montreal’s culinary delights
Food is a great reason to fall in love with Montreal. The city offers many options, from fine dining to international cuisine and local specialties. From iconic eats like poutine to world-famous bagels, here are the must-try local dishes that top the list of things to see in Montreal for food lovers.
Try classic poutine
A trip to Montreal wouldn’t be complete without trying poutine, a delicious dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Although it might sound weird, this combination is like a party in your mouth. It is as Canadian as can be, and Montreal makes an art out of it. The squeaky cheese curds make this dish so good.
You can add many toppings to modify the dish, but I like my poutine simple and with vegetarian gravy. You can get poutine anywhere in Canada, but the best cheese curds come from Quebec. No matter where you taste poutine, you must have it in Montreal. Thank me later.
Grab a fresh Montreal-style bagel
Montreal is also famous for its Montreal-style bagels, which are smaller, denser, and sweeter than their New York counterparts. These bagels are boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in wood-fired ovens, giving them a distinctive flavour.
Bagels came to Montreal with an influx of Jewish immigrants and took the city by storm. There are plenty of bagel shops in the Jewish neighbourhood and throughout the city. St-Viateur and Fairmount are two of the city’s most famous bagel shops.
Indulge in a smoked meat sandwich
If you’re a meat-eater, you can’t come here without sampling the smoked meat. Also, a legacy from those Jewish immigrants, it’s a cross between corned beef and pastrami. Piled high on rye bread with a smear of mustard, this sandwich is a culinary institution.
There are two must-go places for the smoked meat sandwich. Schwartz’s Deli is renowned for serving some of the best smoked meat in the city, but my husband swears by Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse, another long-standing institution in Montreal. You can have one or both—your choice.
Explore outdoor and fun adventures
Montreal isn’t all urban vibes and old buildings. There are plenty of green spaces, outdoor spots and fun activities to enjoy. These are some of the most fun things to see in Montreal year-round.
Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden is a serene escape featuring a variety of themed gardens and greenhouses. Highlights include the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the First Nations Garden. It’s a great way to enjoy nature within the city. The place is huge, so leave enough time to explore.
Spend the day at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Located on Île Sainte-Hélène, Parc Jean-Drapeau has several attractions, including La Ronde amusement park and the Biosphere Environment Museum. This park is a fantastic destination for both relaxation and adventure.
Have fun at Old Port Of Montreal (Vieux-Port De Montréal)
Along the shores of the St Lawrence River lies the Old Port of Montreal. It is a popular destination for cycling, roller-blading, strolling, and numerous water activities like paddle boarding. Try your hand at zip-lining or simply enjoy the great vibe this place offers.
There is over 2 km of river access and attractions like the Montréal Science Centre, the Montreal Clock Tower and an illuminated Ferris wheel. It hosts numerous events and festivals during the summer, making it a lively spot for locals and tourists.
People-watch at Place Jacques-Cartier
Reminiscent of the European town squares, Place Jacques-Cartier is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Lined with restaurants, patios and shops, you can easily people-watch or catch a performance by the many performing street artists and entertainers.
Discover history at Place D’Armes
Once the training grounds for the military, this square dates back to the 17th century. Here you can see history come alive all around you. Here, you’ll find the headquarters of Canada’s first bank (Bank of Montreal). The building dates back to 1847 and is still in operation today.
On the other side of the square is the nation’s first skyscraper built by the New York Life company. It created quite a stir after its inauguration in 1888, as it sported an elevator that went up to the eighth floor—quite the feat at the time.
Discover Montreal’s nightlife
Growing up, Montreal was always about the nightlife. As much as I like this city during the day, it transforms into an even more spectacular place after dark. Montrealers party like it’s their job. There are nightclubs, bars, patios, breweries, live music and everything in between. During the summer, the streets are lit with lights and full of life. It’s no wonder we used to come here so often.
Bar-hop on Rue Saint-Denis
This trendy street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for day and night outings. Rue Saint-Denis is known for its vibrant energy and is a great place to experience Montreal’s nightlife. Walk the streets or sit on one of the patios and enjoy Montreal’s vibrant energy.
Explore Saint Catherine Street (Rue Ste. Catherine) at night
Saint Catherine Street is one of Montreal’s main arteries, and it changes like a chameleon as you go through it. With every visit, I discover a different side of this street. Rue Saint Catherine is ever-changing, from large shopping complexes flanking in on both sides to smaller shops, restaurants, and commercial buildings.
If you have time, go on a discovery walk. It might surprise you. Split into east and west by St-Laurent Boulevard, the street takes on different elements of the neighbourhood it passes. The street is constantly evolving, making each visit a new experience.
Dance the night away on Crescent Street
Famous for its nightlife, Crescent Street is packed with bars, nightclubs, and pubs. This is your party destination. You can dance your night away at one of the clubs, mingle on the many patios along the streets, or people-watch to your heart’s content. I must say, I’ve spent a lot of time here and loved every moment.
Practical tips for visiting Montreal
Planning a trip to Montreal? Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your Montreal city break. From how to get here to where to stay, this quick guide covers the essentials.
How to get to Montreal
Montreal is easy to reach by air, train, or car. Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the city’s main airport, offering direct flights from across Canada, the US and Europe. VIA Rail connects Montreal with Ottawa, Quebec City, and Toronto, making it a great stop on a Canadian itinerary. If you’re driving, major highways like the 401 and 20 link Montreal with other Eastern Canadian cities.
Getting around the city
Montreal has a reliable and affordable public transit system. The STM runs metro lines and buses that cover most of the city. Buy a multi-day pass if you’re staying a while. The downtown area and Old Montreal are very walkable, and BIXI bike rentals are available from spring through fall.
Where to stay in Montreal
Montreal offers accommodation for every budget. Stay in Old Montreal for charm and history, Downtown for shopping and nightlife, or the Plateau for trendy cafés and a local vibe. If you’re visiting for festivals, booking early is a good idea.
What language do they speak in Montreal?
French is the official language, but most locals also speak English—especially in tourist areas. A few basic French phrases go a long way and are always appreciated.
Money and tipping
Montreal uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is standard in restaurants, usually around 15–20%. Don’t forget to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff, too.
Best time to visit
Summer is ideal for festivals and outdoor fun, while fall brings cooler temps and colourful foliage. Winter is cold but magical—perfect for lovers of snow, skating, and holiday markets. Spring can be rainy but less crowded.
Final thoughts on things to do in Montreal
Montreal will always hold a special place in my heart. The more I come here, the more I discover, and the more I want to return. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its culinary delights and exciting nightlife, there’s always something new to discover. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, Montreal’s charm and diversity ensure an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with this incredible city.
