Montreal, Canada: travel guide
Cobbled Old Montreal, bagels and festivals in a French-speaking city
Bilingual cultural capital of Quebec, famed for its Old-World quarter, festivals, bagels and joie de vivre.
About Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking island city on the St Lawrence River, and it wears its two languages and its European leanings with ease. Old Montreal's cobbled lanes, the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port make an easy first day, while Mount Royal Park gives the whole city a green spine and a good viewpoint.
Things to do in Montreal revolve around eating and wandering. Browse the stalls of Jean-Talon Market, try the local bagels, and drift between neighbourhood cafes and festival stages. Saint Joseph's Oratory crowns the hill to the north and rewards the climb.
The city suits food lovers, culture seekers and anyone who enjoys a city break with character. Summer is the liveliest time to visit Montreal, while autumn brings colour to Mount Royal and winter has a snowy charm of its own.
- Country
- Canada
- Currency
- CAD
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
- Nearest airport
- YUL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Montreal
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
historic-district · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic district along the St. Lawrence River with cobblestone streets, 17th–19th-century architecture, Place Jacques-Cartier and boutiques.
Mount Royal Park
urban-park · 4.8 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Large hilltop park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted; Kondiaronk Belvedere offers the classic skyline view.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
basilica · 4.8 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Gothic Revival basilica (1829) famed for its deep-blue vaulted ceiling, intricate woodwork and Casavant organ.
Old Port of Montreal
waterfront · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside promenade along the St. Lawrence with the Montreal Science Centre, La Grande Roue ferris wheel, ziplines and seasonal events.
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
oratory · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Canada's largest church and a major pilgrimage site, with one of the world's largest church domes and panoramic city views.
Jean-Talon Market
public-market · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
One of North America's largest open-air public markets in Little Italy, with Quebec produce, cheese, maple products and food stalls.
Montreal Botanical Garden
botanical-garden · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast botanical garden with themed gardens including the Chinese and Japanese gardens, greenhouses and the autumn Gardens of Light.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
art-museum · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quebec's largest art museum, spanning five pavilions with international and Canadian art, decorative arts and major touring exhibitions.
Plateau Mont-Royal
neighbourhood · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Trendy, walkable neighbourhood known for colourful triplexes with exterior spiral staircases, murals, cafés and Avenue du Mont-Royal.
Place Jacques-Cartier
public-square · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Lively cobblestone public square in Old Montreal lined with terraces, street performers and the Nelson Column.
Olympic Park & Montreal Tower
landmark · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Legacy of the 1976 Olympics; the inclined Montreal Tower is the world's tallest inclined tower, with an observatory over the city.
Underground City (RÉSO)
pedestrian-network · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast network of underground pedestrian tunnels linking metro stations, malls and offices — a refuge in winter.
Things to do
- Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from CAD 35 per person
- St. Lawrence River Jet-Boating Adventure · 1.5 h · from CAD 75 per person
- Mount Royal & Belvedere Hike Hiking · 2.5 h · from CAD 30 per person
- Montreal Food Tour: Plateau & Mile End Food Tour · 3 h · from CAD 90 per person
- Notre-Dame Basilica AURA Experience Show · 0.8 h · from CAD 32 per person
- BIXI Bike Lachine Canal Ride Cycling · 2 h · from CAD 25 per person
- Montreal Botanical Garden & Insectarium Visit Sightseeing · 3 h · from CAD 22 per person
- Montreal Tower Observatory & Olympic Park Sightseeing · 1.5 h · from CAD 25 per person
Day trips and tours
- Montreal City Highlights Full-Day Tour 7 h · from CAD 95
- Quebec City Day Trip from Montreal 11 h · from CAD 135
- Eastern Townships & Wine Country Tour 9 h · from CAD 150
Where to stay in Montreal
- Old Montreal about CAD 300 per night
Historic riverside quarter with cobblestone streets, boutique hotels and top restaurants; very walkable and atmospheric.
- Downtown (Ville-Marie) about CAD 230 per night
Central business and shopping district with the best transit links, the Underground City and major museums.
- Plateau Mont-Royal about CAD 180 per night
Bohemian, residential neighbourhood with cafés, brunch spots, murals and the signature spiral staircases.
- Mile End about CAD 170 per night
Hip district known for bagels, indie shops and a creative arts scene; quieter than the Plateau.
Hotels
- Hotel Le St-James 5-star · CAD 500 to CAD 1,200 per night
- Hotel Nelligan 4-star · CAD 250 to CAD 500 per night
- Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth 4-star · CAD 320 to CAD 700 per night
- Le Petit Hotel 3-star · CAD 170 to CAD 320 per night
- Hotel Bonaventure Montreal 4-star · CAD 180 to CAD 360 per night
- HI Montreal Hostel 2-star · CAD 45 to CAD 140 per night
Where to eat
- Schwartz's Deli Deli, Jewish, Smoked Meat · about CAD 25 per person
- La Banquise Quebecois, Poutine, Comfort Food · about CAD 18 per person
- St-Viateur Bagel Bakery, Bagels · about CAD 8 per person
- Fairmount Bagel Bakery, Bagels · about CAD 8 per person
- Au Pied de Cochon Quebecois, French · about CAD 90 per person
- Olive et Gourmando Cafe, Bakery, Brunch · about CAD 25 per person
- Joe Beef French, Quebecois, Bistro · about CAD 120 per person
- Modavie French, Mediterranean, Bistro · about CAD 60 per person
Getting to Montreal
Airport: Montreal (YUL)
Getting around
- Bus
- Metro
- Ride Hail
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial / overcharging taxis
Trudeau Airport (YUL) & tourist areas
Some drivers take longer routes or quote inflated flat fares instead of using the meter.
How to avoid it: Use the fixed YUL-to-downtown flat rate, insist on the meter, or use a ride-hail app. Note the taxi number.
Street performer / photo tip demands
Place Jacques-Cartier & Old Port
Performers or costumed characters pose for photos then aggressively ask for tips.
How to avoid it: Agree on a price or politely decline before any photo; a couple of dollars is plenty if you choose to tip.
Fake charity / petition clipboard
Downtown & Old Montreal squares
People with clipboards ask you to sign a petition then pressure you for a cash donation, sometimes as a distraction for pickpocketing.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and keep walking; keep valuables secure in crowded squares.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions about Montreal
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Montreal?
- The highest-rated places in our Montreal guide are Mount Royal Park, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal Botanical Garden.
- Where should I stay in Montreal?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Montreal: Old Montreal, Downtown (Ville-Marie), Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End.
- How do I get around Montreal?
- Ways to get around Montreal covered in our guide: City bus, Metro, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Montreal?
- Scams reported to us for Montreal include Unofficial / overcharging taxis; Street performer / photo tip demands; Fake charity / petition clipboard. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Montreal?
- The nearest airport to Montreal has the code YUL.