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20 Best Things to Do in Montreal

By Todd Plummer

Montreal is one of Canada's most exciting cities, but it's also an incredibly historic place. When French explorer Jacques Cartier visited what is now known as Montreal in 1535, he found a thriving community of St. Lawrence Iroquois, whom are now believed to have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years. Flash forward to today, and there are centuries of history weaving their way through each and every neighborhood, and a plethora of museums, tours, and architecture that all speak to that. But Montreal hums a modern tune as well, with music and nightlife, and world-class design and technology community, and some of the best food in the world . From Plateau to Verdun, our editor's picks of what to do in Montreal will have you leaving the city enlightened, full, and probably a little bit tired—all marks of a trip well spent.

Read our full Montreal travel guide here .

Mount Royal Arrow

Mount Royal Park, Montreal's unofficial playground north of downtown, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) and inaugurated in 1876. The park sprawls more than 692 acres and is a favorite destination of Montrealers, who make use of the park year-round, from jogging and enjoying family picnics in summertime, to skiing and tobogganing in winter. Attractions include the Mount Royal Cross (first erected in 1643), Mount Royal Chalet, Beaver Lake, and Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument.

La Grande Roue de Montréal Arrow

Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River just steps from Old Montreal, the largest observation wheel in Canada, brings guests nearly 200 feet into the sky, offering panoramic views over the city, tee river, and Mount Royal. It’s touristy, but it’s worth it for those of us who love seeing cities from above. Bringing you high above Old Montréal, each ride is long enough for you to appreciate the sights and start to understand the city’s topography, but not so long that you’re wishing it would be over. For added thrills, upgrade to the “VIP Package” aboard gondola number 42: It’s the only one on the wheel that has a glass floor and Italian leather seats.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Arrow

The MMFA was founded in 1860 and has since grown into one of the most visited museums in North America; visitors flock from all corners of the globe to view the outstanding permanent collection: some 43,000 works from antiquity to today, much of it on display throughout five pavilions. The enormous institution also hosts seasonal blockbuster exhibitions. Be sure to visit the breathtaking Napoleon collection.

McGill University Arrow

Canada's leading research university occupies a prime piece of picture perfect real estate in central Montreal, nestled between Mount Royal and the skyscrapers of downtown. Whether you're dropping in for a lecture or just passing through on your points elsewhere, spend a little time getting lost amid the buildings here and you'll be rewarded with some serious Hogwarts vibes. Walking up the main entrance from the front gates, you'll be greeted by the inspiring, iconic tableau of the Arts Building cupola framed by Mount Royal; museums and libraries are to your left, and imposing gothic revival classroom buildings to your right. Guided tours are available and depart from the Welcome Center on rue McTavish, just make sure to sign up online as group sizes are limited.

Laura Walsh

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Marché Jean-Talon Arrow

In the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, is an unmissable Montreal experience for food lovers. The space, which is full of small shopkeepers, bustles with activity year-round; you'll find local fruit and vegetable growers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurateurs. It's hugely popular with locals and tourists, and if you're looking for old-world charm, there's nothing better.

OASIS Immersion Arrow

There's a deep history of and passion for design and technology in Montreal, and this immersive exhibit held at the Palais des Congres is the largest of its kind in Canada. The show itself is a stunning display of natural landscapes, videos of artists performing and creating, poetry that floats across the screen, and psychedelic designs that transport the audience; the substance of the show itself appeals to adults and children alike. Because you need to book tickets in advance the exhibit never gets too crowded, so you'll be able to keep your distance from others and experience the magic without feeling cramped. Expect to hear lots of "oohs" and "ahs."

Space for Life Arrow

The Montréal Space for Life, home to the Biodôme, Insectarium, Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and Botanical Garden, is the largest natural sciences museum complex in Canada. This is a great place to explore and embrace the natural world; don't miss the “Gardens of Light” lantern festival and the dazzling “Butterflies Go Free” event, both held annually at the Botanical Garden.

Cafe Olimpico Arrow

Founded in 1970, Café Olimpico is a European-style café that serves a wonderful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, and Italian pastries. The Mile End landmark is a favorite among hipsters and artists, including Montreal-raised singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau Arrow

There are two volumes of conversation allowed at Bota Bota, a floating spa docked in Montreal's Old Port: “quiet” and "silence." Since opening in 2010, it has become an attraction for locals and tourists drawn to its spa treatments and hydrotherapy circuit. You can soak in a mineral-rich hot tub—and perhaps conquer that jet lag—while gazing upon the Downtown core, Mount Royal, and the historic Old Port, all from the river. While admission is typically limited to guests over the age of 18, the spa recently brought back its popular “Pirates Layover,” where children between 12 and 17 can visit on select dates to learn about and experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.

MURAL Festival Arrow

From Mile-End to Griffintown, Montreal is covered with murals. Public art is a huge part of the city’s cultural landscape, and each summer for about ten days, the annual MURAL Festival offers live painting sessions, workshops, and music performances in celebration of the street artists who keep this city (which can be oppressively grey and cold for much of the year) so colorful. Luckily for those of us who can’t make the trip up north during the festival itself, many of the murals are left up year-round. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is now the largest street art corridor in Canada, with works ranging from figurative representations of historic Montrealers to more abstract designs: The MURAL Festival website has a wonderful dynamic map to help you navigate them all.

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill Arrow

Upstairs, located downtown, is home to many Montreal-based acts, such as renowned drummer Jim Doxas, blues queen Dawn Tyler Watson, and jazz legend Ranee Lee. But international musicians often headline at the club too, which was also the first off-site jazz club to be a part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival; it has also been selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the world’s 150 most important jazz clubs, so you know there'll always be something good on.

Pointe-à-Callière - Museum of Archaeology and History Arrow

Pointe-à-Callière, the largest archaeology museum in Canada, is built atop the historic Old Montreal sites where the city was founded in 1642. There is lots of drama here, from the excavated remains of the original settlement to interactive video installations. Pointe-à-Callière also presents three to four temporary exhibitions every year.

Saint Joseph's Oratory Arrow

The majestic Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the world’s great Catholic basilicas, was founded by Saint Brother André, who is credited with thousands of miraculous healings. More than 2 million people visit the pilgrimage site each year (both religious and non-religious), and its dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire and Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome . It's without question one of Montreal's most impressive architectural jewels.

Beyond the Bagel Tour – Museum of Jewish Montreal Arrow

Jewish food historian Kat Romanow knows her bagels, bialys, and rugelachs. Her Beyond the Bagel walking food tour, offered through the Museum of Jewish Montreal, is a highly informative, well-organized romp. The Plateau and Mile End might be known today for their posh hipsters and nightlife hotspots, but this tour pulls back the curtain on the layers of history found in this part of the city. It's a much more fulfilling dive into Montreal cuisine than just grabbing a bagel or smoked meat sandwich on your own. As much of the excursion is outdoors, just note that this one is not generally offered between November and March.

Lachine Canal Arrow

The Lachine Canal flows from the historic buildings of Old Montreal, past the gentrified glass condo buildings of Griffintown, and through the hipster neighborhood of St. Henri before flowing into the industrial areas of Angrignon and Lasalle. Because it cuts through so many residential neighborhoods, you'll get a real glimpse of how Montrealers spend their downtime. On warm summer days, there isn't a better place to go for a jog or walk in the city.

Guidatour's Old Montréal Walking Tour Arrow

Guidatour's professional guides have earned their excellent reputations, and the company's Old Montréal East and Old Montréal West itineraries both stop off at the must-see Notre-Dame Basilica , including an interior visit at no additional charge. Both tours last 90 minutes, and they're best for those looking for a crash course in the history of Montreal. You'll be amazed at how many hidden treasures you stumble upon in such a short time span. As much of Guidatour’s offerings are held outdoors, scheduled tours are generally on hold for the colder months. If you can brave the cold, however, feel free to reach out directly through their website to inquire about setting up a private tour.

Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal Arrow

Since the mid 1960s, the informal, yet institutionalized, phenomenon known as Tam Tams has been one of the city's quirkiest and most beloved traditions, coming to Mont Royal Park every Sunday during the warmer months. At the base of the George-Étienne Cartier Monument obelisk, groups of friends, strangers, and percussionists from all walks of life gather to form communal drum circles, artisans and craftspeople sell their wares and LARPers (that's, Live Action Role Players) have lightsaber fights and medieval jousting matches.

Cité Mémoire Arrow

Cité Mémoire, the largest outdoor video-projection installation in the world, features 25 tableaux composed of images projected on alley walls, trees and the ground throughout Old Montréal accompanied by narration, and music. The work as a whole tells stories of famous and not-so-famous Montrealers; and they put forward themes and values central to the city's identity. You'll learn about Marguerite Bourgeoys, the French founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, as well as sports icons Jackie Robinson (whose season with the Montreal Royals was important in his breaking of baseball's color barrier) and Maurice Richard. There are also tableaux about The Jewish Children’s Transport train (the orphans who survived Nazi concentration camps and were adopted by Montrealers); the burning of the Parliament in Montreal in 1849; Montreal’s fabled Sin City era (set to the rhythm of Montrealer and jazz icon Oscar Peterson’s piano).

La Banquise Arrow

If you go to just one poutine joint in Montréal, make it la Banquise in the Plateau district a 1968 institution that's known far and wide for its classic and comprehensive poutine menu. You'll find something for everybody here, from meat gravy to vegan sauce. Late night, be prepared for long queues of hungry club-goers.

Cabaret Mado Arrow

Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, Cabaret Mado, a cabaret drag bar, is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous. Mado, an icon in Quebec's vibrant gay scene who has performed for more than 30 years, often oversees the nightly festivities herself by hosting live drag shows most nights of the week. It's a pretty intimate space, so there isn't a bad seat in the house. Just be warned: Those seated in the front row are most vulnerable to be corralled into the show (willingly or unwillingly).

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Your Trip to Montreal: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Montreal is one of those multifaceted cities that offers something for everyone. From an incredible food scene and buzzing nightlife, to myriad museums and art galleries to vibrant greenspaces and unique architecture, there’s always something interesting to see and do in the city. Whether you want to shop, bar-hop, or simply explore Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods, it won’t be hard to figure out how to spend your visit. For anyone thinking of planning a trip, read on for tips and information on the best attractions and activities, how to get around, where to stay, and what to eat and drink.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Montreal is typically in the spring (mid-April and May) or during the fall (September to early November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather for sightseeing as it is neither too hot nor too cold. Do keep in mind that winters in Montreal can be very cold.

Language : Montreal has one of the largest French-speaking populations in the world. Nevertheless, visitors to Montreal can get by easily only speaking English. Although it is handy to have a few words in French such as greetings.

Currency: The currency used in Montreal is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Getting Around : Montreal’s metro (subway) system makes for an efficient means of getting around. There are four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. The public transit network consists of 68 metro stops and 220 bus lines  . The city is also very walkable (weather permitting), which makes getting around on foot another good option.

Travel Tip : Passport MTL comes in two-day and three-day versions and gives you access to close to 30 Montréal attractions and unlimited public transportation; it makes for a good way to save money on entrance fees.

Things to Do

Montreal’s world-renowned food scene will be a big draw for those looking to sample some of the city’s best dishes, whether from a tiny bistro tucked down a charming side street, a food truck, gastropub, or fine dining establishment. Anyone interested in spending time outdoors will enjoy the many parks and green spaces that abound in the city as well as the Montreal Botanical Garden. Or head below the streets into the “Underground City” to explore the vast network of pedestrian walkways beneath the city where you’ll find shops, eateries and access to transit.

Go back in time in Old Montreal : A visit to Old Montreal is a must for anyone visiting the city. Even if you don’t have an agenda, just meandering the scenic cobblestone streets is a worthwhile endeavor on its own. You’ll see centuries-old buildings blending seamlessly with trendy bistros and cute cafes and you can easily spend half a day exploring.

Do some shopping along Sainte-Catherine Street : From major department stores to funky boutiques, there is a lot to shop for on Sainte-Catherine Street. From west to east, it stretches 9 miles across the city. Spend an afternoon strolling, visiting shops, people-watching, and making stops at ay of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Explore the Old Port : Montreal’s Old Port features a range of things to see and do, making it a great area to spend an afternoon or even a whole day. During the warmer months, relax under a parasol at Clock Tower Beach, rent a paddleboat, or take a boat cruise along the St. Lawrence. You’ll also find plenty of options for food and drink at the various cafes, bars, and food trucks. Old Port is also where you’ll find the Montreal Science Centre and its IMAX theatre, and in the winter, take advantage of the outdoor skating rink.

Hang out in Parc du Mont-Royal : No matter what time of year you visit Montreal, you’ll find something to do at Parc du Mont-Royal. The park is popular among walkers, joggers, and bikers as well as picnickers in the spring and summer. While in the winter, you can enjoy the skating rink and sledding slope or do some snowshoeing. Also known as “the mountain” to locals, you can hike or bike to the summit for lovely views.

Check out our full length articles on the best things to do in downtown Montreal , the best attractions in Old Montreal , and where to go shopping in Montreal .

Where to Eat and Drink

Montreal’s culinary influences are wide ranging and go well beyond classic French fare. You can find almost anything you might be craving here, such as Middle Eastern, Thai, elevated Quebecois dishes, and nearly everything in between. Despite the exciting diversity, there are a few things to seek out in terms of food while you’re in the city. First up, poutine: that gooey, delicious mess of French fries, gravy and squeaky cheese curds. You can find poutine all over Canada, but you really don’t want to miss out in Montreal. Even if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you should be able to find an option to try. Next up is bagels. But not just any bagels—these are Montreal style. These are boiled in water sweetened with honey, and then cooked in a wood-fired oven for a satisfying chew and golden brown exterior. If you are a meat eater, you will also want to seek out a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, popular throughout the city.

Beer drinkers will also be happy to know that there are close to 30 microbreweries in the city, so finding a local brew won’t be difficult. In addition, make sure to stop by the iconic Jean-Talon Market in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhoods, one of North America’s largest open-air public markets. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce and flowers, to cheese, meats, specialty food items, and much more.

Learn more about the food scene in Montreal with our articles on the best brunch spots in Montreal , Montreal’s best late night food , vegetarian restaurants in Montreal , and Montreal’s best terraces and rooftop patios .

Where to Stay

In Montreal you have your pick of stylish boutique hotels, luxury properties, business-oriented hotels, family-friendly hotels, and more. There are more than 25,000 rooms in the city (with 16,000 located downtown) . Downtown is a good option in terms of where to stay since many of the city’s hotels can be found here, as well as a wide variety of the city’s attractions, museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Another good option is Old Montreal, which has its own fair share of hotels. This gives you easy access to the area’s historic architecture, cobblestone streets, boutiques, and bistros. You’ll also be very close to the Old Port, with its own set of fun attractions and activities.

For more about where to stay in Montreal, take a look at our full length stories on the best boutique hotels in Montreal and the best hotels in Old Montreal .

Getting There

You can get to Montreal in several ways. If you plan on flying, Montreal's Trudeau International Airport is about 20 minutes by car from downtown Montreal. The convenient 747 Express bus operates 24/7 year-round and will get you to one of nine downtown stops in 40 to 60 minutes  .

In terms of driving, Montreal is about a three-hour drive west from the provincial capital, Quebec City, about a six-hour drive east from Toronto, and six hours north of New York City.

If you prefer to arrive by train, VIA Rail makes for a scenic and relaxing ride. Their rail network connects many major cities to Montréal, you can choose from 17 daily departures from Gare Centrale  .

As for the bus, Greyhound Lines serves Montreal from numerous cities in the US and Canada. Buses arrive at Montreal Bus Central Station, which is connected to the Berri-UQAM metro station.

Money Saving Tips

• Spend some time browsing both the Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market for a free and fun way to get a sense of all the great food available in the city. While you may be tempted to buy, browsing doesn’t cost anything.
• You can visit a few of the city’s museums for free on certain days of the month, including the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts where the permanent collection is free on the first Sunday of the month; or the Centre Canadien d'Architecture which is free on Thursdays after 5:30 p.m. and on the first Sunday of each month.
• There is plenty to see and do in Jean-Drapeau park, which offers everything from a beach, gardens and picnic areas, to an aquatic centre, hiking trails, bike paths, and canoe and kayak rentals. You’ll also find public art here, as well as a rock climbing wall.

Find out more with our full length article on the 25 best free and cheap things to do in Montreal.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included

Here's where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Places to Eat

Best nightlife, best shopping, best neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

R.M. Nunes/Getty Images

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator.

Best Things to Do 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

eyedias/Getty Images

La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images

Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

Chris Jongkind/Getty Images

Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.

11 of the best things to do in Montréal

Sep 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are Montréal's unmissable experiences © Awana JF / Shutterstock

A slice European, a pinch cosmopolitan New York and fully its own quirky, unique self, Montréal is Canada ’s artsiest, coolest city, worth spending days and days exploring.

From lining up to eat Montréal-style bagels and smoked meat to climbing “the mountain” to checking out world-class museums, there is so much to do in this captivating city. Just make sure to leave time to wander and soak in the vibe.

Here are 11 things to do to get you started. Note that  Passeport Montréal  let's you choose from a list of five attractions and tours with one pass, while  Musée Montréal’s Carte Excursion  has entry to all the museums can mange in three days.

1. Explore Montreal’s cool neighborhoods

One thing Montréalers love to disagree about is which neighborhood is the best or “coolest.” Decide for yourself by strolling around its many charming areas .

Le Plateau is where you’ll find Montréal’s quintessential residential duplex and triplex architecture with outdoor staircases, as well as atmospheric parks like Carré St-Louis and Parc La Fontaine. Up along the Main (aka Blvd St Laurent) is the Mile End’s mix of trendy restaurants and Jewish institutions and Petite Italie, home to the fabulous food stalls of Marché Jean-Talon and cannoli galore.

Vieux-Port (Old Port) is Montréal’s 400-year-old neighborhood, while Quartier des Spectacles hosts festivals and culture. Downtown along Rue Ste-Catherine is where the big-store shopping happens. East in Montréal lingo – though really northeast on a map – you’ll find Montréal’s Gay Village (also called Le Village) party zone and rough-and-tumble hipster ‘hood Hochelaga. West along Rue Notre-Dame are Griffintown and St-Henri, where there are trendy restaurants and quirky shops such as  Marché Underground , plus paddle boats along the Canal de Lachine . Venture to Verdun to explore an up-and-coming neighbourhood with its own beach . 

Local tip: The areas of Downtown and the Old Port are packed with hotels but head out a bit further to neighborhoods like Le Plateau or St-Henri if you want a more local experience.

2. Wander the Old Port

Yes, Montréal’s Vieux-Port is its most touristy area, with souvenir shops, caricaturists and cheesy attractions aplenty, but it's still a must-visit. Dating back to 1611, the neighborhood has a mix of British and French architectural styles, along with a wide boardwalk and historic shipping structures. Some of the prettiest buildings include the Basilique Notre-Dame (Basilica), Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall) and the former bank that’s now used for the stunning Crew Collective & Café .

Local tip: Time your visit to Notre-Dame to hear live organ music on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 1:30 to 4:20pm, or catch Aura , an immersive light and sound show, on most nights.

3. Join locals at a festival and see a show

Rarely a week goes by in Montréal without a festival taking over city streets and parks. When they do, there’s nothing like seeing everyone’s faces light up in sync with scintillating light shows. Spring and summer festivals include Festival International de Jazz for live jazz and other concerts, many of which are free; Mural for graffiti, live hip-hop and shopping along The Main; Montréal Complètement Cirque for live circus performances in the streets; Just for Laughs , one of the world’s premiere comedy festivals; Formula 1 Grand Prix racing and parties on Crescent St; and heart-pumping music festivals Osheaga in summer and Igloofest in sub-zero temperatures. If you aren’t in Montréal in time for a festival, you can always see a show at a performance venue like L’Opéra de Montréal , Chez Mado and MTelus .

Detour: Visit Québec City for the world’s largest winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec and Baie-St-Paul for Le Festif! a summer music festival with live concerts across town including in the river. 

4. Climb Mont-Royal

Montréal’s so-called “mountain,” and the city’s namesake, is the core of Montréal, and thanks to smart city planners that made sure the park was protected from development in 1876, an urban oasis. Mont-Royal has a wide pedestrian path that zig-zags gently to the top where you’ll find Lac-aux-Castors (Beaver Lake) and Belvédère Kondiaronk, a charming visitor chalet which hosts the city’s best views.

On Sundays at the bottom of the mountain by the Monument to Sir George-Étienne-Cartier (one of the fathers of Canadian Confederation) join dozens of people shaking and swaying to bongo drums and other instruments at Tam Tams, an unofficial weekly party that carries Le Plateau’s hippie days into today.

5. Eat bagels, smoked meat, Portuguese chicken and poutine

This city is justifiably famous for its Montréal-style bagels (fluffy, water-baked bagels covered in sesame seeds), which are lighter and, let’s face it, better than New York’s (don’t @ me), and smoked meat (brisket) sandwiches. Both were brought to Montréal from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants. Try bagels at Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel and line up for smoked meat at Schwartz’s Deli .

Stay hungry though as there’s more eating to be done. Portuguese immigrants gave Montréal another iconic dish in the 1960s and ‘70s: piri-piri chicken. Try some spicy bird at Ma Poulle Mouillée , Romados and the restaurant whose founder is attributed with introducing Portuguese-style chicken to Montréal: Coco Rico.

While not necessarily a Montréal dish (the origin are casse-croûte chip wagons in central Québec) if this city is your only stop in Québec you’ll want to try ooey-gooey poutine (well-ccoked French fries with squeaky cheese curds bathed in thick gravy). La Banquise , Patati Patata and Chez Claudette are the best. 

Local tip: Take a Beyond the Bagel walking tour from the Musée Juif de Montréal to taste the city’s best Jewish noshes and learn about the community’s history.

6. Feel natural diversity

In the city’s east end, Espace Pour la Vie is a group of four (five if you include the Biosphère in Parc Jean-Drapeau) of the city’s best attractions that focus on the natural universe and our place in it. The Biodôme (which is different from the Biosphère) recreates five natural habitats that allow you to see what it’s like in the sub-Antarctic islands (penguins!) and feel the humidity of a tropical rainforest complete with views of parrots. The Insectarium allows you to enter the world of creepy crawlies and butterflies. There’s also the huge and impressive Jardins Botanique (Botanical Gardens), which hosts occasional light shows, and the intriguing Planétarium. 

Detour: For a bigger dose of nature, head north of the city to the Laurentian Mountains, dotted with dozens of lakes and sliced by rivers along with Mont-Tremblant, Eastern Canada’s most popular ski resort.

7. Pick up tasty produce at the market for a park picnic

Québec blossoms with fresh produce every year, from crunchy apples to wild blueberries exploding with flavor and ground cherries (tiny orange fruit), all attractively on display in overflowing baskets at the city’s two main farmer’s markers Marché Atwater and Marché Jean-Talon . Pick out your favorites for a picnic at one of the city’s many wonderful parks to get a taste of local life as a Montrealer. Some of the finest parks are Parc La Fontaine , Carré St-Louis, Laurier, Jarry, Jeanne-Mance, and Maisonneuve.

Local tip: You’re allowed to drink alcohol in Montréal’s public parks, but only if you have ample food (ie a baguette and cheese not just a bag of chips). You also must be seated at a picnic table. If not, you could be fined.

8. Be wowed at a museum or immersive show

Montréal is Canada’s art capital and has some of the country’s best museums. Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts for a multi-floor collection of spectacular art from around the world. The Museé McCord Stewart is a smaller museum focusing on Indigenous art, maps and fashion centered around the city’s many cultures. Go to Pointe-à-Callière to learn about Montréal’s history and venture underground to an archaeology site. Another favorite is Centre PHI , an immersive art extravaganza with virtual reality and other shows that are out of this world ( literally ). For a nouveau twist, check out the Cité Mémoire app, which casts augmented reality visualizations of the city’s history on buildings and foliage.

9. Relive Expo 67

Across the St Lawrence River from the Old Port is a partially artificial set of islands created for the Expo 67 (1967) World’s Fair. Many of the amazing structures that welcomed 50 million visitors (Canada’s population at the time was around 20 million) to Parc Jean-Drapeau over the six months it was on are gone, but you can still see Moshe Safdie’s brutalist architectural feat Habitat 67 and the Biosphère dome. Most weekends in the summer, Parc Jean-Drapeau hosts a mini-electronic music festival Piknic Élektronic and there’s an amusement park, La Ronde , as well as a beach.

Local tip: Ride over one of the bridges to Parc Jean-Drapeau with a Bixi bikeshare. It’s a fun adventure and provides terrific views over downtown and the St Lawrence River.

10. Go out on the town

While Montréal has, for the most part, shaken off its reputation as a Sin City – earned during its rowdy neon-lit days during and following US Prohibition – it’s still a great place to have a good time when the sun goes down. Kick off your evening with a 5 à 7 (happy hour) at one of Montréal’s many rooftop bars and terrasses before tasting natural wine or craft cocktails at a hip bar. Continue your night (Montréal bars don’t have to close until 3am) at the many clubs downtown and in Le Village. Some of the best include Bar George , Else’s , BarBara and Messorem as well as Stereo nightclub.

11. Cheer on the Habs at Centre Bell

There are few sports franchises with as storied a history as hockey’s the Montréal Canadiens – stretching to when the team was an “Original Six” National Hockey League franchise all the way to the team’s improbable appearance in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Catch a Habs game at Centre Bell and feel the raucous atmosphere of the hometown team. Just don’t you dare cheer for arch-rivals Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs.

This article was first published Oct 7, 2021 and updated Sep 19, 2023.

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