Montreal Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Experience

This Montreal Travel Guide will help you uncover the best places to stay, eat, explore, and experience in one of the most lively city in North America.

Quick Facts

Location:

Province of Quebec, Eastern Canada, on the Island of Montreal

Language:

Primarily French-speaking, but bilingual (French & English)

Currency:

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone:

Eastern Standard Time (EST/UTC -5)

What Makes Montreal Unique?

Montreal thrives at the intersection of old-world charm and modern creativity. It’s a city of festivals, where music, laughter, and light fill the streets year-round. Culinary explorers will fall in love with the smoked meat sandwiches of Mile End, the fresh market fare at Jean Talon, and gourmet spins on local classics like foie gras poutine.

As a French-speaking hub, it offers world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, impressive religious landmarks like the Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph’s Oratory, and endless walking tour opportunities through neighborhoods steeped in character.

Which Area in Montreal is Best for Tourists to Stay?

Montreal offers a neighborhood for every kind of traveler—from history lovers to trend seekers. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a budget-friendly solo trip, here’s where to stay.

Old Montreal

Cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Basilica make this the most atmospheric part of the city. Perfect for first-timers and couples looking to soak up Montreal’s old-world vibes.

Downtown

The heart of the city—great for business travelers and museum-goers. Stay near Rue Sherbrooke for quick access to the Museum of Fine Arts, shopping, restaurants, and metro connections. It’s also a short walk to the underground city.

Plateau Mont-Royal

This artsy district is full of colorful townhouses, quirky shops, and French cafés. It’s popular with creatives and locals alike. Expect lively brunch spots, vintage stores, and murals around every corner.

Mile End

A sub-section of the Plateau, Mile End is the epicenter of bagels, smoked meat, indie bookstores, and cool cafés. Ideal for travelers who want to live like locals. It’s where you'll find St-Viateur Bagel and Schwartz’s Deli.

Griffintown & Little Burgundy

These up-and-coming neighborhoods along the Lachine Canal offer modern loft hotels, art galleries, and waterside paths. Close to Atwater Market and perfect for those who want a quieter, stylish base just outside the city core.

Transportation Within the City

Metro & Bus

Montreal’s public transportation system is fast, safe, and bilingual. The Metro has 4 color-coded lines, while STM buses cover every neighborhood. Buy an OPUS card for easy reloading and discounts. A 24-hour pass costs 11 CAD and works on both systems—including the 747 airport shuttle.

BIXI Bike Share

With over 700 stations and 8,000 bikes (including e-bikes), BIXI is a fun, affordable way to explore. You can unlock bikes with the BIXI app or link to your OPUS card for a discount.

Top Things to Do in Montreal

Whether you’re into historic landmarks, immersive art, sweeping views, or world-famous festivals, visiting Montreal guarantees moments that surprise and delight. If you’re planning to visit Montreal, these top experiences should be on your must-do list.

Old Montreal Walking Tour

Wander through cobblestone streets lined with 17th-century architecture, French-inspired cafés, and boutiques. A guided walking tour brings history to life with stories of early settlers, hidden alleyways, and Old Port secrets.

Notre-Dame Basilica & Aura Light Show

One of North America’s most stunning churches, the Notre-Dame Basilica dazzles with its blue ceilings and gold-leaf accents. Stay for Aura, a breathtaking light and music show that transforms the cathedral into a living work of art.

Mount Royal Park & Lookout

Designed by the same architect behind NYC’s Central Park, Parc du Mont Royal offers leafy trails, paddle boats, and panoramic views over downtown. Hike or bike to the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout—it’s worth every step.

St. Joseph’s Oratory

Perched high on the city’s west slope, St. Joseph’s Oratory is Canada’s largest church. With its iconic green dome, peaceful gardens, and serene candlelit interiors, it’s a sacred escape and architectural marvel.

La Grande Roue de Montréal

Canada’s tallest observation wheel gives you sweeping views of the Old Port, city skyline, and the St. Lawrence River. Ride it at sunset or after dark when the city lights sparkle—perfect for families, couples, and photographers.

The Underground City (RESO)

Escape the winter chill (or summer heat) in RESO, Montreal’s 32-km underground network of tunnels, shops, art, and museums. It’s the largest underground complex in the world—and a uniquely Montreal experience.

Parc Jean-Drapeau & the Biosphere

Located on two islands in the St. Lawrence River, this massive green space is home to walking trails, the Formula 1 track, Jean-Doré Beach, and the Biosphere—a geodesic dome turned eco-museum. Ideal for both chill days and outdoor adventures.

Zipline Over the Old Port

Feel the rush as you soar above Montreal’s Old Port on a high-speed urban zipline. It’s a short but thrilling ride with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, cobblestone rooftops, and La Grande Roue de Montréal.

Bota Bota Spa on the Water

Unwind at Bota Bota, a floating Nordic spa set on a docked ferryboat. Overlooking the Old Port, this tranquil retreat offers hot and cold circuits, river views, and a silent deck for total relaxation. It’s especially magical in winter when snow falls around the warm pools.

Take a Food Walking Tour

From Mile End to Old Montreal, food walking tours are the best way to taste the city—literally. Sample smoked meat sandwiches, fresh bagels, maple treats, and of course, poutine topped with gooey cheese curds. Local guides blend food with stories, architecture, and neighborhood gems.

Rent a Paddleboat or Go Ice Skating (Seasonal)

In summer, rent a paddleboat and glide around the Old Port’s small basin. In winter, the same area transforms into a skating rink, complete with lights and music. These seasonal activities offer fun for all ages with a postcard-perfect backdrop.

Montreal doesn’t just show you its culture—it lets you experience it. Whether you're chasing adrenaline, or soaking in a spa, the city finds unique ways to surprise you.

What to Eat & Drink in Montreal?

Montreal is a food lover’s dream. French roots, global flavors, and local obsessions come together in a city where a meal is an experience. Whether you're craving late-night cheese curds or Michelin-level tasting menus, this Montreal Travel Guide has you covered.

Poutine

No trip to Montreal is complete without this iconic Quebecois comfort food: crispy fries smothered in gravy and topped with fresh cheese curds.

Montreal Bagels

Sweeter, denser, and wood-fired to perfection, Montreal bagels are their own thing.

Smoked Meat

Montreal’s answer to pastrami, smoked meat is tender, peppery brisket piled onto rye and served with a pickle.

BeaverTails & Maple Treats

Sink your teeth into a BeaverTail—a warm, flat dough pastry topped with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or Reese’s Pieces. You’ll find them near the Old Port. Don’t forget to try anything with maple syrup—from candy to cocktails.

Shopping & Local Markets

Montreal’s shopping scene is as diverse as the city itself—local, artisanal, stylish, and delicious. Whether you're looking to sample fresh Quebec produce, hunt for boutique fashion, or bring home uniquely Montreal souvenirs, this city delivers at every corner.

Jean-Talon Market

Located in the heart of Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest open-air markets in North America. It’s a feast for the senses—seasonal produce, fresh cheese curds, local maple syrup, handmade pastries, and gourmet products line the stalls.

Atwater Market

Set beside the Lachine Canal in a beautiful Art Deco building, Atwater Market is a favorite for fresh meats, flowers, cheeses, and fine chocolate. It’s quieter than Jean-Talon but just as charming, especially in the summer when outdoor stands overflow with berries, breads, and picnic-ready treats.

Saint-Laurent Boulevard Boutiques

Known locally as “The Main,” Saint-Laurent Boulevard is where Montreal’s street style meets indie creativity. You’ll find vintage shops, Canadian designer brands, local bookstores, and edgy concept stores. It’s the perfect strip for slow strolling between café stops.

Rue Saint-Paul for Souvenirs

Montreal’s oldest street, Rue Saint-Paul, is packed with galleries, gift shops, and curated souvenir stores that go beyond magnets and maple leaves. Look for locally made goods like artisanal soaps, maple butter, and hand-thrown ceramics.

Time Out Market

Located inside Centre Eaton, Time Out Market Montreal brings together some of the city’s best chefs and food stalls under one stylish roof. It’s more than just a food hall—it’s a culinary showcase where you can sample gourmet bites, sip wine, and enjoy live cooking demos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Montreal Safe?

Yes—Montreal is one of the safest cities in North America. Violent crime is rare, especially in areas frequented by tourists like Old Montreal, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Downtown.

How many days in Montreal is enough?

For most travelers, 3 days in Montreal strikes the perfect balance. It gives you time to explore Old Montreal, hike up Mount Royal, indulge in local foods like poutine and smoked meat, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy the city’s vibrant café and festival culture.

What is the main tourist attraction in Montreal?

While Montreal is full of iconic spots, Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal is the city’s most visited and visually stunning attraction. Its deep-blue ceiling, golden stars, and world-class Aura Light Show make it a true showstopper.

Is Montreal a walkable city for tourists?

Yes, Montreal is one of the most walkable cities in North America. Many top attractions—like the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, Rue Saint-Paul, and the Plateau—are best explored on foot.

Wrapping Up

Montreal is in the aroma of fresh bagels at sunrise on Rue Saint-Viateur, the hush of candlelit silence in Notre-Dame Basilica, the laughter spilling from patios on a summer night, and the crunch of snow beneath your boots in the Old Port.

Few cities balance contrasts so gracefully: French and English, old-world charm and modern edge, tradition and rebellion. Every corner offers something unexpected—be it street art splashed across historic brick, or a world-class jazz solo drifting through a back alley.