Looking for the best things to do in Montreal? Montreal is a French-speaking city with European flair, cobblestone Old Montreal, festivals and a legendary food scene. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Montreal
1. Old Montreal
Cobblestones and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Bring a refillable water bottle.
2. Mount Royal
Park and lookout. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
3. Jean-Talon Market
Farm market. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
4. Plateau Mont-Royal
Colourful staircases. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
5. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Large collection. Bring a refillable water bottle.
6. Old Port
Ferris wheel and zipline. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
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7. Underground City
RÉSO pedestrian network. Book tickets online to skip the line.
8. Festivals
Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
9. Food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Montreal; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
10. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience Montreal; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Book tickets online to skip the line.
11. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to experience Montreal; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
12. Nightlife
One of the most popular ways to experience Montreal; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
13. Take a day trip to Quebec City
Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with French charm, the Château Frontenac and a famous winter carnival. Read our Quebec City travel guide. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
14. Take a day trip to Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is a colourful pedestrian ski village in the Laurentians, popular year-round for skiing, lakes and fall colours. Read our Mont-Tremblant travel guide. Bring a refillable water bottle.
15. Take a day trip to Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines Parliament Hill, national museums, the Rideau Canal and a bilingual atmosphere. Read our Ottawa travel guide. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try bagels, smoked meat, poutine and maple treats. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Book tickets online to skip the line.
When to go
The best time to visit is May to October; December for festive markets.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool to mild; maple season in March–April. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm to hot, 25–30°C, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Brilliant fall colours from late September. |
| Winter | December–March | Cold and snowy, -10°C or lower; winter carnivals. |
Where to stay
- Old Montreal: Historic.
- Downtown: Central.
- Plateau: Local.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Montreal travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Learn a few French phrases.
- Winters are cold; summers festival-packed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Montreal
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- A compact umbrella
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
- A portable charger
- A smart outfit for nicer restaurants
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Pack smarter
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Montreal?
For most first-time visitors it is Old Montreal: cobblestones and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
How many days do you need in Montreal?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Montreal?
May to October; December for festive markets.
Is Montreal good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Montreal is popular with foodies, couples and culture lovers.
What should I eat in Montreal?
Try bagels, smoked meat, poutine and maple treats.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Montreal Travel Guide: Old Montreal, Food and Festivals
- Montreal 3-Day Itinerary: Old Montreal, Food and Festivals
- Quebec City Travel Guide: Old Quebec, Winter Carnival and Tips
- Mont-Tremblant Travel Guide: Skiing, Fall Colours and Spas
- Ottawa Travel Guide: Parliament, Museums and the Rideau Canal