It’s a weekend in Montreal and we couldn’t be more revved up for the shopping, tasty treats and unlimited sightseeing! So, where to start? We only have 3 days to see it all!
Montreal may be over 300 years old, but despite her advanced age, she still looks damn good. So if you’re heading to Montreal and wondering what to do, keep reading for the perfect 3 day itinerary!
Day 1: Old Montreal
Welcome to Montreal’s oldest neighborhood. There’s no place better to start your trip than right here where the magic happens! Spanning several blocks of waterfront, Old Montreal is home to historical sites that date back to the 17th century. With its historical landmarks, stunning cobblestoned streets and architectural gems, there are so many things to do and see in this spectacular old quarter!
The Best Brunch in Old Montreal
Start your day off with some delicious, yet Instagrammable brunch in Old Montreal. Nothing screams dreamy Parisian flair than a croque monsieur on cobblestone streets! So, here are 5 spots for an incredible brunch!
→ Rosewood for weekend brunches and bottomless mimosas in a classy, chic venue
→ Restaurant Melisse for a stylish weekend brunch of gourmet seasonal French fare
→ Le Cartet a boutique french bistro serving up lattes and brunch in an incredible lofty space
→ Eggspectation a Montreal classic, you can’t go wrong with breakfast here
→ Brasserie 701 a chic resto-bar with stunning chandeliers, high ceilings and amazing brunch
Step Inside The Incredible Notre Dame Basilica
After brunch, wander over to Place d’Armes Square. This historical public square in the heart of Old Montreal is home to talented buskers and some of Montreal’s most impressive architecture. Here you’ll find the old Bank of Montreal, Art Deco Aldred Building, the New York Life Building and of course the famous Notre-Dame Basilica!
Notre-Dame Basilica, one of Montreal’s acclaimed architectural structures. This 19th-century church is stunning, but its claim to fame is its incredible vibrant interior. Montreal architect Victor Bourgeau designed the basilica’s brilliantly colorful interior in the late 1800s.
Be sure to book tickets in advance if you want to see the phenomenal interior! You can book HERE!
The Best Cafes in Old Montreal
After an eventful morning soaking up Old Montreal we are definitely in need of a serious latte. So if you’re still feeling sleepy these cafes will not disappoint!
→ Tommy Cafe for amazing coffees and ambient vibes in a quaint and historical building
→ Le Petit Dep for an incredibly Instagrammable cafe and of course delicious lattes
→ Micro Espresso Cafe for a brilliant coffee on the go
→ Paquebot Cafe for a cute and trendy loft style cafe to make any hipster’s heart melt
→ Crew Collective Cafe for an americano in an old converted bank, this cafe and coworking space is a must visit, it’s super cool
Stroll Place Jacques-Cartier & Winding Alleyways
No stroll through Old Montreal would be complete without a stop in Place Jacques-Cartier. The stretch of cobblestone leading down from City Hall, is a lively spot steeped in heritage and hosts various events, street performers, artisans and artists. History buffs will also appreciate the Nelson Monument, a standing 35-metre column erected in 1809.
The best thing to do in Old Montreal is to walk, wander and get lost in the beautiful streets that make up this gorgeous old quarter.
Shop Down Saint-Paul Street
The most picturesque street in the city, Saint-Paul is not only the oldest street in Montreal, but also the most romantic. Shops, galleries and restaurants line this narrow street, so be sure to spend some time basking in its beauty.
Relax in Old Port Vieux-Port de Montréal
The Old Port of Montreal or en francais, Vieux-Port, was used back in 1611 by French fur traders as one of Montreal’s major port operations. Be sure to grab a bite, walk along the water, take a ride on the Grande Roue de Montréal, rent bikes and give paddle boating a try!
Where to Eat in Old Montreal
It’s been a magical day exploring the Old Port, but it’s not over yet! Spend the rest of your evening checking out one of these fantastic restaurants! Don’t forget to make reservations in advance as most places tend to fill up quickly!
→ LOV for tasty and responsible vegan cuisine in a gorgeous, trendy space
→ Kyo Bar Japonais this stylish spot serves up a range of Japanese izakaya and sake
→ Barroco a cozy and historic hallmark of Old Montréal serving up a European inspired daily market course
→ Modavie Resto a wine bar with live music and old-timey jazz vibe serving up an eclectic menu with lamb specialties
→ Jardin Nelson a lively spot in Old Port’s historic square serving up casual fare, sangria and home to a heated garden patio with live jazz
Other Optional Activities in Old Montreal
If you find yourself with time on your hands and want to squeeze out the last little bit of the Old Port, here are some other optional activities you can venture to!
→ Checkout an Old Montreal Walking Tour to get your history on
→ Relax under the sun at Clock Tower Beach
→ Fancy a bit of a history lesson? Checkout Pointe-à-Callière Museum
→ Marché Bonsecours is a bustling marketplace that showcases Indigenour and Québec artists, designers and artisans
Day 2: Mile End & Le Plateau
Good morning Day 2! Welcome to quintessential Montreal! Spiral staircases, bagels, artsy murals, the mountain and cafes that will make any hipster let their man-bun down. This is the place to be, this is where Montreal gets its rap and this by far is my favourite spot in the city.
Hip, trendy and artsy what’s not to love about the Plateau?
Brunch in the Mile End & Mont Royal
We need to start your day off with a hearty breakfast (because we’re about to climb the 500 stairs up the mountain). Checkout one of these 5 spots in the Plateau and Mile End for an incredible brunch!
→ L’Avenue one of the best spots in the entire city to grab an incredible brunch
→ St-Viateur Bagel you can’t come to Montreal without trying the infamous bagel, you can’t
→ Chez José Café this little Portuguese cafe is all about good food and good vibes
→ Resto Tsak Tsak offering all-day breakfast, plus burgers and poutine you can’t go wrong
→ Café Melbourne an Australian inspired bistro with incredible grilled sandwiches and gourmet brunch
Climb to the Top of Mont Royal
Right in the middle of the city, Mount Royal, is a magical place bringing Montreal locals together. Whether you’re having a picnic in the park, or enjoying Tam-Tams on a Sunday afternoon it’s a magical place! And yes you absolutely must climb to the top to get those epic views of the island!
Inaugurated in 1876, Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famed for designing Central Park in New York. It is a magnificent urban green space and a symbol of the city’s heritage, history, geography, and inspiration.
It will take you about 1 hour to climb up to the Chalet du Mont-Royal. Make sure you were your walking shoes because it’ll be a quick little 400 steps to the top!
The Best Cafes in the Plateau & Mile End
After a short stint up Mount Royal I’m sure you’ll be in need of a coffee or at least a little pick me up! So, here are some of the best cafes in the Plateau and Mile End!
→ Café Myriade has been serving up some of the finest hand crafted coffee in Montreal
→ Café Névé a cute and cozy coffeehouse with incredible cookies and mouth watering lattes
→ Café Reine Garçon a cafe to make every hipster’s heart melt at first sip
→ La Distributrice Bar à Café if you’re on your merry way try this cute little walk-up cafe
→ Edmond Café Cantine this trendy, retro cafe has a great location right next to the mountain
Wander, Shop & Sip Your Way Through Le Plateau
Get ready to soak up the creative juices that flow through the Plateau’s cafés, bookstores, murals, bars, restaurants and shops. The entire neighbourhood is home to a unique and diverse mix of bustling shopping strips and pretty residential streets. The colourful houses and spiral staircases are a hipster enclave where you’ll find curated vintage shops, delicious eats and insanely good lattes!
The star of the show is definitely Saint-Laurent Boulevard. You just can’t miss it! You’ll find this infamous street between Sherbrooke St. and Saint-Catherine Street! Don’t miss Schwartz’s renowned deli, one of the oldest in Canada serving up drool worthy smoked meat sandwiches and Boutique Eva B for some incredible vintage and thrift shopping.
Some other cute and trendy Plateau streets to check out are:
→ Rue St Denis between De Maisonneuve N. and Boulevard St. Joseph
→ Parc Avenue between Parc Jeanne Mance North through to the Mile End
→ Mont-Royal Avenue between Parc Avenue East and Avenue De Lorimier
→ Rue Laurier between Parc Avenue East and Rue Papineau
Where to Eat in the Plateau
It’s been an epic day exploring these trendy streets, so you must be getting pretty hungry! Check out one of these fantastic restaurants that you’ll be thinking about for years to come! Don’t forget to make reservations in advance as most places tend to fill up quickly!
→ Shwartz you just need to try the true O.G. Montreal smoked meat sandwich here
→ Omnivore incredible kebabs charcoal grilled, vegetarian mezes and fresh juices
→ Au Pied de Cochon Québécois fare starring devine foie gras and incredible pork dishes
→ Maison Publique a rustic, market-fresh dishes in a cozy intimate space
→ La Banquise the all-night diner for Québécois poutine and hefty breakfasts
→ Le Majestique a buzzy seafood spot, oyster house and cocktail lounge
→ L’Gros Luxe a cool spot offering cocktails, creative Canadian fare and the best caesars ever!
The Best Bars in the Plateau
After dinner grab a drink at one of these trendy go-to’s! A night out in the Plateau is a night to remember!
→ Big in Japan Bar a magnificent cocktail bar, maybe even the most beautiful in Montreal
→ Rouge-Gorge sophisticated, yet relaxed with an endless wine list focused on French regions
→ Le Royal fancy cocktails in an elegant, dimly lit speakeasy
→ Apt 200 a homey hot spot, chill vibes, creative cocktails, live music and arcade games
→ La Distillerie No.2 this trendy 1950-vibe has some yummy seasonally inspired cocktails
Day 3: St Catherine’s Street, Quarter des Spectacle, Chinatown, Markets & Spas
Rise and shine! It’s day 3 in Montreal and there is still so much left to see! Before I give you a couple of options as to how to fill your day let’s get some brunch!
Best Brunch in Downtown Montreal
Starting your day off strong will keep you fueled until it’s time to say bon voyage to this magical pocket in Canada! So without further adieu, here are some of the best brunch spots right downtown Montreal.
→ Café Parvis a casual cafe offering up coffees, pizza, pastries and creative light fare
→ Brasserie Milton traditional Quebecois cuisine served up in the classy Delta Hotel
→ CACAO 70 Eatery crepes, waffles and fondue all made with a variety of cocoas
→ Allô! Mon Coco this family-friendly chain venue serves up hefty-sized breaky favourites
→ Or checkout any other of the breakfast options I mentioned earlier in this post!
What Are We Going To Do Today?
Personally, I like a bit of flexibility when it comes to my travels. Maybe there was something we couldn’t slide into our previous couple days. Maybe I want to go back and take a photo somewhere. Today can be whatever you want it to be! Montreal is your oyster.
So here are 5 great things to do on your last day in Montreal!
1. Shop Down St Catherine’s Street
One of the largest stretches of stores in Canada, St Catherine’s Street is the shopping street to be. Full of designer boutiques, trendy shops and iconic stores there’s sure to be something for anyone! And of course St Catherine’s is home to the famous Underground City!
2. Chill Out in the Quartier des Spectacles
This is the city’s major cultural district and let me tell you there is always something going on here! At the heart of this junction is Place des Arts and the Musée d’Art Contemporain. Typically you can find year-round outdoor events and festivals happening here with public art installations and light projections always drawing people in. They are pretty good at updating their Instagram so take a look HERE to see what’s happening!
3. Relax at Bota Bota’s Floating Spa
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau. Well duh, this beautiful old ferry boat is easily one of Canada’s coolest spas. A floating sauna, bathhouse, spa, and restaurant on the Saint Lawrence River is waiting for you in Montreal’s Old Port!
4. Checkout One of Montreal’s Local Markets
After a stroll along the Lachine Canal, stop off at Atwater Market to fill up on all of their fresh and unique products! Loaded with flavours and freshness, Atwater Market puts out an array of local and hard-to-find gourmet products. Gourmet olive oils, buttery croissants, balsamic vinegars, ripe cheeses and farm-picked produce!
Another Montreal classic is Jean Talon Market. Situated in the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market is one of the oldest public markets in Montreal. Local fruits, vegetables and a diversity of small shopkeepers – butchers, bakers, fishmongers, grocers – and its restaurateurs, are sure to wet your whistle and leave you feeling delighted!
5. Fill Up on All Good Things in Chinatown
Who doesn’t love a stroll through Chinatown? Steeped in history, Montreal’s Chinatown is one of the oldest Asian communities in North America! It has grown to reflect a mosaic of Asian ethnicities that make up this incredibly vibrant neighbourhood. In need of some dim sum? Check out Chinatown Maison Kim Fung and Sammi & Soupe Dumpling for your fill of dim sum favorites. And don’t forget to visit Dragon Beard Candy for phenomenal traditional confectionery.
Where to Find Dinner in Downtown Montreal
For your last meal in Montreal why not go all out and dive into incredible cuisine at one of these 5 restaurants!?
→ Candide farm-to-table fine-dining with a great wine list in the cutest little rustic venue
→ Kazu from house-made tofu to shrimp burgers this Japanese inspired nook is impressive
→ Joe Beef a relaxed restaurant and bar serving steaks and seafood in an old-school setting
→ Escondite This dark, artys haunt offers excellent cocktails and inventive Mexican eats
→ Deville Dinerbar burgers, meatloaf and rotisserie are reimagined in this whimsical eatery
Getting Around Montreal
Montreal’s public transit system and pedestrian-friendly streets make it super easy to get around this city!
By Public Transit: Travel worry-free by bus or metro! Montreal’s STM offers tourists passes valid for a one or three-day period, allowing unlimited access to the bus and metro network.
By Bike: Experience Montreal by bike and hop on the city’s 780 kilometres of bike paths. Grab a regular or electric BIXI Bike when you need one and leave it at any of the stations around the city.
By Foot: Montreal is ranked one of the most walkable cities in Canada and that’s because, well, it is! This easily walkable city will allow you to get those steps in on the daily!
By Taxi: We all know and love Uber for the sole purpose of getting around the city safely and comfortably!
Where to Stay in Montreal
Now that we’ve got everything down pat, where are we gonna sleep? Here are my 3 favourite spots for luxury, mid-range and budget in Montreal!
Luxury Stay in Montreal
Montreal’s Four Seasons is beyond gorgeous from the moment you enter. Chic and elegantly modern, the 169 guest rooms including 19 luxury suites blend intelligent design with sumptuous materials. Here you can enjoy a unique Montreal dining experience at MARCUS by award-winning chef, Marcus Samuelsson or discover the only urban spa with Kneipp water experience.
Check Prices For Montreal’s Four Seasons HERE!
Check Prices For Montreal’s Four Seasons HERE!
Mid-Range Stay in Montreal
Hotel Monville has a cute and modern atmosphere. Located only a block away from the convention center, its design is sleek, playful, and offers high-tech touches like self-service kiosks and a robot that runs deliveries! Cool! Rooms are decked out with Nespresso machines, king-size beds, and rainfall showerheads. Their standard rooms are rather small but all you need.
Check Prices For Hotel Monville HERE!
Check Prices For Hotel Monville HERE!
Budget Stay in Montreal
Located just a block from Lucien-Allier metro station, HI-Montréal is a clean and comfortable hostel. Their helpful and friendly staff have a wealth of local information and tips for you and free pancake breakfast and free daily excursions on foot and by bike.
Check Prices For HI-Montreal HERE!
Check Prices For HI-Montreal HERE!
Have anything to add to this list of things to do in Montreal Quebec? Let me know below!
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Oh Canada. My home and mother-land! What an amazing country it is! And it has so much to offer travelers too! With some of the most stunning landscapes, tasty food, incredible wildlife, brilliant breweries and above all, the most wonderful locals, Canada is a great place to come and adventure! Checkout more of my blogposts below!
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If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
