Things to Do in Montreal
50 curated spots from Montreal itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Jean-Talon Market
Browse fruit, veggie, cheese, and prepared-food stalls; try local specialties like Quebec cheeses, maple treats, and seasonal berries.
1h 30m · Free to enter; $5-20 for tastings
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Focus on one or two collections instead of trying to see everything.
2h 30m · $0-25
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Ride at sunset or after dark for city and river views.
1h · $25-40
McCord Stewart Museum
Explore Montreal history and city culture through compact exhibits.
1h 30m · $15-25
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Stunning 19th-century basilica with elaborately decorated interior and impressive stained glass; guided visits are available.
45m · $10-20 per person
Atwater Market
Browse local food vendors, baked goods, and produce stands.
1h 30m · Free to browse
Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Relax on a sandy riverside beach, swim in the designated area, or rent a pedal boat depending on the season.
2h 30m · $10-15
Lachine Canal Bike Ride
Rent BIXI bikes and follow the canal path for industrial views, greenery, and chances to spot birds and urban wildlife along the water.
2h · $5-15 (bike rental)
Biodome
Walk through recreated ecosystems including tropical, Laurentian forest, and St. Lawrence environments.
2h 30m · $20-30
Biodôme de Montréal
Indoor nature experience where you walk through recreated ecosystems from tropical rainforest to subpolar regions with animals.
2h · $20-30 per person (family passes available)
Biosphère Visit
Explore the environment-themed exhibition space and surrounding parkland.
1h 30m · $15-25
Boho Cocktail Bar
A tropical-themed cocktail bar where the decor makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into Miami, with colorful interiors, creative cocktails, and party-forward vibes.[1][6]
2h · $15-25 per person (drinks only)
Botanical Garden
Spend the morning among themed gardens and quiet paths.
2h 30m · $15-25
Casa del Popolo
Check the evening program for an intimate concert, DJ set, or cultural event, and arrive early for comfortable seating.
2h 30m · $15-35
Château Ramezay
17th-century residence with gardens; quiet morning photos.
1h 30m · $15
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Walk or Bike
Walk or rent a bike to lap the Formula 1 circuit, sharing the track with local cyclists and runners and enjoying river and city views.
1h 30m · Free (bike rental extra if chosen)
Cocktail Bar Stop
End with one carefully chosen bar for a low-key nightlife experience.
1h 15m · $12-20 per drink
Contemporary Art Gallery Cluster
Browse a few galleries or exhibition spaces rather than trying to cover the whole city.
1h 30m · Free-25
Crescent Street Evening Walk
Browse the bar-and-restaurant strip, then pick a low-key spot for a drink or live-music stop.
1h 15m · Free
Downtown Shopping Arcades
Browse indoor retail passages and main streets for weatherproof shopping.
2h · Free
Evening in Quartier des Spectacles
Head downtown to the entertainment district for outdoor light installations, pop-up performances, or a show depending on what’s on.
2h 30m · Free–$30 (depending on event)
Free Explore: Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy
Leave two to three hours for cafés, design shops, canal locks, murals, and the changing industrial architecture around Rue Notre-Dame.
2h 30m · Free
Habitat 67 Viewpoint
Iconic brutalist architecture from afar; short walk.
1h · Free
Jarry Park
Walk the park, sit by the water, and enjoy a relaxed urban green space.
1h 30m · Free
Jean-Drapeau Park
Walk, sit by the water, and enjoy a green escape with skyline views.
2h · Free
Lachine Canal
Walk industrial architecture; golden hour reflections.
1h 30m · Free
Lachine Canal Path
Walk or sit by the canal for an easy scenic break and nature immersion.
2h · Free
Lachine Canal Stroll from Saint-Henri / Griffintown
Walk or bike the path along the Lachine Canal, watching boats and enjoying greenery while still in the urban core; pause on benches or small parks for water views.[2][10]
1h 30m · Free (bike rental extra)
Lafontaine Park
Relax on benches, walk the paths, and let the afternoon slow down.
1h 30m · Free
Le Mal Nécessaire
Try tropical cocktails in a lively but approachable downtown-adjacent bar setting.
2h · $20-35Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Banquise
Try a classic poutine or one of the restaurant’s many topping combinations; expect a casual, lively setting.
1h · $15-25 per person
Modavie
Atmospheric bistro with live jazz many evenings, serving French and Québécois-inspired dishes; go for a shared appetizer and a main each, plus a glass of wine if budget allows.
2h · $25-35 per person (without many drinks)
Olive et Gourmando
Start with a coffee and a pastry or a hearty breakfast sandwich in this popular café-bakery.
1h · $15-30 per person
St-Viateur Bagel
Fresh sesame bagels with cream cheese.
45m · $8-15 per person
Café Olimpico
Iconic Italian coffee shop; order cortado and cornetto.
45m · $10-15 per person
Fairmount Bagel
Pair with nearby falafel for light evening.
45m · $10-16 per person
Jardin Nelson
Garden-style courtyard restaurant with hanging plants and frequent live music; order crêpes, salads, or pasta and share a pitcher of sangria.
1h 30m · $22-30 per person
Le Passé Composé
Creative French-Quebec brunch with lush plating; try the brioche French toast or eggs Benedict variations.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Schwartz's Deli
Order a medium-fat smoked-meat sandwich with a pickle and fries or a cherry cola.
1h · $15-30 per person
3 Brasseurs Saint-Paul (Old Montreal)
Casual microbrewery chain with house beers and pub-style comfort food a short metro ride from Parc Jean-Drapeau.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Archway Bar et Brasserie
Have a final easy dinner before the evening’s entertainment.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Atwater Market Food Stalls
Browse produce stands and grab affordable prepared foods—tacos, sandwiches, and fresh pastries—to eat outside near the canal.
1h · $12-20 per person
Au Pied de Cochon
Budget tourtière pie; metro back.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Au Pied de Cochon Poutine Lunch
Share a hearty local dish and keep portions manageable if you plan a spa afternoon.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Bagel St-Viateur (Plateau-Mont-Royal)
Grab classic Montreal bagels fresh from the oven with cream cheese or smoked salmon to-go, then enjoy in nearby Parc du Mont-Royal access points.
45m · $8-15 per person
Barroco
Choose a shared plate or a modest entrée and enjoy a more atmospheric dinner.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Beauty's Luncheonette
Try a classic diner breakfast, such as eggs, toast, and smoked salmon or a plate of pancakes.
1h · $12-22 per person
Beauty’s Luncheonette
Retro diner; get steamed hot dogs or Mish-Mash eggs.
50m · $10-18 per person
Bistro La Franquette
Choose a relaxed French dinner and keep the pace unhurried.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Bistro Nolah
Choose a simple lunch plate and keep the meal unhurried.
1h · $15-25 per person