Bonjour, fellow travelers! If you’re dreaming of a delightful long weekend escape, look no further than Montreal, a city that effortlessly blends European charm with North American allure. During a magical three-day visit last summer, we uncovered the best of this dynamic city, from its bustling neighborhoods to its delectable culinary scene and rich cultural offerings. Join us on this virtual journey as we share our insider tips on how to make the most of your own 3-day adventure in Montreal. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply seeking a taste of joie de vivre, Montreal is sure to captivate you at every turn. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting Canadian gem!
Introduction
Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and amazing food. It’s the second-largest city in Canada and the largest in the province of Quebec.
Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie by French colonists. It grew into an important center of the fur trade and finance. When Britain gained control of New France, many British merchants settled in. Today, French and English are both commonly spoken in the area.
The city has a strong French influence stemming from Quebec’s French roots. There’s a lively arts, culture, and festival scene. Montreal is known for its outstanding restaurants, drawing influences from French, Italian, Asian, and other cuisines.
The city is lively year-round, but the summer festival season is particularly popular. There are outdoor concerts, comedy shows, and street fairs. The Jazz Festival is world-famous and attracts huge crowds.
Montreal has many distinct neighborhoods to explore. From Little Italy to Chinatown, each area has its own charm and cafes. The Old Port offers waterfront views, while Mount Royal Park provides outdoor space in the city. Montreal perfectly blends old-world charm with modern energy.
Getting There
The city is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car.
By Air
Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is located less than 20 km from downtown and serves over 19 million passengers annually. It’s a hub for Air Canada and Air Transat, with direct flights available from major cities across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airport is connected to central Montreal by taxi or the 747 airport shuttle bus.
By Train
Montreal’s Central Station is served by VIA Rail trains from cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, and New York. The station is located downtown, connected to the metro and bus system. High-speed rail options like the Maple Leaf train offer a comfortable alternative to flying.
By Bus
Intercity bus companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and Coach Canada provide bus connections from nearby cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and New York. The main bus terminal is conveniently located next to the Berri-UQAM metro station.
By Car
Driving to Montreal is straightforward via highways like Autoroute 15 from the US border, Autoroute 20 from Toronto, and Autoroute 40 from Ottawa. Getting around by car within the city is less ideal due to traffic, parking difficulties, and one-way streets.
Where to Stay
You will have a wide variety of accommodation options to suit your budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations for where to stay:
Downtown/Old Montreal
This central area puts you right in the heart of the action. Stay here for easy access to attractions like Old Montreal, the Old Port, Mont-Royal, and more.
- Hotel Gault – Boutique luxury hotel in a historic building. Rooms have a minimalist, modern style.
- Auberge du Vieux Port – Charming hotel with exposed brick and beams. Great views of the port.
- Le Petit Hotel – Quaint, affordable Old Montreal hotel. Small but well-appointed rooms.
Plateau Mont-Royal
The Plateau is the hippest, most vibrant neighborhood. Stay here for trendy shops, cafes, and a lively nightlife scene.
- Hotel La Tour Belvedere – Modern hotel with city views and a rooftop terrace
- La Conciergerie – Apartment rentals perfect for longer stays
- Au Piano Blanc – Cozy hostel with a musical theme and nightly piano concerts
Little Italy/Mile End
These adjacent neighborhoods are foodie havens, with delicious local eateries. They have a laid-back, local vibe.
- Hotel William Gray – Stylish and trendy boutique hotel
- La Maison Manuvie – Charming B&B with a garden and breakfast included
- HI Montreal Hostel – Well-located hostel near Mount Royal Park
All neighborhoods have easy access by metro and bus to the city’s top sites. Consider your budget and preferences to choose the ideal area for your stay.
Top Things To Do
Montreal is full of exciting things to see and do during your visit. Here are some of the top highlights and attractions you won’t want to miss:
Old Montreal
Wander the cobblestone streets and historic buildings of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). This is the oldest area of the city, with beautiful architecture, quaint shops, cafes, restaurants, and the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica. Stroll along the waterfront promenade or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Mount Royal Park
Escape to Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Climb up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for sweeping city views. Jog or bike along wooded trails, relax by Beaver Lake, or picnic in an open field.
Museums
Montreal’s museums cover everything from fine art to history to science. Must-sees include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal Science Center, the Biodome, and the Museum of Archaeology and History Pointe-à-Callière.
Nightlife
City has a vibrant nightlife scene. Head to Crescent Street for bars and clubs. Enjoy comedy shows, indie music venues, cabarets, and more in the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods. Check out top DJs at huge clubs like New City Gas and Stereo.
Festivals
Throughout the summer, Montreal hosts world-class festivals almost every weekend. These include the Montreal Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs comedy festival, and more.
Walking Tours
To dive into Montreal’s food, history and culture, join a walking tour. Options include tours of the Underground City, Old Montreal food tours, Jewish quarter tours, ghost walks, and more.
With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days exploring Montreal’s top sights and attractions. Wander through distinct neighborhoods, sample poutine and bagels, stroll parks and markets, and experience the city’s joie de vivre.
Itineraries
This is a vibrant city with so much to see and do. Here are recommended 1, 2, and 3 day itineraries to help you make the most of your time.
Day 1
For your first day in Montreal, start in Old Montreal. Wander the cobblestone streets and take in sights like the Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and the Old Port. Stop for a delicious crepe or croissant along the way.
Spend the afternoon at Mount Royal Park – walk or bike around the mountain and take in views of the city below. Have a picnic lunch in the park before heading to Mile End for dinner at one of the area’s trendy restaurants.
End the evening with a show or comedy performance – Montreal has a thriving arts and comedy scene.
Day 2
On your second day, head to the Mile End area. Browse boutiques and vintage shops along St. Laurent Blvd and Avenue Mont Royal. The Mile End is also home to the city’s famous bagel shops – stop for a morning bite at St. Viateur or Fairmount Bagels.
Next, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – one of the most renowned museums in Canada. Wander through galleries of Canadian and international works.
In the afternoon, explore more of Old Montreal. Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum for an underground archaeological tour and exhibits on the city’s history. Do some souvenir shopping at the Old Port or check out the Science Center.
For dinner, head to Little Italy for delicious Italian food. End the night with a show at Place des Arts.
Day 3
On your last day, start by visiting the Jean-Talon Market – one of the best food markets in North America. Sample maple syrup, local cheeses, and more as you explore the stalls.
Next, take the Metro up to the Plateau-Mont-Royal area. Walk along St. Denis street, which is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Have lunch in one of the area’s cozy bistros.
In the afternoon, learn about Montreal’s hockey history with a visit to the Bell Centre. Take a tour of the arena and visit the Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame.
End your last evening with a romantic dinner in Old town followed by a stroll along the waterfront.
With three days in Montreal, you’ll experience the best of this vibrant, cultural city. Follow these recommended itineraries to see the top sights, explore diverse neighborhoods, and savor Montreal’s food and arts scene.
Food and Drink
Montreal is a food lover’s paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city’s French roots and multicultural influences. From cozy neighborhood bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, city offers something for every palate and budget.
Signature Dishes
Some quintessential dishes to try include:
- Poutine – French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This hearty comfort food can be found in diners across the city. La Banquise is a popular spot for late night poutine.
- Bagels – Montreal-style bagels are smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York-style. St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel are iconic bagel shops.
- Smoked Meat – Thinly sliced smoked beef brisket, usually served piled high on rye bread. Schwartz’s Deli is famous for smoked meat sandwiches.
- Maple Syrup – Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup. Enjoy maple syrup on everything from crêpes to poutine.
Best Restaurants
- Joe Beef – Whimsical French-Canadian cuisine in a laidback setting. Reservations are essential.
- Toqué! – High-end tasting menus by renowned chef Normand Laprise.
- Au Pied de Cochon – Over-the-top Quebec comfort food like foie gras poutine.
- Olive + Gourmando – Charming bakery and café with sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
- Maison Publique – Seafood-focused gastropub with a great rooftop patio.
From cozy bistros to elegant fine dining, Montreal’s dining scene has something for every taste and budget. Be sure to sample poutine, bagels, smoked meat, maple syrup, and other local specialties during your visit. With its French heritage and multicultural population, Montreal offers a delicious culinary adventure.
Shopping
Montreal is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from luxury designer boutiques to quirky local shops. The top areas for shopping are:
Rue Sainte-Catherine
This vibrant pedestrian street is lined with shops, malls, and department stores. Check out the underground tunnels of the Eaton Centre and Place Montreal Trust for indoor shopping. Standout stores include Simons department store and Steve’s Music Store.
Plateau Mont-Royal
Stroll along Avenue Mont-Royal and Boulevard St-Laurent to find chic clothing boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss C&C, Citizen Vintage, and Annex Vintage. The Plateau is also known for its antiques shops.
Old Montreal
Wander the charming cobblestone streets to discover upscale boutiques and specialty shops. Check out fashions at boutiques like Marie Saint Pierre and Denis Gagnon. Find one-of-a-kind items at Parisian Laundry and Spice Trekkers. Souvenir shops abound too.
Quartier Des Spectacles
This downtown area near Place des Arts has high-end malls like Place Montreal Trust and the Eaton Centre, along with boutiques on Rue Sainte-Catherine. Shoppers will find major international brands here.
Jean-Talon Market
Foodies will love the gourmet food shops in this bustling market. Pick up maple syrup, artisanal cheeses, chocolates, spices, and more as edible souvenirs. The market is also known for its flower shops.
Montreal offers shoppers unique local finds alongside luxury designers. By exploring the distinct shopping districts, visitors can find the perfect items to bring home.
Day Trips
Montreal makes a great base for exploring more of Quebec. Here are some of the top options for easy day trips from the city:
Mont Tremblant – This scenic mountain resort area is about 2 hours north of Montreal. In addition to winter skiing, there are plenty of summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, golf, and paddling on the Riviere du Diable. Stop in the pedestrian village for restaurants and shops.
Quebec City – The provincial capital is only a 3 hour drive from Montreal. Meander the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, walk the ramparts, visit historic sites like the Chateau Frontenac, and experience the European charm.
Eastern Townships – The rolling hills and quaint towns of this region begin about an hour southeast of the city. Some highlights include hiking Mount Orford, exploring Knowlton’s antique shops and cafes, and touring wineries around Dunham.
Thousand Islands – Drive 3.5 hours east to explore this scenic archipelago along the St. Lawrence River. Take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or stay overnight in Gananoque.
Ottawa – Canada’s capital is about 2 hours west of Montreal. Must see attractions include Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, and ByWard Market.
With Montreal as your home base, you can easily explore more of Quebec and eastern Ontario on a day trip. Just be sure to get an early start to allow enough time to make the most of your destination before returning in the evening. Public transportation options are limited for most of these, so renting a car for maximum flexibility is recommended.
Getting Around
Getting around Montreal is easy thanks to the city’s extensive public transportation system. The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to navigate the city.
The Metro
Montreal’s metro system has 4 lines and 68 stations. It runs from approximately 5:30am to 1am daily. The metro is very user-friendly, with maps posted in each station to help you find your way. Fares are paid by purchasing tickets from machines in the stations or using a rechargeable OPUS card.
The metro is ideal for reaching top attractions like Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, museums, and more. Be sure to stand on the right side of escalators to let people pass on the left.
Bikes
Biking is a popular way to explore Montreal when the weather is nice. The city has an extensive network of bike paths separate from vehicle traffic. BIXI is Montreal’s public bike sharing system with over 5000 bikes available at 600+ stations across the city. You can purchase access to BIXI bikes via their app or at docking stations.
If you bring your own bike, be aware that bikes are not allowed on the metro during rush hours. Bike theft is common, so always lock up your bike securely. Wearing a helmet is required by law for all cyclists in Quebec.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to hail on the street in central areas of Montreal. All taxis are metered, so fares are consistent. Taxis are best for short trips as rates add up quickly. You can also call a taxi company to arrange a pickup. Popular taxi companies include Taxi Diamond and Taxi Coop Montreal.
Tip: Make sure to clarify if your fare includes taxes and tips, as this varies between companies. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Walking
Walking is the best way to explore neighborhoods like the Plateau, Mile End, Little Italy, and Old Montreal. Montreal is very pedestrian friendly. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the city is hilly in areas. Remember to use crosswalks and obey traffic signals when walking. The underground city (RESCO) also allows you to walk between buildings and metro stations downtown without going outside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our whirlwind three-day journey through the city has only scratched the surface of this captivating city’s offerings. From indulging in delicious poutine in Plateau-Mont-Royal to wandering through the historic cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, and taking in breathtaking views from atop Mont-Royal, we’ve experienced just a taste of Montreal’s rich culture and vibrant energy. Whether you’re drawn to its artsy neighborhoods, diverse culinary scene, or fascinating history, Montreal promises endless discoveries and invites you to return for more. Until next time, Montreal—keep exploring, tasting, and soaking in the joie de vivre of this remarkable Canadian city!
For hassle-free trip planning, visit our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Find the best deals for a seamless Montreal experience!