Things to Do in Montreal
50 curated spots from Montreal itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Jean-Talon Market
Browse one of Montreal’s largest public markets, sampling Quebec cheeses, fruits, maple products, and quick bites from various stalls.
2h · Free entry (food extra)
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Large observation wheel in the Old Port with enclosed gondolas offering views over the St. Lawrence River and skyline.
45m · $25-35 per person
McCord Stewart Museum
First Nations and urban history exhibits; metro 15min.
1h 40m · $20
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Focus on one or two collections instead of trying to see everything.
2h 30m · $0-25
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
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
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
Botanical Garden
Spend the morning among themed gardens and quiet paths.
2h 30m · $15-25
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)
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
Lafontaine Park
Relax on benches, walk the paths, and let the afternoon slow down.
1h 30m · Free
Little Italy & Jean-Talon Market
Browse produce, cafés; photograph colorful awnings.
1h 30m · Free
Little Italy Market Area
Browse produce stalls, specialty food shops, and the surrounding streets.
1h 30m · Free
Live Jazz Bar
Choose a respected jazz venue for a mellow live-music night.
1h 30m · $15-30
Live Music on Boulevard Saint-Laurent (Casual Bar-Hopping)
Wander Saint‑Laurent and duck into bars or small venues featuring local bands or DJs; follow the crowd and sound for a fun, unpretentious night.
2h 30m · $10-30 (cover and drinks)
Mile End Exploration
Bagel shops, street murals; shoot bagel signs at dawn light.
1h 30m · Free
Mile End Free Explore Block
Browse indie shops, small bakeries, vinyl stores, and design-forward storefronts at an easy pace.
2h · Free
Mile End Indie Shopping
Spend time in bookstores, record shops, and independent apparel stores.
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Banquise
Share a poutine and add a simple salad or snack if needed.
1h · $12-20 per person
Modavie
Choose a dinner with a wine list and live music if available.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Olive et Gourmando
Cozy, lively café with great sandwiches and baked goods; try the grilled cheese or the “Poached Egg on Your Face” sandwich and share a pastry.
1h 15m · $18-25 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
St-Viateur Bagel
Grab fresh bagels and coffee for a simple morning before shopping.
30m · $8-15 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
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
Bistro Tôt ou Tard
Order a modest lunch plate and coffee.
1h · $12-22 per person
Boulangerie Guillaume
Get coffee and baked goods for a gentle start.
30m · $8-15 per person
Boulangerie Jarry
Pick up coffee and pastries before a quieter neighborhood day.
30m · $8-15 per person
Boustan
Keep lunch simple with a shawarma plate or sandwich.
45m · $10-18 per person