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
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Ride the giant observation wheel in the Old Port for sweeping views of the river, Old Montreal, and the skyline—especially pretty around sunset.
45m · $25-30
McCord Stewart Museum
First Nations and urban history exhibits; metro 15min.
1h 40m · $20
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Large, varied collection with family-friendly exhibits and frequent kid-focused activities in a bright, modern setting.
2h · $0-24 (kids often reduced or free)
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
Visit the basilica for its dramatic interior, stained glass, and calm atmosphere.
1h · $15-25
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
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
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 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)
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
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)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Banquise
Beloved spot for poutine with many topping combinations, plus burgers and salads in a casual, colorful setting.
1h · $18-28 per person
Modavie
Cozy bistro in Old Montreal with live jazz most evenings and a French-Mediterranean menu plus approachable kids’ options.
1h 30m · $45-70 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
Pick up fresh bagels with cream cheese or smoked salmon for a cheap and iconic Montreal lunch.
30m · $10-15 per person
St-Viateur Bagel
Fresh sesame bagels with cream cheese.
45m · $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
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
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