Best things to do in Montreal
Find out more about those top places in Montreal
Montreal Travel Guide: Where Old-World Charm Meets New-World Cool
Montreal—Canada’s second-largest city and Quebec’s cultural powerhouse—proves that old and new can live harmoniously (and stylishly) together. A top attraction for both history buffs and modern-day explorers, Montreal packs a punch with its blend of European charm, cutting-edge art, and multicultural flair. It’s where gas lamps flicker on cobblestone streets and French bistros compete with sleek skyscrapers for your attention. Who knew you could sip espresso in Paris and chow down on poutine in New York—all in one city?
Whether you’re here for the stunning old town, vibrant neighborhoods, or mind-bending art galleries, this Montreal travel guide will show you where to go, what to do, and why you’ll want to extend your stay just a little bit longer.
Vieux-Montréal: The European Charm You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s start with the obvious: the places to visit in Montreal that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Europe. The cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal) will have you saying, “Who needs Paris?” as you stroll past 17th-century architecture, quaint cafes, and street performers. This is the city’s historic heart, where the past and present collide in the most picturesque way.
The showstopper here? Notre-Dame Basilica—a jaw-dropping gothic masterpiece that’ll have you gasping before you even step inside. The stained glass, the soaring ceilings, and the grand organ are enough to make you want to start a choir on the spot.
Once you’ve soaked up some history, head over to Rue St. Denis, one of Montreal’s most vibrant streets. Packed with boutiques, art galleries, and mouth-watering eateries, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the city’s eclectic charm.
Montreal’s Modern Side: Art, Culture, and a Lot of Cool Vibes
While Old Montreal is a must-see, the city’s modern side offers plenty of things to do for the contemporary traveler. Head over to Griffintown, an up-and-coming neighborhood where gritty industrial buildings now house sleek art galleries, trendy restaurants, and hipster cafes. One gallery worth noting? L’Arsenal—an industrial-chic art space that will have you feeling both inspired and slightly underdressed.
Montreal is the city for art lovers, so if you’re into galleries and street art, you’ll have plenty of options. Whether you’re wandering around the Plateau neighborhood (where murals pop up on nearly every wall) or visiting the world-class Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll find that the city’s creative pulse is alive and well.
Beyond the Charm: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Now that you’ve explored the charm of Old Montreal and the cutting-edge art scene, let’s talk about the other top sightseeing spots and things to do that make Montreal such a great place to visit:
-
Mount Royal (Mont Royal): Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city (and a nice burn in your thighs). If you're feeling extra ambitious, you can even cross-country ski or toboggan in winter.
-
Jean-Talon Market: One of Montreal’s largest public markets, where you can stock up on local cheese, fresh fruit, and enough maple syrup to drown your pancakes in.
-
Biodome, Botanical Gardens, and Olympic Stadium: If you like your sightseeing with a side of nature and a sprinkle of sports history, head here for a mix of exotic plants, wildlife, and post-Olympic nostalgia.
Why Montreal Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Montreal isn’t just another city—it’s an experience. It’s where old-world charm meets new-world energy, where you can feel like you’re in Paris one moment and in the heart of a bustling, multicultural metropolis the next. Whether you’re indulging in French pastries in Vieux-Montréal, checking out the latest art exhibit in Griffintown, or simply taking in the view from Mont Royal, you’ll find that Montreal is a city that truly has it all.
So if you're looking for places to visit, things to do, or simply a city that blends history with innovation, Montreal should be at the top of your list. Just don’t forget to pack an appetite—because the food here is as spectacular as the sights.
-
Mount Royal
The most significant fact about the Mount Royal is that it is where the name 'Montreal' was gotten. The Mount Royal which is located in Montreal City, west of Downtown Montreal in Quebec is a large volcanic-related Hill or small mountain. It is a part of the Monteregian Hills which can be found between the Appalachian Mountains and the Laurentians. An electric fat tire bike tour of the Mount Royal is not to be missed.
-
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Located in the historic and symbolic district of Old Montreal, 100 Notre-Dame Street West right on the corner of Saint Sulpice Street, this Basilica has its street named after it. The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is one of the best maintained Basilicas in Canada.
-
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
This museum was established in 1860 by a group of Montreal art patrons and collectors as the Art Association of Montreal. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the premier museums in North America with an encyclopedic collection to its name. This encyclopedic collection boasts over 43,000 works from times past to this present age which makes it stand out in Canada.
-
Montreal Tower Observatory
The Montreal Tower Observatory is a puzzling edifice mainly due to its dramatic incline. However, a tour of this structure helps you better understand the mechanism by which this building still stands. Basically, the top of the tower and a mass of 8,000 tons which is a permanent attachment alongside a solid concrete base that is buried 10 meters below ground. The base boasts of a mass of 145,009 tons.
-
Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port of Montreal dates to as far back as 1611 where it is recorded that it was already used as a trading post by the French for trades. It stretches over 2 km along the Saint Lawrence River and hosts about six million tourists annually. Montreal's Port activities were shifted to the present day Port of Montreal which is in the borough of Mercier - Hochelega-Maisonneuve. The Old Port was then redeveloped in the early 1990s to become the popular tourist attraction it is today.
