This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2016. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
My weekend in Montreal was a surprise trip from New York that I organised for my husband’s birthday.
Although the surprise didn’t last very long. He assumed that we were going to Chicago, and I went along with it to try and throw him off, but once I told him to bring his passport, he immediately guessed the actual destination.
We arrived late in the morning and got straight into exploring, wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal with no real plan beyond seeing where the day took us. Within an hour, we’d already found ourselves sipping cocktails overlooking Place d’Armes and getting our bearings in a city that felt more European than North American.
Montreal is one of those places that’s incredibly easy to explore over a weekend. The main sights are fairly close together, the neighbourhoods each have their own distinct feel, and there’s a strong food and café culture that naturally fills the gaps between sightseeing. If you’re planning a short visit, here are the best things to do in Montreal — along with a simple weekend itinerary to help you map it all out.
Quick summary:
Planning a weekend in Montreal? This guide covers the best things to do, from exploring Old Montreal and Mount Royal to food spots, markets and local experiences — plus a simple itinerary to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Recommended tours:
👣 Old Montreal Walking Tour – Small-group guided walk covering history, culture, food and hidden local spots
🍴 Jean-Talon Market Food Tour – Taste local produce and explore Montreal’s diverse food scene with a guide
🚲 Bike Tour of Montreal’s Hidden Treasures – 3-hr ride through neighbourhoods, parks and Old Port highlights
🥯 Montreal Bagel Making Workshop – Hands-on class learning traditional techniques in a Mile End apartment
How to Spend a Weekend in Montreal
Day 1: Old Montreal, Mount Royal & neighbourhood exploring
Morning:
Start your first day in Old Montreal, where you can ease into the city by wandering through Place d’Armes, Rue Saint Paul and Place Jacques Cartier. This is one of the most walkable parts of Montreal, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the city’s history and architecture.
While you’re here, you can also visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, which sits right on Place d’Armes. If you’re planning to go inside, it’s worth doing it earlier in the day before the lines get too long.
If you’re interested in learning more about what you’re seeing, this is also a good time to join a guided walking tour. Otherwise, you can explore at your own pace and stop for a coffee or drink along the way.
Afternoon:
From Old Montreal, make your way over to Mount Royal and walk up to the Chalet for one of the best views in the city. The walk itself is fairly short, but it’s worth taking your time once you reach the top — there are plenty of spots to sit, wander and take in the skyline.
After heading back down, continue on to Le Plateau Mont-Royal. This is a great area to slow things down a bit, with leafy streets, local boutiques and plenty of cafés if you feel like taking a break.
Evening:
Finish your day in Mile End, which has a slightly more laid-back, local feel compared to the busier parts of the city. It’s a good place to grab dinner, try a Montreal bagel, or stop in for a drink at one of the neighbourhood bars.
Day 2: Markets, cycling & local food
Morning:
Start your day at Jean-Talon Market. Arriving earlier is usually best if you want to avoid the bigger crowds and have time to browse properly. It’s a great spot to pick up breakfast, fresh fruit or a coffee while soaking up a more local side of the city.
Afterwards, spend a bit of time wandering through Mile End — whether that’s stopping by a bakery, grabbing a second coffee, or finally trying a Montreal bagel if you didn’t get around to it on your first day.
Afternoon:
Once you’re ready to switch things up, hire a bike and head down toward the Lachine Canal. Cycling toward the Old Port is an easy, scenic ride, with a flat path that follows the water and passes through a mix of parks and neighbourhoods along the way.
You can take your time with this and stop along the route if anything catches your eye — it’s less about getting from A to B and more about enjoying the ride.
Evening:
In the late afternoon or evening, make your way back toward the city centre or Old Montreal. This is a good time to revisit any spots you liked or explore anywhere you may have missed.
Before wrapping up your trip, make sure you’ve ticked off a proper poutine — ideally shared — and, if you’re up for it, finish with a drink or brewery stop to round out the weekend.
Best things to do in Montreal:
1. Explore Old Montreal (Place d’Armes, Rue Saint Paul & Place Jacques Cartier)
We started our city exploring in Old Montreal, and it’s easily the best place to get your bearings in the city. This area feels completely different from the rest of Montreal — more like a slice of Europe, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings and grand public squares.
One of the main focal points here is Place d’Armes, where the grand Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal overlooks the square and adds to the European feel of the area.
From Place d’Armes, it’s an easy walk over to Rue Saint Paul — a cobblestone street lined with boutiques, galleries and souvenir shops. It’s definitely one of the more touristy parts of Montreal, but still worth a wander just to take in the atmosphere and architecture.
If you keep walking, you’ll eventually reach Place Jacques Cartier, a lively square filled with restaurants, street performers and market stalls. It’s a good spot to pause for a drink or just soak up the energy before continuing your exploring.
We also spotted the rooftop bar at the nearby Hotel Place d’Armes and decided to head up for a drink. Sitting under the red umbrellas with a (slightly overpriced but excellent) mojito and looking out over the square was a pretty great way to ease into the trip.
👣 Old Montreal is fairly compact, so you can easily explore it on foot. If you want a bit more context, a small-group Old Montreal Walking Tour can be a good way to get your bearings, with a local guide sharing insights into the architecture, culture and food scene along the way.
2. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Sitting right on Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city — and one of the most popular places to visit.
We actually didn’t go inside on our visit. The line was fairly long when we arrived, and after spending a lot of time travelling through Europe (and visiting what felt like hundreds of churches), we decided to give it a miss and keep exploring.
That said, if it’s your first time in Montreal — or you haven’t already hit your limit on cathedrals — this is one of the few that’s genuinely considered worth prioritising. The interior is known for its deep blue ceiling, intricate woodwork and dramatic lighting, which makes it feel quite different from the more traditional European churches.
If you’re planning to go inside, it’s worth arriving early or booking a timed entry ticket in advance to avoid waiting around in line, especially during peak travel seasons. Even if you decide not to go in, it’s still worth stopping by Place d’Armes to see the exterior — it’s hard to miss, and it really anchors the whole Old Montreal area.
3. Head up to Mount Royal (Chalet views)
It took both of us an embarrassingly long time to realise that Mount Royal is actually the namesake of Montreal (cue facepalm).
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, this is easily one of the best things to do. Mount Royal sits just outside the downtown area and offers one of the most iconic views over the skyline.
We walked up via the path from the north end of Rue Peel, which took around 15–20 minutes at a steady pace. It’s not a particularly difficult climb, but it’s just enough to get your heart rate up — especially in warmer weather.
At the top, you’ll reach the Kondiaronk Belvedere near the Chalet du Mont Royal, where you get a wide, open view across the city and out toward the St Lawrence River. It’s one of those viewpoints that really gives you a sense of how Montreal is laid out, and it’s well worth the effort to get there.
If you’ve got the time, it’s also worth slowing down a bit once you’re up there. There are walking paths, lookout points and green spaces around the summit, so you can easily spend an hour or two just wandering or sitting and taking it all in.
4. Join the Tam Tams on Mount Royal (Sunday only)
If you happen to be in Montreal on a Sunday, one of the more unique things you can experience is the Tam Tams.
Held at the base of Mount Royal near the Monument à Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Tam Tams is essentially a weekly gathering where people show up with drums and instruments and play together in an open, free-form jam session.
Despite the name, it has absolutely nothing to do with Tim Tams (the chocolate biscuits back home in Australia — unfortunately). Instead, it’s a mix of music, dancing and a very laid-back, slightly chaotic atmosphere that feels more like a casual festival than an organised event.
There’s no real schedule or structure — people just turn up, sit on the grass, join in if they want to, or simply watch from the sidelines. Some are clearly talented musicians, others are just there for the fun of it, and that’s kind of the whole appeal.
We spent about an hour here just soaking up the vibe, and it ended up being one of the more memorable parts of the weekend. It’s not something you’d go out of your way to plan a trip around, but if your timing lines up, it’s definitely worth checking out.
5. Explore Le Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood
Just north-west of Mount Royal, you’ll find Le Plateau Mont-Royal — one of the most character-filled neighbourhoods in the city.
This was easily one of my favourite areas to wander. The streets are lined with colourful houses, many with those iconic winding outdoor staircases that Montreal is known for. It feels a lot more local than Old Montreal, with fewer tourists and more of a lived-in, residential vibe.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan — just walking around and seeing what you come across is half the experience. There are plenty of small cafés, independent boutiques and quiet side streets that make it a great spot to slow things down for a bit after the busier parts of the city.
While you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by Juliette & Chocolat — just keep in mind that this isn’t your average chocolate shop. It’s more like a dessert restaurant, serving up rich, over-the-top dishes loaded with chocolate, caramel and house-made sauces. We ended up sharing something here, which was definitely the right call — the portions are no joke.
If you continue heading further north-east, you’ll naturally make your way toward Mile End, which is another great area to explore (and very much worth the extra walk).
6. Eat and drink in Mile End & visit Jean-Talon Market
If you keep walking north-east from Le Plateau, you’ll eventually make your way into Mile End — a neighbourhood known for its creative, slightly hipster vibe and, more importantly, its food scene.
This is a great area to explore if you’re into cafés, bakeries and casual places to eat. There’s no shortage of options, and it’s the kind of neighbourhood where you can easily spend a few hours just wandering between spots and trying whatever catches your eye.
One of the standout places nearby is Jean-Talon Market, which is one of the largest public markets in the city. This is where locals come to shop for fresh produce, and it has a much more authentic feel compared to the more tourist-focused areas.
When we visited, the smell of fresh strawberries was almost impossible to ignore — which probably explains why the line at the juice stall was so long. It’s a great place to pick up snacks, grab something quick to eat, or just wander through and take it all in.
🍴 Joining a guided food tour can be a great option here. Experiences like the Jean-Talon Market & Beyond food tour take you through the market and into nearby Little Italy, with stops at local eateries and the chance to sample a range of dishes along the way.
7. Cycle along the Lachine Canal to Old Port
One thing we noticed pretty quickly in Montreal is how bike-friendly the city is. It felt like every second house had a bicycle parked out the front, and once you start exploring, it’s easy to see why.
We decided to hire bikes and head down toward the Lachine Canal — one of the most popular cycling routes in the city. The path runs alongside the water and is mostly flat, making it an easy and scenic ride even if you’re not a regular cyclist.
We started near Rue Richmond and followed the canal toward the Old Port, passing parks, waterfront paths and a mix of locals out walking, running or cycling along the way. It’s a really relaxed way to see a different side of the city, away from the busier streets.
By the time we reached the Old Port, we were just in time to catch a random marching band playing a surprisingly good rendition of the Ghostbusters theme — one of those completely unplanned travel moments that just sticks with you.
Unfortunately, our ride was cut short by a sudden downpour not long after that, but if the weather holds, you can continue further along the canal or even loop back through different parts of the city.
🚲 If you’re keen to cover more ground, a 3-hour bike tour of Montreal’s hidden treasures include a ride through the Old Port along with stops in multiple neighbourhoods and green spaces like Mount Royal and La Fontaine Park.
8. Eat some Poutine
You can’t visit Montreal without trying poutine at least once.
If you’re not familiar with it, poutine is a dish made up of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — which, on paper, doesn’t sound particularly appealing. In reality, it’s one of those comfort foods that tastes far better than it looks.
As a vegetarian, it took us a little while to find a version we could actually eat, but we eventually ended up at La Belle Province, where they served it with onion and capsicum instead.
We decided to share one between us, which turned out to be a very good decision — the portion size was huge, and it’s a pretty heavy dish. It’s definitely not something you need more than once in a weekend, but it’s one of those local foods that’s worth trying just to say you’ve had it.
You’ll find poutine all over the city, from casual diners to more modern restaurants that put their own spin on it, so there’s plenty of choice depending on how traditional (or adventurous) you want to go.
9. Get a Montreal Bagel
Another food you’ll hear about pretty quickly in Montreal is the Montreal bagel — and yes, it’s very much its own thing.
Compared to New York bagels, Montreal bagels are smaller, slightly sweeter, and have a much larger hole in the middle. They’re boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives them a slightly crisp exterior and a softer, denser texture inside.
You’ll find bagel shops all over the city, but Mile End is particularly well known for them. Places like St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel are two of the most famous, and both have been around for decades.
Even if you’re not a huge bagel person, it’s worth trying one while you’re here — especially fresh out of the oven. It’s a quick, inexpensive snack and an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re already exploring the Mile End area.
🥯 If you’re curious about how they’re made, you can take it a step further with a hands-on experience like a Montreal bagel-making workshop. Classes walk you through the full process — from kneading the dough to baking and topping your own bagels.
10. Visit Montreal’s bars or join a brewery tour
As both my husband and I are fans of craft beer, we can’t visit a new city without trying at least a few of the local brews — and Montreal definitely delivers on that front.
We ended up stopping by a couple of places in Mile End, including Alexandraplatz, where we found some solid German-style beers. Our hostel bar also served a few French-Canadian options, so it was easy enough to sample a mix without going too far out of our way.
🍺 Joining a guided experience like the Montreal Craft Beer Tour can be a great way to get a bit of context around the city’s craft beer culture. Tours like this typically take you through neighbourhoods such as the Latin Quarter, stopping at a handful of brewpubs to sample different beers along the way.
If you’re more into wine or cocktails, there’s plenty of choice across the city as well — especially around Old Montreal and the Plateau, where you’ll find everything from casual bars to more polished spots.
Where to stay in Montreal
🛏️ During our trip, we stayed at Saintlo Montréal Hostel (formerly known as HI Montreal Hostel), and it turned out to be a really solid base for a weekend in the city.
The rooms were fairly simple, but clean and comfortable, and the overall atmosphere made it a great place to stay — especially if you’re looking for something social without it feeling like a full-on party hostel.
One of the biggest advantages was the location. It’s right near Lucien-L’Allier metro station, which made it easy to get into the downtown area in under 10 minutes. That said, we still found ourselves walking quite a bit, as many of the main areas are reasonably close together.
I also loved the artwork throughout the hostel — the walls in the common areas were covered in bold illustrations by a local French-Canadian artist, which gave the space a bit more personality than your typical budget accommodation.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful when it came to recommendations, and they also organised group activities like pub crawls, walking tours and local events, which is a nice bonus if you’re travelling solo or want to meet other people.
If you’re visiting Montreal for a weekend, staying somewhere central — either downtown or within easy reach of Old Montreal and the Plateau — will make getting around much easier and help you make the most of your time.
*I was a guest of HI Montreal Hostel during my stay in Montreal. I’m proud to be an honest and transparent blogger, so every opinion expressed on AGWT is a true review of my experience.
Leave a Reply