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Montreal, Canada

Destination Guide

Montreal

Canada

Best things to do in Montreal

28 curated attractions in Montreal, Canada. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - August

Average temp

6°C/43°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Montreal

Montreal is Canada's cultural hub, largely shaped by its French colonial past that infuses the city with a unique blend of European charm and North American energy. The architecture in Old Montreal reflects this history, with cobblestone streets and plazas. The city's festival scene is prolific, driven by a mix of summer celebrations, arts events, and the annual Montreal International Jazz Festival. Food is a serious business here, especially bagels, which locals will insist are superior to those from New York. People come to Montreal for the food, the festivals, and to wander through a city that feels both European and distinctly local, where every street corner seems to host a café or market worth exploring.

Who it's for

Great for food lovers, festival-goers, and anyone who enjoys a lively cultural scene. Not ideal for those looking for a quiet retreat or a strictly modern city, as the charm lies in its historical aspects and busy atmosphere. If you dislike crowds, you might find the festival season overwhelming.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The metro is efficient and covers most key areas, with trains running every few minutes
  • Walking through Old Montreal takes about thirty minutes end to end, but you'll likely stop often
  • Biking along the Lachine Canal is popular, with dedicated paths
  • The airport is about twenty minutes from downtown by taxi, but public transit takes longer
Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes

Squares & plazas
Old Montreal

Old Montreal

Old towns & historic quarters
Lachine Canal

Lachine Canal

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Quartier des Spectacles

Quartier des Spectacles

Streets & neighbourhoods
Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park

City parks
Montreal Symphony Orchestra

Montreal Symphony Orchestra

Concert halls
Saint Joseph's Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory

Churches & cathedrals
Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Art museums & galleries
Parc Jean-Drapeau

Parc Jean-Drapeau

City parks
Montreal Holocaust Museum

Montreal Holocaust Museum

History museums
Jean-Talon Market

Jean-Talon Market

Food markets & food halls
Montreal Botanical Garden

Montreal Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Redpath Museum

Redpath Museum

Science & natural history museums
Montreal International Jazz Festival

Montreal International Jazz Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Pointe-à-Callière Museum

Pointe-à-Callière Museum

History museums
Atwater Market

Atwater Market

Food markets & food halls
Montreal Insectarium

Montreal Insectarium

Specialty & quirky museums
Montreal Fashion and Design Festival

Montreal Fashion and Design Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Montreal Fringe Festival

Montreal Fringe Festival

Festivals & celebrations
Montreal Science Centre

Montreal Science Centre

Science & natural history museums
Montreal Biodome

Montreal Biodome

Aquariums
McCord Museum

McCord Museum

History museums
Montreal Olympic Stadium

Montreal Olympic Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Montreal Planetarium

Montreal Planetarium

Science & natural history museums
Montreal Casino

Montreal Casino

Casinos
Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art

Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art

Art museums & galleries
La Ronde

La Ronde

Theme parks

Where to eat in Montreal

The places worth planning a meal around.

Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz's Deli

Delicatessen · $$

★ 4.4 · 26,713 reviews

Bouillon Bilk

Bouillon Bilk

Contemporary Canadian · $$$$

★ 4.7 · 2,843 reviews

Crêperie Marche

Crêperie Marche

French · $$

★ 4.6 · 900 reviews

Café de Flore

Café de Flore

French · $$

★ 4.0 · 70 reviews

Things to do in Montreal

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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