If you’re planning a visit to Montreal and need a well-structured itinerary for your 2-day trip, look no further! This article will provide you with all the necessary details, including timing, locations, activities, and modes of transport.
Just let me know what information you need to create the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences and interests. From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in the city’s culinary delights, get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Montreal!
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways from our Montreal 2 day itinerary:
- Montreal is a city that combines European charm, North American dynamism, and multicultural diversity.
- You can explore two of the most popular areas of the city: Old Montreal and Downtown on your first day.
- You can discover two of the most scenic and vibrant areas of the city: The Plateau and Mont-Royal on your second day.
- You can enjoy world-class museums, historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine in Montreal.
- You can experience the artistic and cultural diversity of Montreal through its architecture, art, and music.
Estimated Costs
Here are some estimated costs of transportation, accommodation, food, and activities for a weekend in Montreal:
Item Cost Round-trip flight from New York to Montreal $200 Two nights at a mid-range hotel in Old Montreal $300 Metro and bus fares for two days $20 Walking tour of Old Montreal $25.87 Entrance fee to Notre-Dame Basilica $8 Sightseeing cruise on the Saint Lawrence River $28.50 Entrance fee to Montreal Museum of Fine Arts $23 Dinner and show at Le Balcon Cabaret Music Hall $69 Bagels and coffee at St-Viateur Bagel $5 Walking tour of street art in The Plateau $28.57 Lunch at Le Petit Alep $15 Bike rental from Bixi station $5 Dinner at L’Express $25 Total $752.94 Statistics
Here are some statistics about the last five years of travelers incoming to Montreal:
Year Number of travelers (in millions) Growth rate (%) 2019 11.1 2.8 2020 3.6 -67.6 2021 5.4 50 2022 7.2 33.3 2023 8.6 (estimated) 19.4 (estimated)
Day 1 of Montreal 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Old Montreal and Downtown
- Start your day with a walking tour of Old Montreal, the historic heart of the city
- Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning Gothic Revival church
- Check out the Old Port, a lively waterfront area with attractions and activities
- Have lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes in Old Montreal
- Explore Downtown Montreal, the modern and commercial center of the city
- See the impressive art collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Shop till you drop at Rue Sainte-Catherine, the main shopping street
- Enjoy a dinner and a show at Quartier des Spectacles, the entertainment district
Morning
Welcome to Montreal, the vibrant and culturally rich city in Canada! Start your first day in the morning by exploring Old Montreal, the city’s historic district.
Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture that dates back to the 17th century.
Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning interior, adorned with intricate woodwork and vibrant stained glass windows.
Explore the surrounding Place d’Armes and Place Jacques-Cartier, where street performers and artists create a lively atmosphere.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to a local favorite, Schwartz’s Deli, and savor their famous smoked meat sandwiches. This iconic eatery has been serving Montreal-style smoked meat since 1928, and it’s a must-try for any food lover.
After lunch, make your way to Mount Royal Park, a sprawling green space that offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take a leisurely hike or rent a bike to explore the park’s many trails. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Mount Royal Chalet, which offers a picturesque backdrop.
Evening
As the evening approaches, immerse yourself in Montreal’s thriving food scene by exploring the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. Known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, this vibrant area is a foodie’s paradise.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants offering international cuisine. Whether you’re craving Italian, Vietnamese, or Middle Eastern flavors, Plateau-Mont-Royal has something to satisfy every palate.
After dinner, take a leisurely walk along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, known locally as “The Main.” Marvel at the colorful street art and soak in the energetic atmosphere of one of Montreal’s most vibrant streets.
Night
End your first day in Montreal with a visit to the Montreal Botanical Garden, especially during the summer months when it offers special nighttime events. Explore the illuminated gardens and be captivated by the stunning light installations.
If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, catch a show at one of Montreal’s renowned theaters. The city boasts a vibrant performing arts scene, with options ranging from Broadway-style musicals to avant-garde plays.
After a day full of exploration and new experiences, retire to your hotel and rest up for another exciting day ahead.
Day 2
Day 2: The Plateau and Mont-Royal
- Have a breakfast of bagels and coffee at one of the famous bagel shops in the Plateau
- Discover the colorful murals and street art of the Plateau, a trendy and bohemian neighborhood
- Visit the Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest public markets in North America
- Have lunch at one of the many ethnic restaurants or food trucks in the area
- Climb up to Mont-Royal Park, the green lung of the city
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Montreal from the lookout point or the Chalet du Mont-Royal
- Relax by the Beaver Lake or join a free yoga session on Sundays
- Have dinner at one of the cozy bistros or pubs on Avenue du Mont-Royal
Morning
Start your second day in Montreal with a visit to the iconic Jean-Talon Market. This bustling market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and local delicacies.
Take your time browsing the stalls, and don’t forget to sample some of the delicious treats along the way.
After the market, head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This world-class museum houses an extensive collection of art, spanning from ancient civilizations to contemporary works.
Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace to fully appreciate the incredible artistic heritage on display.
Afternoon
For lunch, make your way to one of Montreal’s famous bagel shops. St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel are two longstanding institutions, known for their fresh and flavorful bagels.
Enjoy your lunch in one of the city’s picturesque parks or gardens, such as Parc Lafontaine or Jardin Nelson Mandela.
After lunch, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Mile End and Little Italy. Wander through the charming streets lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and art galleries.
Take a break at a local cafe and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of these vibrant communities.
Evening
As the evening approaches, make your way to the Old Port of Montreal. This historic waterfront area offers a myriad of activities and attractions.
Take a romantic sunset cruise along the St. Lawrence River or rent a bike and explore the scenic bike paths that wind along the waterfront.
For dinner, indulge in some authentic Quebecois cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area. Try classic dishes like poutine, tourtière, and maple syrup-infused delicacies.
Pair your meal with a glass of local ice cider or craft beer for a truly immersive culinary experience.
Night
End your trip to Montreal with a visit to the Montreal Casino, located on Île Notre-Dame. Test your luck at the gaming tables or enjoy a live performance at the Cabaret du Casino.
The casino offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, perfect for a night of excitement and entertainment.
If you prefer a more laid-back evening, head to the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s entertainment district. Catch a live music performance or attend a cultural event at one of the many venues in this bustling neighborhood.
After a memorable day exploring Montreal’s culture and cuisine, recount your experiences and plan for your next adventure. Montreal has so much to offer, and two days is just the beginning of uncovering the city’s hidden gems and vibrant spirit.
Montreal 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Canada’s Cultural Capital
Montreal is a city that combines European charm, North American dynamism, and multicultural diversity. It’s a place where you can enjoy world-class museums, historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, or nightlife, Montreal has something for everyone.
If you only have two days to explore this amazing city, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect weekend in Montreal, with tips on where to stay, what to see, what to eat, and what to do.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s go!
Where to Stay in Montreal
Montreal has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can choose from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, apartments, and more. However, if you want to be close to most of the attractions and activities in our itinerary, we recommend staying in one of these three areas:
- Old Montreal: This is the best area for first-time visitors who want to experience the charm and history of Montreal. You’ll find many historic buildings that have been converted into hotels, restaurants, galleries, and shops. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Old Port and Downtown. Some of our favorite hotels in Old Montreal are Auberge du Vieux-Port1, LHotel Hotel Montreal2, and Hotel Nelligan3.
- Downtown: This is the best area for business travelers and museum lovers who want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll find many modern and international hotels that are connected to metro stations, shopping centers, and the underground pedestrian network. You’ll also be close to Rue Sherbrooke, where most of the museums are located. Some of our favorite hotels in Downtown are Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel4, Hotel Le Crystal5, and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth6.
- The Plateau: This is the best area for nature lovers and families who want to enjoy a more local and relaxed vibe. You’ll find many cozy and affordable hotels that are surrounded by cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll also be close to Mont-Royal Park, where you can hike, bike, or picnic. Some of our favorite hotels in The Plateau are Hotel de l’Institut7, Auberge de la Fontaine8, and Hotel Kutuma9.
Day 1: Old Montreal and Downtown
On your first day in Montreal, you’ll explore two of the most popular areas of the city: Old Montreal and Downtown. You’ll discover the rich history and culture of Montreal through its architecture, art, and cuisine.
Morning: Walking Tour of Old Montreal
The best way to start your day is with a walking tour of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal), the oldest part of the city that dates back to the 17th century. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets, stone buildings, quaint shops, and charming cafes that will make you feel like you’re in Europe.
You can join a guided walking tour that will show you around the main sights and tell you stories about the history and legends of Old Montreal. We recommend this 2-hour walking tour by Guidatour10, which covers the highlights of the area, such as Place d’Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, and more. The tour costs $25.87 per person and departs daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from the corner of Notre-Dame Street East and Saint-Sulpice Street.
Alternatively, you can do a self-guided walking tour by following this map11 or downloading this app12. You can also rent an audio guide from the Pointe-à-Callière Museum13 for $5.50 per person.
Midday: Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port
One of the must-see attractions in Old Montreal is the Notre-Dame Basilica14, a stunning Gothic Revival church that was built in 1829. The interior of the basilica is breathtaking, with colorful stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and a magnificent organ. The basilica also hosts concerts and light shows that showcase its beauty and history.
The entrance fee to the basilica is $8 per person, which includes a 20-minute guided tour. You can also book a ticket online15 to skip the line. The basilica is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Sundays when it opens at 12:30 p.m.
After visiting the basilica, head to the Old Port (Vieux-Port), a lively waterfront area that offers attractions and activities for all ages. You can stroll along the promenade, enjoy the views of the Saint Lawrence River, or join one of the many cruises or boat tours that depart from here. Some of the options are:
- A 60-minute sightseeing cruise by Croisières AML16 that shows you the landmarks and history of Montreal from the water. The cruise costs $28.50 per person and departs daily from May to October at various times.
- A 90-minute electric boat cruise by Eco Tours Montreal17 that lets you navigate your own boat along the river while listening to an audio guide. The cruise costs $23.24 per person and departs daily from May to October at various times.
- A 2-hour sailing cruise by Voile Mercator18 that lets you experience sailing on a classic yacht while enjoying snacks and drinks. The cruise costs $69 per person and departs daily from June to September at various times.
Afternoon: Lunch and Downtown Montreal
For lunch, you have plenty of options in Old Montreal, ranging from casual to fine dining. Some of our favorite places are:
- Taverne Gaspar19, a cozy pub that serves French-inspired comfort food, such as burgers, fish and chips, and poutine. The average price for a main course is $15.
- Olive et Gourmando20, a popular cafe that serves fresh and delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries. The average price for a sandwich is $10.
- Modavie21, a jazz bar and bistro that serves Mediterranean cuisine, such as lamb, pasta, and seafood. The average price for a main course is $25.
After lunch, it’s time to explore Downtown Montreal (Centre-Ville), the modern and commercial center of the city. You can take the metro from Place-d’Armes station to Peel station or walk for about 20 minutes along Rue Saint-Antoine West.
One of the main attractions in Downtown Montreal is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts22, one of the largest and most prestigious museums in Canada. The museum has an impressive collection of over 40,000 artworks, ranging from ancient to contemporary, covering various genres and cultures. You can admire paintings by Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Warhol, and more.
The entrance fee to the museum is $23 per person for adults or $15 for students and seniors. You can also book a ticket online23 to skip the line. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays when it is closed.
Another attraction in Downtown Montreal is Rue Sherbrooke, one of the most elegant streets in the city. Along this street, you’ll find many luxury hotels, boutiques, galleries, and institutions, such as McGill University24, Canada’s oldest university. You’ll also find several public sculptures and monuments that add to the beauty of the street.
Evening: Shopping and Entertainment
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, head to Rue Sainte-Catherine25, the main shopping street in Montreal. Here you’ll find hundreds of stores, ranging from department stores like Hudson’s Bay26 and Simons27 to international brands like Zara28 and H&M29 to local designers like Frank And Oak
