How Many Days in Montreal is Enough? All You Need to Know, the Perfect Montreal Itinerary & More
Are you looking to plan the perfect Montreal itinerary and are wondering how many days in Montreal is enough? This is a great question and the answer will vary based on what you’re hoping to do in the city.
In short, 3 days in Montreal is usually enough (although you can easily spend more time in the city than this). But, if this many days doesn’t fit your Montreal itinerary, don’t worry as there’s still plenty you can see and do in less time!
How do I know? I’ve visited Montreal multiple times, so I have a good sense for how much time you need to properly explore the city. And to help you plan your trip, I have put together everything you need to know to decide how many days in Montreal is enough, and what to do during this time.
How Many Days in Montreal is Enough?
Montreal is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a European feel and long history. It’s a wonderful city to visit in Canada. Known for it’s picturesque old town, diverse food scene, art and culture, and endless hidden gems, there’s a lot to enjoy in the city!
From my experience, how much time you will want to spend in Montreal really depends on how much you’re looking to do. There’s actually so much to see and do in the city, so you could easily spend a whole week there.
Based on my own time in Montreal, and what I know travellers are usually looking for when visiting, I recommend 3 days as the ideal amount of time to spend in Montreal. But, if you don’t have this many days to spend, don’t worry, as 2 days in Montreal is enough time to experience the best of the city.
Or, if you have more time to spare in your itinerary, there are also plenty of things to keep you entertained in Montreal for 4 to 5 days. So you definitely won’t find yourself getting bored here if you’re looking to stay a bit longer.
Despite its size, Montreal is a relatively compact city. So it’s easy to navigate and get around to see all the key sites, meaning you can see a lot in a short space of time.
In a couple of days you’ll be able to visit the most popular attractions like Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. And you’ll have enough time to enjoy some of the city’s best food and entertainment.
READ MORE: 15 Best Reasons To Visit Montreal
Montreal Itinerary – 2 to 3 Days
To help you plan your trip to Montreal, I have put together an itinerary which includes all of the city’s best activities for visitors.
This itinerary is designed for you to see and experience as much as possible in 2 to 3 days in Montreal. The first 2 days are packed full of Montreal’s key attractions. So don’t worry if you have to skip day 3 of the itinerary, as you will still have a great time!
And, in case you’re planning to stay in Montreal a bit longer, I have also included some suggestions for what to do on days 4 and 5 of your trip.
Day 1 – Old Montreal & Downtown
Morning
Explore Old Montreal
The best way to start your trip is with a visit to Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal). Boasting one of the largest collections of historic buildings in Canada, Old Montreal provides a journey through time, with some structures dating back to the 18th century.
You will forget you’re in North America as you wander through European-style cobblestone streets filled with sidewalk patios, boutique stores and hidden alleyways.
Stop at one of the many quaint cafés to grab a light breakfast and coffee. As Montreal is a French-influenced city, I recommend indulging in an authentic croissant or brioche for the full French experience.
Visit Key Attractions
Then, you will want to visit the key attractions in Old Montreal, including the Place d’Armes, where you will find the 19th-century Banque de Montréal and Notre-Dame Basilica, Canada’s first Gothic Revival style church. You can pay to go inside this impressive church, which is well worth the $14 CAD entry fee, to see the interior’s mesmerizing blue-lit sanctuary.
Some other historic sites worth seeing are the Palais de Justice, Hôtel de Ville, Château Ramezay and Place Jacques-Cartier.
➡️ Tip: To make the most of your time in Old Montreal, and learn more about its history, book a Guided Walking Tour!
Lunchtime
Place Jaques-Cartier
After exploring all morning, take a break to have some lunch on one of the patios at Place Jacques-Cartier. In the summer, the tree-lined terrace at Jardin Nelson is one of the best spots overlooking the plaza. From here you will be able to see street performers and people watch while you enjoy your lunch in a serene setting.
Or, for a quick bite, stop off at one of the old town’s various crêperies, pizzerias or bakeries to grab something on the go.
Waterfront
Alternatively, you can also head down towards the waterfront, which has a range of high-end and casual restaurants. And, throughout the summer, you will find various street vendors and food festivals along the water. This is a great place to try some delicious street food!
Afternoon
Old Port of Montreal
Once you’ve had lunch, spend some time exploring the Old Port and waterfront area. There are several great activities to do along the water, including riding on La Grande Roue de Montréal (The Montreal ferris wheel), soaring above the Old Port on Canada’s biggest urban zipline, and ice skating at the Old Port Skating Rink next to the ferris wheel in winter.
And, to learn more about the history of Montreal, I would recommend visiting the Pointe-à-Callière Museum (Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History). Alternatively, the Montreal Science Centre is also located down at the waterfront and is a great place to explore with kids.
Rue Sainte-Catherine
Once you’ve finished exploring the Old Port of Montreal, wander up to Rue Sainte-Catherine to end your day by doing a spot of shopping. St-Catherine Street is Montreal’s main shopping district and you will find everything here, from the city’s largest shops and major malls, to designer boutiques and specialty stores.
➡️ BOOK: Tickets for the Montreal Ferris Wheel and Montreal Zipline Adventure
Evening
Crescent Street Nightlife
In the evening, make your way over to Crescent Street to experience Montreal’s famous nightlife. This area is full of restaurants, bars, clubs and discotheques, and is the place to go after dark in the city.
Visit a Comedy Club
Alternatively, if you’re not up for too big of a night out, then I would highly recommend checking out a comedy club.
Montreal is Canada’s comedy capital, and is the home of Just for Laughs – the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy festival. As such, the comedy scene in Montreal is hard to beat.
There are comedy shows every night of the week. Some of the city’s best comedy clubs are the Montreal Comedy Club, the ComedyVille Comedy Club, and 3rd Floor Comedy Club. And, don’t worry if you don’t speak French, as most comedy shows in Montreal are entirely in English.
I went to a comedy show last time I was in Montreal on a weeknight, so it wasn’t a very busy night out. But the show was still so funny and we had a really great time!
Day 2 – Mount Royal, The Plateau & Museums
Morning
St-Viateur Bagel & Café
Start your second day in Montreal with a Montreal-style bagel for breakfast from the iconic St-Viateur Bagel & Café Mont-Royal.
You can either grab a bagel to go, or dine in at this café-style bagel shop. They have a range of delicious bagel sandwiches on the menu. My favourite is the traditional (smoked salmon and cream cheese), and they also make a great breakfast sandwich!
Plateau Mont-Royal
Then, once you’re fuelled for the day ahead, spend some time exploring Plateau-Mont-Royal. Known as ‘the Plateau’ by locals, this is one of Montreal’s most vibrant, prettiest and hippest boroughs.
And it’s also one of the most photogenic areas in the city, with colourful murals, old-style masonry, cozy bookstores, unique galleries, and Montreal’s iconic iron staircases on the exterior of almost every residential building.
Some of the most notable spots to visit in the Plateau are the neighbourhood of Mile End to browse boutique stores and art galleries, St-Louis Square for it’s colourful Victorian houses, and St-Laurent Boulevard to see vibrant street art.
Lunchtime
Schwartz’s Deli
Once you’re done exploring, I would recommend making another food stop. This time, to try Montreal’s most famous smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli. Located on St-Laurent Boulevard, your sightseeing may have already brought you down this way. Although you won’t have to travel far to get here, you should be prepared to queue for your sandwich!
This famous deli always has a long line outside. But, don’t make the same mistake I did and wait unnecessarily. The long queue is actually for guests looking to dine in. If you’re getting a sandwich to go (which I would recommend), you can head straight inside to join a much quicker queue.
As you may not be hungry enough just yet, I would suggest taking your sandwich with you to enjoy a bit later at your next stop: Mount-Royal Park.
Mount-Royal Park
This 200-hectare park is one of Montreal’s biggest green spaces. And the Mount-Royal hill at its centre is a beloved local landmark. And the best part about it is the views of the city from the top!
The best way to get to the lookout at the top is by hiking or walking up. There’s an easy trail which winds around the hill, or a slightly more challenging one which involves a lot of stairs. We did the stairs and didn’t find them too difficult. Plus, this trail gets you to the top the quickest, in around 30 minutes.
Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the hike, you can also drive or get a bus to the top of Mount-Royal.
At the top, you will be treated to panoramic views of Montreal, as well as the Chalet du Mont-Royal. This is a beautiful French Beaux-Arts style building which features mural paintings depicting Montreal’s history, a gift shop and a café.
And the surrounding parkland is home to additional attractions such as the Mount Royal Cross, and various side trails which, in the winter, are popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
There’s also a picnic area at the top where you can relax and enjoy your now well-deserved sandwich!
Afternoon
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
Once you’ve refuelled and finished enjoying the views of Montreal from the top, it’s time to make your way down to your next stop, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal.
If you still have the energy to get some more steps in, it’s a very beautiful walk through the park to Saint Joseph’s. But, if you’ve had enough walking for one day then you can get a bus from the top of the hill instead.
If you do choose to walk, instead of going back the way you came, take the trail down the other side of Mount-Royal, heading through the park and past Beaver Lake at the bottom of the hill. The walk to Saint Joseph’s should take you around 45-60 minutes.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory is the largest church in Canada and one of the world’s most visited pilgrimage sites. This is an impressive building surrounded by beautiful gardens which are also worth taking some time to explore.
The Museum Quarter
Then, final item on the agenda for the afternoon is to visit Montreal’s museum quarter. Also known as ‘The Golden Square Mile’, this is Montreal’s glitziest area, which is full of spectacular Victorian mansions and was once home to Canada’s wealthiest families.
You can get here from Saint Joseph’s in under 15 minutes by taking the 165 or 166 bus.
Three of the most significant museums worth visiting are The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the McCord Museum (for social history), and the Redpath Museum (for natural history). These three museums are all located within a few hundred metres of each other. So, depending how much time you have left in the afternoon, you could visit more than one.
However, if you only have a couple of hours left in the day, I would suggest choosing the one museum which interests you most, so you’re not rushed and can get the most out of your visit.
Out of these three museums, I would recommend the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a comprehensive collection of around 43,000 works of Canadian and international art, design and antiquities.
Note – Some museums are closed on Mondays. And, From January 2024, the Redpath Museum will be closed for 2 years while it undergoes renovations.
Evening
Traditional French Dinner
After such a big day of exploring, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite!
Given Montreal’s huge French influence, one of the best things to do in the city is to indulge with a classic French dinner.
There are plenty of great restaurants across the city offering typical French fare. My favourite is L’Express on Rue Saint-Denis. This is a traditional Parisian-style brasserie which has been an institution in Montreal for over 30 years.
Some other notable French restaurants in Montreal include Monarque, Holder, Leméac, La Pegase, Maison Boulud and Au Pied de Cochon. Although the list really is endless, so you won’t struggle to find some great French food in the city.
Tip: Montreal has quite a few BYOB restaurants. So check in advance if you should be bringing your own wine!
Day 3 – Olympic Park & Markets
Morning
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Neighbourhood
Today you’ll be making your way out to Montreal’s Olympic Park. You can easily get here by taking the Green Metro line to Pie-IX station. Depending on where you’re staying in Montreal, the ride should only take 5-15 minutes. Alternatively, there are also several bus routes heading in that direction.
Before starting your day at Olympic Park, I recommend venturing into the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood, to grab some breakfast and visit the Maisonneuve Market. This is a small farmers market located in a historic building, with several vendors selling local produce, including a bakery where you can grab a coffee and a pastry.
Or, if you prefer to sit down for a heartier meal, there are some excellent breakfast spots nearby. In particular, L’Oeufrier serves all-day breakfast, and Canard Café is a charming little coffee shop with excellent coffee and delicious low-key breakfast options.
Or, if after all the walking yesterday you just want to take it easy, skip visiting this neighbourhood and head straight to Olympic Park. There is also a small eatery located inside the Olympic Stadium where you can grab some food.
Olympic Stadium
After breakfast, head back to the Olympic Stadium, which is considered a masterpiece of Organic Modern architecture.
Originally built for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, this was the games’ main stadium. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as various sporting events such as the athletics, equestrian events, and football finals.
Today, the stadium is the largest covered amphitheatre in Québec, accommodating up to 60,000 spectators and hosting sporting events, concerts, shows and exhibitions.
One of the highlights of the stadium is the Montréal Tower, which is the world’s tallest inclined tower and hovers above the stadium.
Note – In previous years it has been possible to take a glass-encased funicular to the top of the tower for breathtaking views. However, the tower is currently closed for renovations and is set to reopen in early 2025.
Although you can’t currently tour the tower and the stadium, this impressive building is still worth marvelling at from the outside. And, in the summer months, The Esplanade next to the stadium often hosts concerts, food festivals and markets. So, you may stumble upon some fun free events here!
Montreal Botanical Garden
Next, make your way to the middle of Olympic Park where you will find the Montreal Botanical Garden.
Here, you will be able to see a collection of over 22,000 plant varieties across 75-hectares of green space, including 30 thematic gardens and 10 exhibition greenhouses. There are also three beautiful cultural gardens to explore: the First Nations Garden, Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden.
Plus, due to its various indoor spaces, Montreal’s Botanical Garden is a great place to visit at any time of year!
And, if you have kids, consider visiting the adjoining Montreal Insectarium, which is one of the largest insect museums in North America.
Lunchtime
Montreal Biodome
Once you’ve finished exploring the gardens, make your way to the Montreal Biodome, which is next to the Olympic Stadium.
You may be hungry by this point so you can grab a snack at the Biodome’s onsite restaurant, Espace Vego. This is a vegetarian cafeteria which is fine for a light bite, but it’s not the best food you’ll sample in Montreal. However, as there are limited food choices at Olympic Park, it’s a good spot to grab something small to keep you going.
The Montreal Biodome is a fascinating facility where visitors can explore five distinct ecosystems under one roof: the Tropical Rainforest, Laurentian Maple Forest, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Labrador Coast, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
The Biodome’s immersive experience is a unique cross between a natural history museum, a botanical garden and a zoo.
With over 800 plant species and more than 2,500 animals – including penguins and monkeys – it’s a place of wonder, environmental commitment and learning, and is a great attraction for visitors of all ages.
Planetarium
If you haven’t yet had enough of a science fix, the neighbouring Montreal Planetarium is another great place to spend a couple of hours. The centre offers an innovative astronomy experience through cutting-edge technology, immersive theatres and a range of cosmic exhibitions.
Note – If you want to visit multiple attractions at Olympic Park, the cheapest way is to buy an Espace Pour La Vie Pass which gives you access to the Biodome, Planetarium, Insectarium and Botanical Garden (as well as the Biosphere located at Parc Jean-Drapeau).
Afternoon
Jean Talon Market
Once you’ve finished at Olympic Park, make your way over to the Little Italy neighbourhood, to visit the Jean Talon Market. You can get here by taking the green and orange Metro lines, or by bus.
The Jean Talon Market is Montreal’s biggest and best public market, and is one of the oldest open-air markets in North America. If you’re going to visit just one market in Montreal, this is the one!
And, if you truly want to discover the best of the market, including farm-to-table produce, Canadian specialties and local favourites, I recommend taking the Beyond the Market Food Tour.
Jean Talon Market is a vibrant and bustling feast for the senses, as well as a foodie’s paradise. It’s the cornerstone of the Montreal food scene, with an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and diverse specialty foods.
From colourful fruits and vegetable stalls to the freshly baked goods and endless varieties of cheeses, meats and fish, the market immerses visitors in the heart of Montreal’s gastronomic culture. It’s not just a market; it’s an experience that allows you to taste the essence of the city, showcasing Montreal’s rich culinary tapestry.
The market is open until 6pm daily, except for Sundays when it closes at 5pm. So make sure you plan around this to ensure you get here with enough time to browse and enjoy some of Montreal’s best foods!
➡️ BOOK: Beyond the Market Food Tour in Montreal
Evening
See a Show
If you’re staying in Montreal for another night, I recommend seeing a show. And there are various bars and restaurants in the vicinity of most theatres in Montreal. So, if you’re hungry, you can grab a quick bite to eat near the venue, before or after the show.
As a very artistic city and a cultural melting pot, Montreal is always hosting amazing concerts, theatre productions and other performances.
In particular, I would recommend checking out the symphony Orchestra of Montreal, the Opéra de Montréal, and the Place des Arts.
Or, on the Montreal Theatre website you can browse a wide range of shows in Montreal, including musicals, concerts, dance performances and stand-up comedy.
But make sure to book your tickets in advance, as these shows do sell out!
Additional Days in Montreal
If you’re spending a few more days in Montreal, you won’t get bored, as there is still so much to see and do in and around the city.
Here are my top picks for things to do if you have more time in Montreal:
Bike Tour of the City
Montreal is a very bike friendly city. So, another great way to explore is by biking around. And, to see and learn as much as possible, I would recommend taking a guided Montreal city bike tour.
Take a Day Trip to Quebec City
If you aren’t planning a separate trip to Quebec City, then I would highly recommend taking a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal.
It takes around 3 hours to get there and back, so this will be a long day, but it’s a beautiful city to visit and is worth the effort. To make things as easy for yourself as possible, consider booking the day trip as part of a tour. This way, the transport and all the logistics will be taken care of for you.
Visit Park Jean Drapeau
Located in the middle of the St-Lawrence River, Parc Jean Drapeau covers 209 hectares across two islands.
This is a beautiful green space with year round activities including hiking and biking trails, public art, the Montreal Biosphere, an aquatic complex, and iceskating, sledding and snowshoeing in winter.
Although the park truly comes alive in the summer with festivals, beaches, paddle sports, light shows, and the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix which is held here annually.
See a Hockey Game
Seeing an ice hockey game is a quintessential experience to have when visiting Canada. The whole country loves hockey, and Montreal is no exception.
The local hockey team is the Montreal Canadiens (also known as the ‘Habs’). And if the timing is right during your visit to Montreal, you can get tickets to see them play at the Bell Centre. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, it’s worth going to experience the atmosphere, the venue and the passionate fans.
Explore More of Montreal’s Food Scene
Montreal is Canada’s food capital, with everything from delicious sweet treats and baked goods, to classic French fare and Canada’s best comfort food. You will never run out of delicious food to try here!
The best way to experience as much of Montreal’s food scene as possible is by taking a food tour. Two of the most highly rated tours you can book are this Private walking food tour, and this Old Montreal food and drink tour.
And if you want to explore more of Montreal’s food scene on your own, check out my post about the best foods in Montreal.
Explore Atwater Market
If you enjoyed Jean Talon Market, another market worth visiting in Montreal is Atwater Market.
Not only does it have an array of fresh, gourmet and hard-to-find products, but it’s also housed in a unique Art Deco-style building along the Lachine Canal. As such, it’s considered one of Montreal’s architectural gems.
In addition to the produce vendors, you will also find a restaurant area. And, the market hosts regular events such as cocktail hours, food tastings, and festivals.
Helicopter Tour Over the City
If you’re looking for a completely different perspective of Montreal, you can take a helicopter tour over the city!
With unparalleled views of downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, the Olympic Stadium and more, this is a unique and memorable way to see Montreal.
Visit More Museums
Although you’ve probably already visited one or more museums in Montreal by this point, if you have some extra time in the city, it’s definitely worth trying to get to more of them.
Montreal has so many fantastic museums to suit different interests. The top ones you should make sure to visit if you have the time are The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Bank of Montreal Museum, Pointe-à-Callière (the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History), the McCord Museum, the Redpath Museum, the Biosphere and the Biodome.
Relax at Parc La Fontaine
Another stunning park to check out in Montreal is Parc La Fontaine in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. The park is one of the most picturesque green spaces in Montreal with a large pond and fountain at its centre.
It’s a beautiful space where locals come together to make use of the sporting facilities, have picnics and relax on the grass. The park also hosts free shows at its amphitheatre throughout the warmer months, and has a skating rink in the winter.
If you’re looking for some downtime while in Montreal, this is a great place to come to!
➡️ Browse More Montreal Activities & Experiences
Where to Stay in Montreal
Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in Montreal depends on your budget and interests. But, generally, you should try to stay as close to downtown as possible. Here are my recommendations:
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
If you love history and want to be immersed in European architecture, culture and atmosphere, Old Montreal is a great choice. There are a range of boutique and high-end hotels that capture the area’s historic charm. One of the most beautiful and highly-rated hotels in the old town is Hotel Gault on Rue Sainte-Helène.
Downtown Montreal
For a central location with easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural attractions, consider staying in the downtown area. You’ll find a range of hotels, from luxury options to more budget-friendly choices.
I suggest checking out Hotel Bonaventure Montreal. It’s centrally located and close to all the main attractions. But it also provides some tranquility in the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens and with a year-round rooftop pool and terrace!
Plateau-Mont-Royal
This trendy and artistic neighbourhood is known for its vibrant street life, unique shops, and diverse dining options. It’s a great choice if you want to experience Montreal’s hippest neighbourhood.
There are accommodation options to suit all types of travellers in this area. The Auberge du Plateau in the Plateau is one of Montreal’s best hostels and is a great budget-friendly option.
Outside the City Centre
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, accommodation prices generally get cheaper the further from downtown you go. Luckily, Montreal has an efficient public transportation system. So, even if you don’t stay right in the heart of the action, you will still be able to easily get around the city.
How to Get Around Montreal
There are a few different transport options in Montreal. Here are the best ways to get around:
- Walking: Many of Montreal’s attractions are located close to each other, especially in areas like Old Montreal and downtown. Plus, walking is the best way to explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, parks, and streets.
- Public Transit (STM): Montreal has an extensive and reliable public transit system operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). This includes buses and the Metro (subway) system. The metro is particularly convenient for travelling to areas a little further away, like Olympic Park.
- Biking: Montreal is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike paths and BIXI, a bike-sharing program. You can easily rent a bike and explore various neighbourhoods and parks by bike. Or take a guided Montreal bike tour!
- Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis are readily available in Montreal, and ridesharing services like Uber operate in the city. They are convenient for reaching specific destinations or when you prefer a more direct route. However, traffic in the city can get pretty bad. So always leave yourself plenty of time when travelling by car in Montreal.
- Car Rentals: While there is an efficient public transportation system, renting a car in Montreal can be a good option if you plan to explore areas outside the city or have specific destinations in mind. Keep in mind that traffic and parking can be challenging, especially in the downtown area.
- Electric Scooters: Depending on the time of year, electric scooters may be available to rent for short trips around the city.
When is the Best Time to Visit Montreal?
Overall, summer is considered the best time to visit Montreal. This is when the city truly comes to life, there are tons of festivals and events, and the warm weather is great for sightseeing.
However, the best time to visit Montreal really depends on your preferences and what type of activities you’re looking to do. Here are some considerations for different seasons:
- Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit Montreal, which means it’s also the busiest time. The weather is generally warm, and numerous festivals take place during this season, including the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs comedy festival. This is the best time of year for outdoor activities and events, and exploring the city’s parks.
- Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler, temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in parks like Mount Royal and Parc Jean-Drapeau. The city is less crowded compared to the summer months, and you can experience the vibrant colours of autumn around the city. This is also a great time for sightseeing as the temperatures are more comfortable than in the summer.
- Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports and activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and Christmas festivities, visiting Montreal in winter can be delightful. The city transforms with holiday decorations, and you can experience the unique charm of Old Montreal covered in snow.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a transitional season with milder temperatures and the city’s green spaces start coming to life again. It’s a good time to explore the city before the summer crowds hit and at off-season prices. Although Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable in spring, so it’s advisable to come prepared for every season!
Montreal FAQs
To further help you plan your trip to Montreal, here are answers to some more frequently asked questions.
Is 3 days enough in Montreal?
Yes, 3 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Montreal! You will be able to see all the key sites and attractions in this time, without having to rush. The itinerary which I laid out earlier in this post provides for the perfect way to spend 3 days in Montreal.
Is 2 days enough in Montreal?
2 days is enough time in Montreal, but it’s probably the minimum amount of time you would want to spend there. As the city is relatively compact, you can easily get around and see the key sites in just 2 days. But if you’re interested in doing additional activities in the city, I would suggest adding an extra 1-2 days to your itinerary, if you have the time.
How many days to spend in Montreal vs Quebec City?
Both Montreal and Quebec City have plenty of beautiful sites and interesting attractions to see. However, Quebec City is much smaller than Montreal, so you don’t need as much time there to properly explore the city.
In fact, you could even see all of Quebec City’s main tourist attractions in just one day! Therefore, I would recommend spending 2 days in Quebec City and 3-4 days in Montreal.
Which is better to visit, Montreal or Quebec City?
Both Montreal and Quebec City are fantastic destinations and each offer a unique experience. Which one is better really depends on what you’re looking for.
Montreal is a diverse and cosmopolitan city full of vibrant art and culture. It has a lot of European flair, as well as an excellent food and entertainment scene. And it hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year.
Plus, Montreal has a really unique blend of modern architecture and historic charm. So it’s the better city to visit if you want to experience the best of both worlds.
Quebec City has even more historic charm and French influence than Montreal. In particular, it has an extremely well-preserved old town, stunning architecture (including the Château Frontenac) and a smaller and more intimate feel. Therefore, Quebec City is the better choice if you’re looking for a true European experience and aren’t as concerned about other entertainment options.
Or, instead of choosing one, why not see both by booking a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal!
Should I go to Montreal if I don’t speak French?
Yes, absolutely! Although Montreal is primarily a French speaking city, Canada is a bilingual country, so all the information and services in Montreal will be in both French and English. And, many Montreal locals also speak English.
Every time I’m in Montreal, I’m always surprised to find so much English being spoken!
Is Montreal a walkable city?
Yes, Montreal is a very walkable city! It has a lot of pedestrian friendly areas, including car-free zones, parks and well-maintained sidewalks. And, in case there’s anywhere you can’t reach on foot, the city also has an excellent public transit system, and lots of bike paths, taxis and rideshare options.
How much spending money do you need for Montreal?
How much spending money you need for Montreal will really depend on what you’re looking to do there.
Last time I visited Montreal I was quite surprised by how expensive things had become. An Uber ride to and from the airport was upwards of $50 CAD each way. And eating out was was much more expensive than I remembered. A sandwich and coffee for lunch cost around $20 per person, and a 2-course dinner with wine at a mid-range restaurant cost around $80 per person.
If you’re planning to stick to mostly free attractions, cheaper food options, and public transit or walking to get around, I would recommend budgeting around $80-100 spending money per person, per day.
Whereas, if you plan to dine out each night, buy tickets to attractions or shows, and use taxis or rideshares to get around, I would recommend budgeting around $200 per person, per day. And keep in mind, if you’re planning to do some shopping, you might want to budget even more money than this!
How close is Montreal to Quebec City?
Montreal and Quebec City are relatively close to each other, by Canadian standards at least! Quebec City is about 158 miles (254 kms) away from Montreal. It takes around 3 hours to drive between the two cities, or 3 hours and 30 minutes by train.
Can you do a day trip to Quebec City from Montreal?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to visit Quebec City from Montreal just for the day. This will be a long day, as the drive is around 3 hours each way. But it will be worth it and this is a great option if you don’t have more time to spend.
The best way to visit Quebec City in one day is by booking a day tour. This will make things easier for you as most tours include transport, so you can relax during the drive. And the itinerary and activities will all be taken care of for you, to ensure you get to see all the key sites in the time you have.
Is it worth going to Montreal?
Montreal is absolutely a city worth going to! It is such a diverse city with fascinating history, beautiful architecture, a European feel and plenty of amazing food, attractions and entertainment. To find out more, read my post about whether Montreal is worth visiting!
What is Montreal famous for?
Montreal is most famous for being the largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris! It’s also Canada’s second-largest city, and is known for having a unique mix of North American and European architecture and culture, a beautiful old town, and an excellent food and entertainment scene.
Which is better to visit, Montreal or Toronto?
Montreal and Toronto are both amazing cities to visit and each offer different experiences. Therefore, which one is better will really depend on your interests.
You can read more about why Toronto is worth visiting here, and why Montreal is worth visiting here, so you can make your own mind up about which city to visit first!
Final Thoughts on How Many Days in Montreal is Enough
So, how many days in Montreal is enough? This really will vary on what you’re looking to do. But, for most travellers, 3 days in Montreal will be enough.
Although, don’t let this put you off visiting Montreal if you have less time. Since the city is compact and easy to navigate, you will still be able to see the main sites in just a couple of days.
And, if you’re lucky enough to have more days to spend exploring this city, you won’t struggle to find things to keep you busy. With amazing history, food, art, parks, museums, nightlife, shopping and more, there’s always something to see and do in Montreal!
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