Montreal 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old Montreal and the Waterfront

Morning

  • Start your day at Café Olimpico (124 Rue Saint-Viateur O) for a delicious breakfast and a taste of Italian coffee culture.
  • Visit Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Rue Notre-Dame O), a beautiful Gothic Revival church with stunning stained-glass windows.

Afternoon

  • Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and admire the historic architecture.
  • Stop by Place Royale, a public square that marks the site where French colonist Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve founded the city in 1642.
  • Take a stroll along the Saint Lawrence River waterfront, offering beautiful views of the city skyline.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle), a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.
  • End your night with a scenic sunset view from the rooftop bar Sir Winston Churchill Pub Complex (1455 Crescent St).

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Nelligan (106 Rue Saint-Paul O), a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Montreal.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation: take metro line 2 to Square Victoria-OACI station, and then walk to your destinations.
  • Alternatively, hail a taxi or use ride-hailing services like Uber.

Tips

  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
  • Don’t miss the street performers and live music in Old Montreal.

Day 2: Discover Mont Royal and the Plateau

Morning

  • Hike up Mont Royal, the mountain that gives Montreal its name. Take the easy-to-moderate Oliver’s Hill Trail for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Visit the Smith House, a historic farmhouse turned café, for a snack or light meal.

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its street art, eclectic shops, and multicultural atmosphere.
  • Stop by Jean-Talon Market (7070 Henri Bourassa Blvd E), a bustling marketplace offering local produce, meats, and specialty foods.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Liverpool House (2501 Rue Notre-Dame O), a cozy restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Catch a live music or comedy show at Casa del Popolo (4873 Saint-Laurent Blvd), a popular venue in the heart of the Plateau.

Accommodation

  • Continue your stay at Hotel Nelligan, conveniently located near the metro and Old Montreal.

Transportation

  • Take metro line 1 to Mont-Royal station, and then bus 11 or 160 to access Mont Royal Park.
  • Alternatively, use a ride-hailing service or taxi.

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for your hike up Mont Royal.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions on the mountain.

Day 3: Visit Museums and Explore Downtown

Morning

  • Visit the McCord Museum (690 Rue Sherbrooke O), featuring a diverse collection of Canadian art, history, and culture.
  • Stop by the nearby Place des Festivals, a vibrant public square that hosts various festivals throughout the year.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Underground City (RÉSO), a network of interconnected shops, restaurants, and metro stations.
  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (185 Sainte-Catherine St W), showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Europea (1227 Rue de la Montagne), a sophisticated restaurant serving refined French-Canadian cuisine.
  • End your night with a visit to the Quartier des Spectacles, a lively entertainment district offering various bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Accommodation

  • Continue your stay at Hotel Nelligan or explore other options in downtown Montreal.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation: take metro line 1 to Peel station for access to the McCord Museum and Place des Festivals.
  • Alternatively, hail a taxi or use ride-hailing services like Uber.

Tips

  • Plan your museum visits according to their opening hours and any special exhibitions.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the Underground City.

Additional Information

  • Language: While many Montrealers are bilingual, French is the predominant language. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions in English.
  • Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the local currency. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted.
  • Weather: Montreal’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and be prepared for rain showers.
  • Safety: Montreal is generally a safe city. Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Bon voyage et à bientôt à Montréal!