Montreal 7 Day Itinerary

Montreal 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

  • Morning: Arrive in Montreal and check-in to your hotel or accommodation. Some popular options include:
    • Hotel Le Germain Montreal (luxury)
    • Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal (boutique)
    • Airbnb apartments in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood
  • Afternoon: Start your journey at Place des Festivals, a vibrant public square in the heart of downtown. Visit the nearby Notre-Dame Basilica, a beautiful Gothic Revival church.
  • Evening: Head to Rue Sainte-Catherine for dinner and shopping. Try L’Assommoir for traditional Quebecois cuisine or Café Vasco da Gama for a trendy vibe.

Day 2: Old Montreal and the Waterfront

  • Morning: Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), a historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Visit Place Royale, where Montreal was founded in 1642.
  • Afternoon: Walk along the Lachine Canal and enjoy the waterfront views. Stop by Marché des Éclusiers for some local shopping and snacks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.

Day 3: Mont Royal Park and the Plateau

  • Morning: Hike up Mont Royal, the mountain that gives Montreal its name. The park offers beautiful views of the city and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and multicultural restaurants. Visit L’Église Saint-Enfant-Jésus du Mile-End, a beautiful church with stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Evening: Try ** Beautys Luncheonette**, a popular spot for brunch and comfort food.

Day 4: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), one of Canada’s oldest and most prominent art museums.
  • Afternoon: Explore the McCord Museum, which showcases Canadian history and culture. The museum is located in a beautiful heritage building.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Europea, a restaurant serving contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

Day 5: Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

  • Morning: Visit Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest public markets in North America. Sample local specialties like Quebecois cheeses, meats, and pastries.
  • Afternoon: Explore Little Italy (Petite Italie), a charming neighborhood with Italian restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visit Parc Dante, a beautiful park dedicated to the famous Italian poet.
  • Evening: Try Impasto, a popular spot for Italian cuisine.

Day 6: Olympic Park and the Botanical Garden

  • Morning: Visit Olympic Park (Parc Olympique), built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Take a guided tour of the stadium and tower.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Montréal), one of the largest and most beautiful in the world.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Au Pied de Cochon, a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a neighborhood you haven’t had a chance to visit yet.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head home.

Things to Know

  • Montreal is predominantly French-speaking, but many residents are bilingual. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions in English.
  • The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and hosts several pride events throughout the year.
  • Tipping is customary in Canada, with 15% to 20% being standard.

Transportation

  • Metro: Montreal’s metro system is efficient and easy to navigate. Buy an OPUS card for convenient travel.
  • Bus: The bus network covers areas not reached by the metro. You can also use your OPUS card on buses.
  • Bixi: Montreal has a bike-sharing system called Bixi. It’s a great way to explore the city during the warmer months.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather, with layers and waterproof gear.
  • Learn some basic French phrases to show respect for the local culture.
  • Explore neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and street art.
  • Don’t miss the Fireworks Festival (L’International des Feux Loto-Québec) during the summer months.

Other Things of Interest

  • Casino de Montréal: A popular spot for gaming, dining, and entertainment.
  • Underground City (RÉSO): A network of interconnected shops, restaurants, and metro stations that allow you to navigate the city without braving the elements.
  • Festivals: Montreal hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Osheaga, Just for Laughs, and Francofolies.