Montreal, Canada-3-day-itinerary

Montreal 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Montreal

Morning

  • Start your day at Café Olimpico (1216 Rue Bernard) for a delicious breakfast and a taste of Italian coffee culture.
  • Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest), a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Afternoon

  • Walk to Place des Arts (175 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest), a popular public square surrounded by shopping and dining options.
  • Explore the Underground City (RÉSO), a network of interconnected shops, restaurants, and metro stations.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Toqué! (900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle), a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebec cuisine.
  • Stay at Hotel Le Germain Montreal (2050 Rue Mansfield), a luxurious boutique hotel with modern amenities.

Day 2: Discover Mont Royal and the Plateau

Morning

  • Hike up Mont Royal, a scenic park with stunning views of the city. Accessible by bus or taxi.
  • Visit the Jean-Talon Market (7070 Avenue Henri Bourassa), a bustling marketplace offering local produce, meats, and specialty goods.

Afternoon

  • Explore the trendy Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its street art, eclectic shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Stop by Schwartz’s Deli (3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent), a legendary deli serving classic Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches.

Evening

  • Dine at L’Assommoir (414 Rue Saint-Sulpice), a cozy restaurant offering traditional Quebecois cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Stay at Auberge du Carré St-Louis (1361 Rue Saint-Elisabeth), a charming boutique hotel with elegant rooms.

Day 3: Visit Old Montreal and the Waterfront

Morning

  • Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), exploring historic buildings, shops, and cafes.
  • Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum (350 Place Royale), a museum showcasing Montreal’s history and archaeology.

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll along the Old Port (Vieux-Port), a scenic waterfront area with street performers, food vendors, and beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River.
  • Rent a bike and ride along the Lachine Canal, a picturesque waterway with a rich industrial history.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Garde-Manger (408 Rue Saint-François-Xavier), a seafood restaurant from celebrity chef Chuck Hughes.
  • Return to your accommodation or explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Things to Know

  • Montreal is predominantly French-speaking, but many locals also speak English. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or directions.
  • The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and metro lines. You can purchase an OPUS card for convenient travel.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in the service industry (15%-20%).
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with layers and waterproof gear.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Take a guided tour to explore Montreal’s street art scene or learn about its rich history.
  • Visit during one of Montreal’s many festivals, such as Osheaga (music) or Just for Laughs (comedy).
  • Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.
  • Don’t miss trying some of Montreal’s famous foods, like poutine, bagels, or smoked meat sandwiches.