When first-time visitors to Canada ask me what city to visit first, my answer is always the same: Montreal. After traveling to Quebec’s largest city every year or two over the last two decades, I’ve come to know nearly every corner of its city centre, from Old Montreal and Downtown to Mile End in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and La Petite-Patrie. Every time I visit, I always discover new shops, cafes, restaurants, street art, and historic buildings to explore, which keeps me coming back year after year.
With so many interesting spots at your fingertips, choosing what to see & do can be a challenge, especially if you only have one day in Montreal. Fortunately, Canada’s second-biggest city is a dream destination for first-time visitors. After spending several weekends here (most recently in late spring 2025), I’ve realized how easy it is to squeeze a ton of fantastic experiences into a tight schedule here.
Whenever I find myself in Montreal, I spend most of my time strolling its walkable streets, soaking up the city’s old Europe vibes and contemporary French-Canadian culture. I love popping my head into Gothic churches, European-style cafes, laid-back craft breweries, and tasty restaurants. (And if I’m lucky with the timing, sneaking in a comedy show, Cirque de Soleil performance, concert, or Habs game.)
Need help planning how to visit Montreal on a time crunch? Get started with this complete 1-day Montreal itinerary, including my recommendations for where to go, what to eat & drink, and where to stay…
Where to go in Montreal in one day
Start your day with fresh treats from Jean-Talon Market (Marché Jean-Talon)
If you’re an early riser, I don’t think there’s a better spot to start your first 24 hours in Montreal than at the Jean-Talon Market (Marché Jean-Talon).
It took me a few visits to the city to finally get up to this popular open-air market in the Little Italy area of La Petite-Patrie. Jean-Talon Market (7070 Henri Julien Ave) is a little bit of a ride from the downtown core, but with its abundance of local food options, I guarantee you’ll love roaming this iconic Montreal market!
The Jean-Talon Market opens at 7 am. It’s the perfect spot, in my opinion, to kill some time while we wait for the rest of the city to start waking up. (I’ve noticed on my visits to Montreal that a lot of the city centre attractions don’t start opening up until later in the morning.)
The market spans both an indoor and an outdoor space. On my first visit, I was amazed at the sheer number of stalls here. I was told by locals that about 300 vendors set up shop here during the peak seasons between May and October.
As I wandered through the market, I spotted every type of food imaginable, including meat, fish, cheese, snacks, baked goods, and more. In the upper part of the market near Place du Marché du Nord, there’s also a handful of restaurants and cafes.
If you’re visiting slightly later in the morning, I would recommend grabbing some fresh crepes on the terrace at La Crêperie du marché. Open since 2005, the creperie serves Quebec’s only gluten-free Breton-style crepes. They’re jam-packed with everything from savoury ingredients like Swiss cheese and ham to sweeter ones like caramel or fresh berries. (I dig both, but the savoury crepes I’ve eaten while in Montreal have always surprised me!)
After grabbing a snack from here (or at one of the many other vendors), let’s head back to the streets to prep for our next stop.
Fuel up around Place Jacques Cartier
Exiting Jean-Talon Market, walk northeast along Rue Jean-Talon Est to Jean-Talon Station. From here, it’s a short 10-minute ride on Line 2 (Orange) of the Montreal Metro to Champ-de-Mars Station.
The metro station is less than a 10-minute walk via the newly revitalized Champ-de-Mars to Place Jacques Cartier, the main square of historic Old Montreal.
Every time I visit Montreal, I always find myself wandering in & around this historic city square. Sure, it can feel a little touristy here at times. But with its beautiful 18th-century buildings—hiding restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and art galleries—I think it’s the perfect introduction to Old Montreal’s charms.
While there are some great restaurants on Place Jacques Cartier (like the leafy-green Jardin Nelson, which my girlfriend and I loved on our most recent trip to the city), most of them are better options for lunch or dinner than a morning coffee and snack.
Instead, take the small alley off the square (Rue Saint-Amable) and walk down to Rue Saint-Vincent to check out the Café Olimpico (419 R. Saint-Vincent). This old-school cafe in the heart of Old Montreal serves up authentic Italian-style coffee that’s perfect for a morning kick.
If you like your morning coffee strong, I’d suggest sipping on their espresso, which is dark and rich with the perfect crema. Or, for more of a sweet kick, launch your day with a pistachio affogato. (Oh, and for pistachio lovers, I’ve got a doozy of a recommendation coming up later in the itinerary; stay tuned!)
For take-away coffee in the area, I’d also recommend checking out the Hectare Café (160 Notre-Dame St E). During my latest trip to Montreal, my girlfriend and I were both totally charmed by this little local spot. Their coffee, brewed with craft-roasted Jamaican coffee beans, was among the finest we tried in the neighborhood.
(If you were in the mood for more lunch-like food, I’d also vouch for the Hectare Café’s tasty Jamaican patties. They’re extra savoury and perfectly flaky without being too dry or crispy.)
Take a stroll along the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port de Montréal)
From Place Jacques Cartier, it’s a quick walk east to one of Montreal’s other major tourist destinations: the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port de Montréal).
The Old Port of Montreal covers about two kilometres of shoreline along the St. Lawrence River. Once a major port for trading, this historic riverside area is now chock-full of historic sites, family-friendly activities, and fun attractions. Alongside the port, we’ll also spot several market stalls selling souvenirs, gifts, ice cream, and snacks.
Every time I visit Montreal, I make a point to venture down to the Old Port to soak up the atmosphere. Sure, it feels a little kitschy at times, but I always find something to see & do whenever I stroll around here. (It’s an especially great spot if you’re traveling as a family or on a romantic getaway.)
Whether you’re here with kids or your “better half,” I’d recommend a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal. When I took a ride on this 60-metre-high Ferris wheel on a trip a few years back, I couldn’t get enough of the spectacular 360-degree views over the St. Lawrence River and the city.
(One of my favorite views from here is to look north to see the historic Molson Brewery, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Montreal Clock Tower all at once.)
PRO TIP: I know we’re already down here, but it’s well worth returning to La Grande Roue de Montréal in the evening. In my experience, the views over the city from the Ferris wheel are at their finest under the glow of the bright city lights.
For a fun family adventure, take a swing at Voiles en Voiles, a small pirate-themed amusement park with a rope trekking course, climbing walls, and inflatable games. (I haven’t tried Voiles en Voiles myself yet, but judging by the screams and laughter I hear every time I’m down here, it sounds like it’s a hit with the little ones!)
Visiting on a rainy day? I’d suggest heading over to the Montreal Science Centre on King Edward Quay for a few hours of learning about science & technology through a variety of fun, interactive exhibits. The Montreal Science Centre is also home to the IMAX®TELUS Theatre, screening fun, educational films on a 7-storey screen with a whopping 32,000-watt sound system.
Or if history is more your family’s jam, pop down to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. Learn all about Montreal’s history, archeology, and heritage through exhibitions covering everything from pirates to the city’s pre-European foundations.
Wander around Old Montreal
Located west of the Old Port is the city’s most beautiful neighbourhood: Old Montreal (Vieux Montréal). No matter how many times I visit Montreal, I can never get enough of strolling around this lovely historic district. The area dates back to the 17th century, when it was settled by the French while establishing their New France colony in North America.
Whenever I walk around Old Montreal, I feel more like I’m hanging out in Belgium or France than in my home country of Canada. The 17th-century European-style architecture here is nothing short of spectacular. So, it’s hardly a surprise that it’s the most popular and charming neighbourhood for tourists to roam around.
Let’s start exploring Old Montreal by making our way back to Place Jacques-Cartier, the district’s main square. Near the bottom of Place Jacques-Cartier runs Rue Saint-Paul, Vieux Montreal’s main pedestrian street.
Head one block north on Rue Saint-Paul Est, and we’ll land at the Bonsecours Market. This landmark marketplace dates back to 1847 and is one of the city’s most beautiful heritage buildings.
Step inside the Bonsecours Market to explore the array of boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Last time I visited, in late spring 2025, I loved browsing the wide array of unique finds here, including eye-popping Native arts & artifacts and plenty of made-in-Quebec products like maple syrup, hot sauces, and local wine & spirits.
Need a refresher? Grab a coffee, tea, or smoothie at the Café des Arts / Galerie MAM, admiring works on the walls from local artists. (You can even buy one if a piece catches your eye.)
On my last visit to the market, I also really enjoyed stopping in for a pint at L’Annexe BreWskey. It’s one of three BreWskey locations at the Bonsecours Market. It’s set on a mezzanine with a window overlooking the brewery for a more “industrial” vibe than the pub and taproom next door.
As much as I savoured every drop of my NZ Mark IPA, there’s another reason I will undoubtedly return to L’Annexe BreWskey: the food. Walking up the stairs, I was immediately hit by the smell of barbecue. The bartender explained that they smoked their own meat right on site, heaping it onto sandwiches and, of course, poutine.
(And judging by how quickly the tables devoured their dishes, I sense it’ll be worth the effort on my next trip here!)
After exploring the Bonsecours Market, slip next door to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. This beautiful Catholic chapel dates back to 1771 and features a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.
While exploring Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel, carve out time to climb up the tower to the Belvédère to get dazzled by the gorgeous views over the Old Port, Downtown Montreal, and the surrounding historic district.
After visiting the chapel, spend a little bit of time wandering aimlessly around Old Montreal. Whenever I visit, one of my favorite things to do in Montreal is to pop my head into all the interesting shops, art galleries, cafes, and bakeries around the historic district. (There’s an approximately 100% chance ice cream will be involved.)
Once you’ve finished exploring Old Montreal, walk south along Rue Saint-Paul towards our next stop, which is yet another one of the city’s most beautiful buildings…
Step inside the intricately constructed Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
From Rue Saint-Paul, walk northwest up any one of the main streets to Rue Notre-Dame. Stroll southwest toward Place d’Armes, where we’ll find the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame).
Just before reaching the cathedral, stop in at the insanely popular Crêperie Maison Bagatelle (80 Notre-Dame St W). On our last trip to Montreal, my girlfriend and I absolutely loved their pistachio croissants. According to the barista, the pastry became an instant hit with locals after it was tested just a few months prior.
(We loved these pistachio croissants so much, we went out of the way to stop by again before departing. We even bought the pistachio spread to make our own at home!)
Even if you don’t stop in at the creperie for a snack or coffee, walking past will soon deposit you onto Place d’Armes, where you can’t help but see the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica.
Like so many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, it took me a couple of trips before I finally checked out this stunning cathedral completely.
Of course, the exterior of Notre-Dame Basilica always caught my eye since my first trip to Montreal over two decades ago. Its symmetrical Gothic Revival-style architecture reminds me of innumerable churches I visited in my many trips to Europe. But it wasn’t until I stepped inside that I truly appreciated this architectural masterpiece and iconic Canadian landmark.
The interior of Basilique Notre-Dame is incredibly detailed and absolutely stunning. As my eyes scanned the church’s massive main hall for the first time, I couldn’t stop staring at hundreds of intricate carvings and statues of important religious figures. They’re made even more intriguing by the light streaming in through the colourful stained-glass windows and domed stained-glass ceiling.
On your sightseeing visit to the Notre-Dame Basilica, I’d recommend waiting to take a free English tour. It’s included in the regular admission ($16) and will weave through the church’s rich history, explaining all its unique features.
Even better, in my opinion, is to add The AURA Experience by Moment Factory to your ticket. During the AURA Experience, you’ll get to, well, experience a magical light show. The dazzling display of light is projected onto the church’s walls and stained-glass windows, timed to a recorded orchestral performance featuring the church’s live organ. (Check tickets and prices here.)
PRO TIP: The AURA Experience has limited time slots, usually happening only 2-3 times per day. In any case, I would recommend arriving at the cathedral about 30 minutes before the start time. Photos and videos aren’t allowed during the show, but arriving early, you’ll be able to grab at least a few snapshots of the illuminated stations.
Take a walk in the Underground City
On a rainy day or in winter, my next recommendation will come in handy. It’s totally optional, though. If you’d prefer to stay above ground for the next leg of our journey.
Either way, from the cathedral, we’ll head southwest on Rue Notre-Dame en route to Victoria Square. On the way, we’ll pass by quite a few cute European-style cafes and trendy restaurants.
On our late-spring 2025 trip, my girlfriend and I loved the Turkish-style Katiza Café (216 Notre-Dame St W). We loved both the delicious Turkish pastries, including baklava and pistachio raspberry cookies, as well as the thick and woodsy Turkish coffee. (The elegant plateware and cutlery here also caught our eye.)
When we reach McGill Street, we’ll swing right and walk one block to Victoria Square. The small leafy park is named for its Monument to Queen Victoria. But, in my opinion, Victoria Square’s coolest feature is the Parisian Art Nouveau-style Metro Entrance on the other side of Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest.
Be sure to grab a selfie at the Metropolitan sign to trick your family & friends into thinking you’re in Paris!
Aside from this quirky photo op, I added Victoria Square to our itinerary for another reason: it’s one of the main entrances to the Underground City. This 33-kilometre-long subterranean network of tunnels and walkways under central Montreal links various shopping malls and buildings in the downtown area.
Major access points in the Underground City, known in French as RÉSO, include several hotels, the Complexe Desjardins shopping mall, Central Station, and Place Ville-Marie. (The latter being our next stop.)
After being rained out on day two of my last trip, I was thrilled to have the Underground City as an option for getting around Downtown Montreal. If the sun is shining and it’s warm outside, however, I’d give it a miss.
(After all, the Canadian summer is short; take advantage while you can!)
Gawk at the city from above from Place Ville-Marie
Whether you’ve decided to move on below the earth or at the street level, let’s continue our tour of Montreal in one day from above. Way above.
Once the tallest building in Canada, Place Ville-Marie is a must-see for first-time visitors who love checking out cities from a bird’s-eye view. Via either the Underground City or Beaver Hall Hill and René-Lévesque Boulevard West, the building is less than a 15-minute walk from Victoria Square.
Place Ville-Marie is a landmark shopping and office complex. The 188-metre-high building was completed in 1962, when Montreal was Canada’s largest city.
While we can find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes here, the main reason I added Place Ville-Marie to this Montreal travel plan was for its 46th-floor observation deck. Unfortunately, since we published our original article, the 360 Observatory has permanently closed.
Instead, head up to Sora 45, located on the 45th floor. Sip on Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Shogun, Samurai, or Ronin while soaking up beautiful views through the wide picture windows of the former observatory.
With beers starting at $9 and cocktails starting at $17, it’s even cheaper than the entrance fees at the former observation deck. (While getting to enjoy a great local signature cocktail!)
Grab drinks and dinner around Crescent Street or the Quartier des Spectacles
Depending on your preferences, we’ve got a couple of different options to end our tour of Montreal in 24 hours.
Less than 15 minutes on foot southwest of Place Ville-Marie via Mansfield Street and Saint-Catherine Street West lies Crescent Street. One of Downtown Montreal’s most popular nightlife areas, Crescent Street is one of my own favourites in the city. Every time I visit, I try to squeeze in a stop here to enjoy a pint or a meal on one of its beautiful Victorian-style terraces.
For a cheap and quick meal, I could never say no to Restaurant Boustan (2020A Crescent St). Their Lebanese-style shawarma is touted by locals and tourists alike as some of the tastiest in Quebec.
Along Crescent Street, I’d also recommend K2 Bistro (2045 Crescent St). Grab one of their sushi combo platters, mixing up maki rolls, sashimi, and nigiri for a price that I found quite reasonable for the area.
Alternatively, head northeast along Rue Sainte-Catherine to the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s main arts & entertainment district. The area centres around the Place de Arts, with Rue Sainte-Catherine (Saint Catherine Street) as its main drag.
Since my first visit to Montreal over 20 years ago, the Quartier des Spectacles has changed immensely. These days it’s—how shall I put it?—far less dodgy and far more family-friendly. (And I’d imagine it’s a welcome change for most locals and tourists alike.)
Last time I walked around the area, I was impressed with the excellent selection of restaurants. I loved devouring the deliciously umami tonkotsu ramen at Sansotei Ramen (370 Saint-Catherine St W) and the Mediterranean-inspired bites and cocktails at Le Balcon x Terrasse (463 Saint-Catherine St W).
For even more nightlife options, I always love inching over to the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter), located on the northern edge of the district. Centred around Rue Saint-Denis, the Latin Quarter is known for its terrace restaurants & bars that’ll make you swear you’ve been transported to the streets of Paris.
Where to stay with 24 hours in Montreal
Although it’s Canada’s second-biggest city, choosing where to stay in Montreal is often fairly simple. For travellers with a quick layover in Montreal, I’d recommend starting your accommodations search in the city centre areas.
Whenever I’m looking for hotels here, I’ve noticed that Old Montreal tends to be a little more expensive than Downtown Montreal. But as most of downtown is within walking distance of all of our recommended itinerary stops, I think it’s a fantastic option for a first-time stay in the city.
Hotel Epik Montreal
Occupying a historical building in Old Montreal, this lovely boutique hotel sits in one of the city’s best locations for sightseeing. I love the decor of this blissfully modern hotel, blending contemporary elements with classic European motifs. The terrace and common area are also perfect for relaxing after a long day out on the town.
Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Downtown
Although the prices have increased here since my first stay, this popular high-rise hotel still gets my vote as one of the better value accommodations in downtown. Besides the spacious rooms, I was a big fan of the hotel’s indoor rooftop pool and on-site restaurant, offering excellent views over Montreal’s financial district.
Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel
Located steps away from Place Ville-Marie, this hotel draws plenty of luxury-seeking guests thanks to its superb location. The rooms here are super stylish and spacious for Montreal standards. In a city somewhat short on high-flyin’ restaurant views, the rooftop bar is a brilliant perk.
W Montreal Hotel
Although I haven’t spent a night here yet, I’ve stayed in enough W properties around the world to know that this one would be well worth splurging on. This sleek 5-star luxury hotel is located in the former Banque du Canada building on Victoria Square. It charms with its eye-popping modern style and host of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness centre; several bars, restaurants & lounges; and a spa.
More Montreal itinerary ideas
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Got a little more time to explore? Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods I’ve stumbled upon in Montreal. Whenever I visit, I always make a point to head up here for a quick wander.
This ultra-liveable area is super charming for visitors. (In fact, if I ever moved to Montreal, this neighbourhood would be exactly where I’d want to hang my hat!)
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal teems with colourful historic townhouses, beset by wrought-iron staircases and terraces that give it more than a splash of European appeal. On my visits, I’ve also found a handful of great green spaces here, including Parc La Fontaine and Jean-Mance Park.
One of my favourite things about wandering Le Plateau (as it’s known by locals) is that you’re never far from trendy restaurants, coffee shops, bistros, or cafés.
The Mile End neighbourhood, in the area’s southwestern corner, is particularly popular. The enclave is home to two of the most famous Montreal bagel joints in the city, St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmont Bagel. Every time I roam around Mile End, I discover a handful of great international & local eateries, ranging from Middle Eastern to Southeast Asian.
Got a few moments of patience while roaming around Le Plateau? I’d recommend toughing out the perpetual line-up at Schwartz’s Deli. The deli is known as the (sometimes disputed) birthplace of the world-famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich.
(It took me 20 years of seeing that endless queue to finally stop in on my late-spring 2025 trip. And it was well worth the wait!)
Mount Royal Park (Parc Mont-Royal)
Got extra juice in the tank? I’d recommend carving out an hour or two to check out Mount Royal Park (Parc Mont-Royal). This massive urban greenspace blankets the city’s namesake hill, offering a relaxing escape from the city’s buzz. Traversing Mount Royal, we can find several hiking trails, relaxation spots, and activities.
You could spend an entire day on Mont Royal digging into all its activities, especially in winter. Short-term visitors, though, should set their sights on the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Set on top of Mont Royal, the belvedere is the hill’s main panoramic viewpoint. It offers unmissable views of downtown Montreal and beyond.
While exploring the summit, architecture buffs should also check out Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. Also known as Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal, it’s located just outside the park.
The Roman Catholic basilica is registered as a National Historic Site of Canada. It’s the largest church in Canada and home to one of the world’s largest and tallest church domes.
Even in a city full of churches, I think Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a unique find and worth a glance. I found its Renaissance Revival exterior, Art Deco interior, and neoclassical-style crypt absolutely stunning!
Montreal Botanical Garden
Our original 24-hour Montreal itinerary included the Montreal Botanical Garden as a second stop. But after experiencing haphazard transit connections here on our last trip, I’ve decided that this further-flung attraction should be savoured, not glossed over.
The Montreal Botanical Garden is located in Parc Maisonneuve in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie area, next to Montreal Olympic Park.
I’d recommend taking your time to explore all its stunning plant life, set out among 5 hectares of themed gardens and greenhouses. (My two favourites are the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden, both of which are spot-on replicas of their original styles in East Asia.)
While roaming through the garden, you can also check out the massive insect and butterfly collection at the Montreal Insectarium. Or, if that’s not to your taste, explore different ecosystems inside the super-cool Biodome.
Montreal Olympic Park
If you find a little extra time while visiting the botanical gardens, head next door to Montreal Olympic Park. Built for the 1976 Olympic Games, the park features several attractions. Events are also scattered throughout the year here.
The most recognizable landmark at Montreal Olympic Park is the Montreal Tower. The tower tilts at a 45-degree angle and soars 165 metres into the sky from Olympic Stadium. It’s one of the city’s most defining features.
Although it’s currently closed for renovations, when the tower reopens, I’d recommend taking time to scoot up to its Tower Observatory to enjoy incredible 360-degree vistas that are among the finest in the city.
I’ve heard from locals that one of the most interesting times to visit Montreal Olympic Park is on Fridays between May and October. During this time of year, food trucks roll in to serve up some of the tastiest food in Montreal. (If you’ve got a hankerin’ to try Canada’s most famous national dish, poutine, this might be your chance!)
When to visit Montreal
Like most Canadian cities, Montreal sports a typical four-season climate. The year ranges from hot & humid summers to sometimes bone-chillingly cold winters. Even with big temperature fluctuations throughout the year, Montreal is never completely off-limits to visitors.
The best time to visit Montreal is from March to May and from September to October. When I’ve visited in these shoulder season months, I usually enjoy mild to warm weather. These months also skip the extreme heat of summer and the major chill of winter. On top of that, occupancy rates tend to be more favourable outside the tourist high seasons. It’s reflected in lower-than-normal accommodation prices.
Outside the shoulder seasons, summer is still a great time to visit Montreal. The summer season sees plenty of awesome festivals taking place around the city. The most popular are the Montreal Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and Montreal Cirque Festival.
Getting there
By road
Montreal is located on the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s approximately two hours east of Ottawa and three hours west of Quebec City. Via Autoroute 20 and Highway 401, it’s a 5.5-hour drive to Toronto.
By air
Montreal is served by Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in the suburb of Dorval. There are regular direct flights to Montreal from most major Canadian cities. Popular air routes include Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver.
