Things to Visit in Montreal

One of the most stunning church interiors in North America, with a dramatic blue ceiling, gold stars, and intricate wood carvings. The AURA immersive light show (CAD 30, evenings) projects colors and music throughout the space. Basic entry costs CAD 10. Located on Place d'Armes in the heart of Old Montreal. The interior is a genuine surprise, far more ornate than the exterior suggests.

The oldest part of the city, with 17th and 18th-century stone buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and the Old Port waterfront. Rue Saint-Paul is the main artery with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Place Jacques-Cartier is the central square with street performers and outdoor terrasses (patios). Most photogenic in the golden hour or at night when the buildings are lit.

The revitalized waterfront along the St. Lawrence River has parks, a ferris wheel (La Grande Roue, CAD 28), a zip line, and the Montreal Science Centre. In winter, a large outdoor skating rink operates. In summer, the Clock Tower beach (artificial urban beach) is a popular gathering spot. The river views with the Jacques-Cartier Bridge are especially dramatic at night when the bridge is illuminated.

Built over the actual site where Montreal was founded in 1642. The underground archaeological remains let you walk through layers of the city's history. Interactive exhibits and multimedia shows bring the past to life. Admission CAD 23. One of the best archaeological museums in Canada. Allow 2 hours.

Montreal's most vibrant neighborhood, known for colorful spiral staircases, tree-lined streets, independent shops, and BYOBs (bring-your-own-bottle restaurants, a Montreal tradition). Boulevard Saint-Laurent (The Main) and Rue Saint-Denis are the main arteries. The residential streets between them have the famous exterior staircases and murals that define Montreal's visual identity.

Montreal's creative hub, centered around Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue Laurier. Home to the legendary bagel rivalry between St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel (both open 24/7). The neighborhood also has craft breweries (Dieu du Ciel), excellent coffee (Cafe Olimpico), record shops, and some of the city's best restaurants. The drawn-on-napkin signs and DIY aesthetic define the vibe.

Montreal has some of the best street art in North America, with the annual MURAL festival (June) adding massive new works each year. The Boulevard Saint-Laurent corridor between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal has the highest concentration. Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Plateau side streets are where you will find the most impressive pieces. Free to see year-round.

The Plateau's beloved green space has a pond, walking paths, and lively atmosphere. In summer, locals picnic, play petanque, and attend free outdoor concerts and theatre at the Espace Libre. In winter, the pond becomes a free skating rink. A perfect spot to rest between neighborhood explorations.

The 233-meter hill that gives Montreal its name, with a large park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who designed Central Park). The Kondiaronk Belvedere at the top offers the classic panoramic view of downtown. The walk from the base takes 20-30 minutes via the staircase at Peel Street. The Tam-tams drum circle at the base happens every Sunday in summer.

Canada's most-visited museum, spanning five interconnected buildings. The permanent collection (free) includes Canadian, Indigenous, and international art. The decorative arts pavilion (Tiffany glass, Art Deco furniture) is a standout. Temporary exhibitions (CAD 22-24) rotate regularly. Located on Rue Sherbrooke in the Golden Square Mile.

Four ecosystems (tropical forest, Laurentian forest, St. Lawrence marine, sub-Antarctic) recreated inside the former Olympic cycling velodrome. Penguins, capybaras, and thousands of plant species share the space. Admission CAD 23. Located at the Olympic Park along with the Planetarium and Botanical Garden (combined tickets available). Allow 2 hours.

One of the world's largest botanical gardens, with 22,000 plant species across 75 hectares. The Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden are highlights. In autumn, the Gardens of Light festival illuminates the Asian gardens with thousands of lanterns (September-October). Admission CAD 22. Adjacent to the Olympic Stadium. Budget 2-3 hours minimum.

Open since 1928, Schwartz's on Boulevard Saint-Laurent is a Montreal institution. The hand-cut smoked meat sandwich (medium fat for the authentic experience) is CAD 12. The line outside is legendary, especially at lunch. Cash only. The tiny dining room has communal tables. Main Deli across the street is the local alternative when the line is too long.

Fries, cheese curds, and gravy: Quebec's most famous dish. La Banquise on Rue Rachel (open 24 hours, 30+ varieties) is the cult favorite. For classic poutine, Chez Claudette and Paul Patates are local institutions. The key to great poutine is squeaky-fresh cheese curds that stretch when warm. Expect to pay CAD 8-15 depending on size and toppings.

Montreal's largest and oldest public market in Little Italy, open year-round. Farmers sell Quebec produce, local cheeses, maple products, and prepared foods. In autumn, the apple and squash displays are spectacular. The surrounding streets have excellent Italian restaurants and cafes. Saturday mornings are busiest. Free to enter and browse.

Montreal has a unique tradition of BYOB (bring-your-own-bottle) restaurants, where you bring your own wine and pay no corkage fee. This results in excellent meals at significantly lower total cost. The Plateau has the highest concentration. Le Quartier General, O Thym, and Khyber Pass are well-regarded BYOBs. Buy wine at a SAQ (provincial liquor store) before dinner.

The world's largest jazz festival draws 2 million visitors with hundreds of outdoor concerts that are completely free. The main stages on Place des Festivals and Rue Sainte-Catherine host performances nightly. Indoor ticketed shows (CAD 30-100) feature international headliners. The festival atmosphere transforms downtown into one giant party for 10 days.

The world's largest comedy festival features street performances, free outdoor shows, and ticketed galas with major comedians. The Quartier des Spectacles becomes an outdoor comedy playground. Many shows are in English despite Montreal being a French-speaking city. Festival passes and individual show tickets range from CAD 30-100.

An outdoor electronic music festival held on the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the depths of Montreal winter. Thousands of bundled-up revelers dance in temperatures as low as -20°C. The one-piece neon snow suits are part of the culture. Tickets about CAD 35 per night. It embodies Montreal's defiant approach to winter: do not hide from it, party in it.

Over 33 km of underground tunnels connecting metro stations, shopping centers, hotels, and offices. Not a tourist attraction per se, but a fascinating urban feature. Especially useful in winter, you can walk from one end of downtown to the other without stepping outside. Entrances are at most metro stations. The main commercial sections are around McGill and Peel stations.