Curator’s statement
Spend a weekend in Montreal if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the US, while feeling like you went all the way to Europe. I visited Montreal in July 2023 for a long weekend with my extended family. The city captures everything from culture, art and history to a wide food scene and modern luxuries. Here are my recommendations for a fantastic weekend in Montreal. Reach out for help planning your trip, or to VIP your stay at some of the amazing hotels in Montreal.
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Day 1: Explore Old Montreal
Start your weekend by taking a walking tour of Old Montreal. You’ll want to visit the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. It is famous for its architecture and being the site of Celine Dion’s wedding, the Royal Bank Tower and the shops on St-Paul Street. After your tour, you can enjoy lunch by walking up to one of the many restaurants in Old Montreal.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
After lunch, take a short metro ride towards the Golden Square Mile and visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Here you can explore international art, and of course, Canadian works.
Dinner and Drinks
Montreal is known for its food scene, so there is a plethora of restaurants to choose from. We explored the Little Burgundy neighborhood and had a fantastic meal at Joe Beef. There are several cocktail bars right down the street to enjoy a night cap.
Day 2: Discover the Neighborhoods
Mile End Neighborhood
Known for its hipster vibes, boutiques, coffee shops and more. Try a Montreal-style bagel at St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel and sip a coffee at Cafe Olimpico. Take a stroll to meander through the many shops.
Marché Jean-Talon
Head to Little Italy to explore Marché Jean-Talon, one of the oldest public markets in Montreal. Enjoy all types of local and fresh food — this is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch, or taste several smaller dishes from the various stands
Catch a Show or Sporting Event
In the evening, enjoy one of Montreal’s popular shows at Cirque du Soleil. Or see the Montreal Canadiens play in the heart of the city at Centre Bell.
Day 3: McGill
McGill University
On your last day, explore the campus of McGill University. While there, visit the McCord Stewart Museum. It features the McCord family collection, including pieces from indigenous cultures, dress/fashion/textiles and photography.
Mount Royal
From McGill, walk to the Mount Royal Park. Enjoy the scenery and take an easy hike up to the top of Mount Royal.
Travel Advisor
Megan Freedman
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Montreal page.