Visiting Montreal: TOP 10 things to do

Any traveller planning a Quebec road trip simply must include Montreal.

Whether you're just passing through for a day or planning a longer stay, you will discover a cosmopolitan, multicultural city where historical monuments and ultramodern buildings stand side by side.

What should you do? Where should you eat? Which neighbourhoods should you visit? 

Here is our TOP 10 list of things to do when visiting Montreal.

#1. Climb Mount Royal and admire the Montreal skyline from the Kondiaronk lookout

Mount Royal is to Montrealers what Central Park is to New Yorkers. It is the lungs of the city.

Several trails lead from downtown Montreal to the top of the mountain.

Combine the Olmsted pedestrian/bike road with the summit loop for a long nature walk. Then finish off with the legendary view of the Montreal skyline from the Kondiaronk lookout.

On Sundays in the summer, a drum circle ("tam-tam") creates a festive atmosphere at the foot of the mountain. In winter, you can skate on the frozen surface of Beaver Lake, cross-country ski, or whizz down the mountainside on a sled.

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#2. Dine with a panoramic view of Montreal

For a meal with a unique panoramic view of Montreal, make your way to the 44th floor of Place Ville Marie. 

The restaurant “Les Enfants Terribles”, which opened in 2016, offers unpretentious Montreal brasserie-style cuisine, a warm welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, but above all, a breathtaking 360-degree view of Montreal!

A word of advice, arrive before dark to enjoy the sunset and appreciate Montreal and its surroundings by day and by night.

Whether it's for a meal or a drink on the terrace, the experience will be unforgettable.

#3. Wander the streets of the Plateau Mont-Royal

The Plateau is a pleasant neighbourhood that is appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

Ideally located in the heart of Montreal and at the foot of Mount Royal, you can explore its streets on foot or, why not, by bike.

Don't miss Rue Drolet with its colourful facades, the charming Square Saint-Louis, and the beautiful houses around it.

The houses of the Plateau are so photogenic that they are on our list of the best photo spots in Montreal.

#4. Walk along Sainte-Catherine

You may well wear out your shoes on the "Sainte-Cath"!

Montreal's busiest commercial street is about 11 km long and traverses the entertainment district ("quartier des spectacles"), the business district, and The Village, Montreal's vibrant gay neighbourhood.

In summer, thousands of brightly-coloured rainbow balls are suspended over a section of Sainte-Catherine, marking the pedestrian area of the street.

With its 1,200 businesses and numerous cafés and restaurants, you'll never be bored!

#5. Visit the Montreal markets

To discover Quebec's gastronomic specialties, there is nothing better than to visit one of Montreal's popular markets.

The Jean-Talon Market, easily accessible via the Metro station of the same name, is located in the heart of Little Italy. It is open year-round but it's in the summer that you'll find the most local producers and the best ambiance.

The Atwater Market is in the Saint-Henri neighbourhood. You'll recognize it by its art deco style and its bell tower overlooking the Lachine Canal. It's smaller than Jean-Talon but is nonetheless well-stocked. You'll find everything you need for a picnic along the river. 

It's also the perfect place to pick up some Canadian souvenirs, such as maple syrup, for example

#6. Attend a hockey game

Head to the Bell Centre, also known as the “temple of hockey”, for the ultimate Montreal experience, whether you're a sports fan or not.

On game nights, an incredible atmosphere reigns over Montreal. 

And even if you don't know anything about hockey and, like me, you're incapable of following the puck with your eyes, I can promise you an evening of fun and excitement!

It is best to buy your tickets online in advance, although you may find people selling tickets at the door before the game. Hockey season runs from September to June.

#7. Stroll the streets of Old Montreal

Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, just south of downtown, historic Old Montreal is where the city was founded in 1642.

Its cobblestone streets, period buildings and public squares give it a charming European feel.

Be sure to visit the Old Port, a lively area with many restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and the famous Montreal Ferris wheel.

#8. Tour the city with a Montrealer

Who better than a Montrealer to show you around Montreal and all its well-kept secrets?

The 3-hour tour starts in the Old Port. You will then visit the business district and its towering skyscrapers before heading to the largest underground complex in the world.

Your tour will end at the Kondiaronk lookout with its panoramic views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.

On foot, by taxi and by Metro, you will discover not only the most beautiful spots in the city, but also anecdotes and historical facts that are sure to liven up your visit.

#9. Eat a bagel in Mile-End

Now for a 100% Montreal (and 100% delicious) culinary experience.

It's all happening in the trendy Mile-End district, more precisely at Fairmount Bagel Bakery or Saint-Viateur Bagel. There are other good bagel places in Montreal, but these are the real institutions.

Walk in the door and take in the smell of the wood-fired oven. Order a dozen bagels: sesame seed, plain, poppy seed... why not try all the flavours?

And don't compare them to New York bagels: ours are so much better! The secret? They're made by hand and dipped in honey water before being baked in a wood-fired oven.

The ultimate pleasure is to bite into one while it's still hot... A true delight!

#10. Go shopping in the underground city

The largest underground network in the world can be found in Montreal. So it would be a shame not to explore it while you're there...

A total of 32 kilometres of underground passageways crisscross the downtown area. 

Theatres, shopping malls, cinemas, universities and hotels are all connected by tunnels, allowing you to get from one to the other without setting foot outside.

The Eaton Centre, Place Montréal Trust and Complexe Desjardins are entry points to the underground city, and also the largest shopping centres in the downtown area. 

Happy shopping

You're now ready to visit Montreal and its top attractions.

If you have any questions or suggestions to complete this list, feel free to share them in the comments below.