Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. If you are planning a trip to Montreal, there are plenty of things to do and see.
First, you should visit Old Montreal, the city’s historic district. This area is home to many of Montreal’s most famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, and Place Jacques-Cartier. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the area or walk along the cobblestone streets to admire the architecture of the old buildings.
Next, you should visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which is one of the largest museums in Canada. The museum has an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by Canadian and Quebec artists.
Montreal is also known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to try some of the local dishes. You can find everything from traditional Quebec dishes like poutine and tourtière, to international cuisines like Italian, Greek, and Chinese.
For outdoor activities, you can take a stroll in Mont-Royal, the city’s most famous park, or take the funicular to the top for a panoramic view. The park is also home to the Tam-Tams, a weekly drum circle that takes place on Sundays during the summer.
Finally, if you’re interested in shopping, you can visit one of the city’s many markets like the Jean-Talon Market or the Atwater Market. Both of them are famous for local produce and artisanal products.
List of 25 things to do in Montreal
Visit Old Montreal and explore the city’s historic district
Old Montreal is a historic district located in the heart of Montreal, Canada. It is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture.
One of the main attractions of Old Montreal is Notre Dame Basilica. This beautiful 19th-century church is known for its intricate details and stunning stained-glass windows. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the basilica and to see its impressive organ and impressive architecture.
Another popular attraction in Old Montreal is the Old Port. This area was once a bustling port and commercial center, and today it offers a variety of activities for visitors such as bike rentals, boat tours, and a science center. Visitors can also take a stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the views of the St. Lawrence River.
Place Jacques-Cartier is another must-see spot in Old Montreal. This charming square is filled with outdoor cafes, street performers, and a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items. Visitors can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the area and admire the architecture of the old buildings.
The historic district of Old Montreal is also home to a variety of museums and art galleries. The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are both located in Old Montreal and offer visitors the chance to see a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
In addition, Old Montreal is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines including French, Italian and Mediterranean. Visitors can also find many local artisanal shops where you can find unique souvenirs.
Also, Old Montreal is a must-see destination for visitors to Montreal. The historic district offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as a variety of activities, museums, and dining options. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want to take a stroll and admire the beautiful old buildings, Old Montreal has something to offer.
Take a walk or bike ride along the Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port of Montreal is a historic area located along the St. Lawrence River. It is a popular destination for visitors to Montreal and offers a variety of activities and sights to see. One of the best ways to explore the Old Port is by taking a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
When taking a walk or bike ride along the Old Port, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal skyline. The Old Port also offers a variety of recreational activities such as bike rentals, rollerblading, and kayaking. Visitors can also take a cruise along the river to see the city from a different perspective.
The Old Port is also home to several historical and cultural attractions. The Clock Tower, built in 1922, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Old Port. Visitors can take a tour to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Montreal Science Centre, an interactive museum focused on science, technology, and the environment, is also located at the Old Port.
The Old Port also offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Visitors can find a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines, including seafood, Italian and Mediterranean. Visitors can also find many local artisanal shops where you can find unique souvenirs.
In conclusion, the Old Port of Montreal is a must-see destination for visitors. Taking a walk or bike ride along the waterfront offers stunning views of the river and the city, and the Old Port also offers a variety of recreational activities, historical and cultural attractions, and dining options. Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or just want to enjoy the outdoors, the Old Port has something to offer.
Explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is one of the largest museums in Canada, located in Montreal, Quebec. The museum features an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by Canadian and Quebec artists. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent collections, as well as temporary exhibitions that showcase a wide range of art styles and mediums.
The MMFA’s permanent collections include over 41,000 works of art, spanning from ancient to contemporary times. Visitors can explore works by world-renowned artists such as Monet, Cézanne, and Renoir, as well as Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson, Emily Carr and Lawren Harris, to name a few. The museum also has a large collection of decorative arts and design, which includes furniture, ceramics, and textiles.
The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, which cover a wide range of subjects and art styles. These exhibitions are often organized in partnership with other museums and institutions and may feature works by contemporary artists or focus on a specific theme or historical period.
The MMFA also offers a variety of educational programs, including tours, lectures, and workshops for visitors of all ages. The museum’s education team offers guided tours in English and French, which are designed to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the works on display. The museum also has an app called “MMFA Experience” that offers visitors a personalized visit experience, including audio guide and interactive maps.
In addition to its art collections, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is also known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. Visitors can take a walk in the museum’s sculpture garden, which features works by Canadian and international artists.
Also, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see destination for visitors to Montreal. The museum’s extensive collection of art from around the world, as well as its temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and beautiful architecture and gardens, make it a great place to explore and learn about art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for something interesting to do, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has something to offer.
Admire the architecture and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in Place Jacques-Cartier
Place Jacques-Cartier is a charming square located in the heart of Old Montreal, Canada. It is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, street performers, and a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items. One of the best ways to explore Place Jacques-Cartier is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride.
When taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in Place Jacques-Cartier, visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the old buildings that surround the square. Many of these buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are examples of the city’s French colonial heritage. Visitors can also take a walk or bike ride along the cobblestone streets and admire the charming storefronts and colorful houses.
In addition to its architecture, Place Jacques-Cartier is also known for its lively atmosphere. The square is often filled with street performers, musicians, and other entertainers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor cafes and restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, including French, Italian, and Mediterranean.
The Place Jacques-Cartier is also home to several historical and cultural attractions. The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, built in 1771, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the square. Visitors can take a tour of the chapel and learn about its history. The Place Jacques-Cartier is also home to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which both offer visitors the chance to see a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
In conclusion, Place Jacques-Cartier is a charming and lively square located in the heart of Old Montreal. Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride is a great way to explore the area and admire the beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and historical and cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want to take a stroll and admire the charming storefronts, Place Jacques-Cartier has something to offer.
Visit the Jean-Talon Market or the Atwater Market for local produce and artisanal products
The Jean-Talon Market and the Atwater Market are two popular markets located in Montreal, Quebec, known for their local produce and artisanal products. Both markets are great places to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of other products including meat, fish, cheese, and baked goods. They also offer visitors the opportunity to discover local artisans and their products such as jewelry, clothing, and home decor.
The Jean-Talon Market is the largest open-air market in Montreal and one of the oldest in North America. It has been operating since 1933, and it is open year-round. The market features more than 300 vendors selling a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Visitors can also find a variety of artisanal products such as jams, jellies, and pickles, as well as handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and home decor. The market also has several restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample the local cuisine.
The Atwater Market is located in the west end of Montreal, in the Saint-Henri neighborhood. It is open year-round, and it is known for its fresh produce and artisanal products. The market features a variety of vendors selling a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, and baked goods. Visitors can also find a variety of artisanal products such as jams, jellies, and pickles, as well as handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and home decor. The market also has several restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample the local cuisine.
Both markets offer visitors the opportunity to discover local artisans and their products. You will find a variety of products made by local artisans, and you can talk to the vendors and learn more about their products and the stories behind them.
The Jean-Talon Market and the Atwater Market are two popular markets located in Montreal known for their local produce and artisanal products. They are great places to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of other products and local artisans’ products. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, artisanal products, or just a fun place to visit, these markets have something to offer.
More ideas about what to do in Montreal:
- See the famous Notre-Dame Basilica
- Take a tour of the historic and beautiful Notre Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
- Visit the Biodome, an indoor park that replicates different ecosystems found in the Americas.
- Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the world.
- Take a stroll along the scenic Lachine Canal.
- Explore the underground city, a network of tunnels and shopping centers beneath the streets of Montreal.
- Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, dedicated to the history and archaeology of Montreal.
- See the Olympic Stadium and the adjacent Montreal Tower for a great view of the city.
- Visit the Montreal Science Centre for interactive exhibits and shows.
- Explore the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood for its colorful houses and street art.
- Visit the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Take a walk on Mount Royal Cemetery, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- Visit the Montreal Insectarium, a unique museum dedicated to insects and arachnids.
- Visit the St. Joseph’s Oratory, a grand basilica on the top of Mount Royal.
- Visit the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History at the Pointe-à-Callière.
- Take a food tour to sample the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
- Visit the Montreal Casino for gaming and entertainment.
- Enjoy a traditional Quebec meal, like poutine or tourtière.
- Visit Mont Royal Park and take the funicular to the top for a panoramic view
- Attend the Tam-Tams, a weekly drum circle in Mont Royal Park during the summer
Lastly
In conclusion, Montreal is a city that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or outdoor activities, you’ll find something to enjoy in this charming and dynamic city.
