Wondering what to do in Montreal? If it’s your first visit, there are a few must-sees you can’t miss, but you can also try some less touristy activities. Start with Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica, head up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere on Mount Royal, wander around the Plateau and Mile End, stop by Jean-Talon Market and try bagels, poutine and smoked meat. For the rest, it all depends on the season you visit: free festivals in summer, fall colours in autumn and Montréal en Lumière in winter. There’s always something to do in this city.
In this guide, I’m sharing my 23 must-dos, tried and approved by me: the classics, but mostly the places I take my friends when they come to visit.
Last updated: November 7, 2026.
My must-dos at a glance
- For a first visit: Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, the Plateau and Jean-Talon Market.
- For free: the Kondiaronk Belvedere, summer festivals, outdoor skating rinks and Nuit blanche.
- In winter: skating on Beaver Lake, Montréal en Lumière and a Nordic spa.
- To eat: bagels, smoked meat, poutine and a good Sunday brunch.
Contents23 must-dos
- My must-dos for a first visit to Montreal
- 1. Wander through Old Montreal and the Old Port
- 2. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica and experience AURA
- 3. Climb Mount Royal to the Kondiaronk Belvedere
- 4. Discover Saint Joseph's Oratory
- 5. Stroll through the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End
- 6. Stock up on flavours at Jean-Talon Market
- 7. Explore Space for Life
- 8. Feel the energy of the Quartier des Spectacles
- 9. Enjoy Parc Jean-Drapeau
- 10. Bike along the Lachine Canal
- Eat and drink like a Montrealer
- Things to do in Montreal by season
- My more unusual experiences
- How many days do you need in Montreal? My 3-day itinerary
- Practical tips for visiting Montreal
- Frequently asked questions
- In a nutshell
My must-dos for a first visit to Montreal
1. Wander through Old Montreal and the Old Port
You have to start here. Old Montreal is THE most visited neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets, stone facades and terraces. You’ll find that little European touch people love so much here. Then head down to the Old Port to enjoy the long promenade along the St. Lawrence River, known as the Grand Quai. It’s a lively spot with lots to do: the Ferris wheel, museums, bungee jumping and plenty more.
My tip
Take the time to get lost in the streets, stop at one of the many cafés like Tommy Café, check out the galleries and swing by Bonsecours Market for a few souvenirs.
2. Visit Notre-Dame Basilica and experience AURA
Even if you’re not into visiting churches, make an exception for this one. The interior of Notre-Dame Basilica is seriously impressive, and it’s where Céline Dion got married in 1994. Plan about an hour for a self-guided visit.
My tip
You absolutely have to see AURA, a light and music show created by Moment Factory. You can get your tickets on the official website. The visit + AURA package starts at $43.50. In summer, I recommend booking ahead, it’s very often sold out.
3. Climb Mount Royal to the Kondiaronk Belvedere
Mount Royal is THE big park for Montrealers, and the Kondiaronk Belvedere has the best free view of downtown. Fun fact: the park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind Central Park in New York. To get up there, it’s about a 30-minute walk from downtown via the stairs, or bus 11 drops you off nearby.
What I love is how much the park changes from one season to the next: picnics in summer, colours in the fall, and skating on Beaver Lake in winter.
My tip
If you’re here on a summer Sunday, go see the tam-tams at the foot of the George-Étienne Cartier monument. Great vibe guaranteed!
4. Discover Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Perched on the side of Mount Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is the largest church in Canada, and its dome is one of the biggest in the world. You don’t need to be religious to go: the view from the steps and the huge dome are really worth the trip.
My tip
Take the chance to walk around Côte-des-Neiges, right next door, and if you’ve got good legs, combine the visit with a hike up Mount Royal.
5. Stroll through the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End
If you want to see everyday Montreal, this is the place. The famous wrought-iron outdoor staircases, green alleys, murals, small shops… No wonder the Plateau is sometimes called Montreal’s “Little France.” You’ll hear a lot of French accents from France here!
Right next door, Mile End is THE neighbourhood for cafés, thrift stores and bagels.
My tip
Don’t leave without stopping at Wilensky’s, open since 1932: it feels like nothing has changed since the 40s. And wander through the alleys without a plan, that’s where you’ll find the best murals.
6. Stock up on flavours at Jean-Talon Market
On Saturday mornings, it’s one of my favourite places. Open since 1933 in Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest public markets in North America. Quebec fruits and vegetables, cheese, maple products, spices… In summer and fall, the stalls are overflowing with local produce.
My tip
Come hungry! Lots of vendors let you taste their products, and you can put together a real picnic with what you buy there.
7. Explore Space for Life
Around the Olympic Park, Space for Life brings together the Biodôme, the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium and the Planetarium. The Biodôme is actually housed in the former velodrome from the 1976 Olympic Games. It’s great for families or on a rainy day.
My tip
During Nuit blanche, some evening visits are free. And in the fall, don’t miss the lanterns at the Botanical Garden.
8. Feel the energy of the Quartier des Spectacles
If you’re looking for where things are happening in Montreal, this is it. Almost all year round, the Place des Festivals hosts events, and many of them are free: the Jazz Festival and the Francos in summer, Montréal en Lumière in winter. At night, the facades of the concert halls light up, it’s really beautiful.
To get there, take the metro to Place-des-Arts.
9. Enjoy Parc Jean-Drapeau
On Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, Parc Jean-Drapeau is the former site of Expo 67. You’ll find the Biosphère (the former United States pavilion), a beach, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve where the F1 Grand Prix is held, and big festivals like Osheaga. In winter, there’s even the Skaters’ Trail.
My tip
The easiest way to get there is the metro, Jean-Drapeau station (yellow line). And in summer, rent a BIXI to ride around the islands.
10. Bike along the Lachine Canal
Opened in 1825, the Lachine Canal runs through the whole Sud-Ouest, from Griffintown to Lachine, with a completely flat 14 km bike path. It’s one of my favourite rides in summer, especially since I live right next to it!
My tip
Rent a BIXI and stop at Atwater Market for a tasty break. And if you’ve got the legs for it, keep going all the way to Chambly: 35 km of almost flat trail to the fort and the locks.
Eat and drink like a Montrealer
11. Try the classics: bagels, smoked meat and poutine
You can’t leave Montreal without trying its three classics. For poutine, my go-to is Greenspot in Saint-Henri: an institution since 1947, retro decor and 25 kinds of poutine. For bagels, it’s the never-ending battle between St-Viateur and Fairmount, in Mile End. Pick your side! And for smoked meat, there’s always a line at Schwartz’s on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, but it’s worth it.
12. Brunch like a local
Here, Sunday brunch is sacred! My favourite spots: Antipode in the Plateau for its pistachio lattes, Janine Café in Verdun for an indulgent brunch, and Bloomfield in Outremont for its sharing platter.
My tip
Book or show up early, especially on weekends: after 10 a.m., there’s often a wait. I give you all the details in my 5 brunch spots in Montreal.
13. Settle into a neighbourhood café
Montreal has a real café culture, and every place tries to have its own style. My favourite, by far, is Café Lali in Griffintown: it’s set in a former bank and doubles as an art gallery. I also like Tommy, on Notre-Dame Street, mostly for its design, with plants everywhere. And still in Griffintown, I have a soft spot for Café Alfred, with its wooden beams and vintage pendant lights.
15. Step back in time on the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre
Closed for more than 20 years, the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre reopened in 2024. This Art Deco dining room was designed by French architect Jacques Carlu, inspired by the ocean liner Île-de-France. Today, there’s a restaurant and bar with a very 1930s vibe, right downtown. I tell you all about it here.
Things to do in Montreal by season
16. Summer: soak up the festivals
From June to September, it never stops! The outdoor concerts of the Jazz Festival and the Francos are free, and you can watch the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks for free from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. I’ve put all the dates in my guide to Montreal summer festivals. And on June 24, don’t miss Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Quebec’s national holiday.
My tip
Book your accommodation two to three months before the big festivals. And bring sunscreen: with the humidex, it can go above 40°C!
17. Fall: the colours and Ancestra Lumina
From mid-September to mid-October, Mount Royal turns red and orange. It’s one of my favourite seasons in Montreal. It’s also the time to see Ancestra Lumina, a 2 km night walk through Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery by Moment Factory.
And if you want to see the colours outside the city, here are my 10 places to see the fall colours in Quebec.
18. Winter: skating, lights and Nuit blanche
Winter in Montreal is long, no doubt about it. But once you know how to enjoy it, it’s magical! For me, skating on Beaver Lake is the ultimate Montreal experience. All my spots are in my guide to free outdoor skating rinks.
At the end of February, Montréal en Lumière and Nuit blanche offer more than 100 free activities, with the metro running part of the night. And from November 4 to January 11, go have a mulled wine at the Taverne de Noël.
My tip
Dress in layers and don’t forget your tuque (that’s a beanie here)! For even more ideas, read my guide to things to do in Quebec in winter.
Read next
Christmas in Montreal 2026: 10 must-do holiday activities →
Markets, lights and skating rinks: my holiday picks, with dates and prices.
19. Spring: the sugar shack
In March and April, it’s sugaring-off season! Quebec produces about 70% of the world’s maple syrup, so you can imagine it’s a real tradition here. A big meal at a sugar shack, then maple taffy on snow: you have to try it at least once.
My tip
There are several sugar shacks less than an hour from Montreal, but book early, weekends fill up fast.
My more unusual experiences
20. Unwind at Bota Bota, the spa on the water
Bota Bota is an old ferry turned into a spa and moored in the Old Port. It’s my spot to switch off without leaving the city. The outdoor baths with a view of Old Montreal are really something, especially in winter when it’s cold out!
My tip
Book ahead, especially on weekends. I also talk about it in my 3 must-visit Nordic spas.
21. Step into history in the John Lennon suite
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their famous Bed-In for Peace in suite 1742 of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. They even recorded “Give Peace a Chance” in that very room! The suite has been renovated and you’ll find photos, videos and archives from the event.
If you’re a Beatles fan, it’s a must: here’s my visit.
22. Escape to the Îles-de-Boucherville
About 30 minutes from downtown, Îles-de-Boucherville National Park is perfect for a day in nature without a long drive: kayaking, canoeing, 21 km of bike paths and marsh wildlife watching. You’d never believe you’re this close to Montreal!
My tip
Visitor numbers are limited, so book your access on the Sépaq website before you go.
23. Try an immersive experience
AURA is the best known, but Montreal has plenty of other immersive experiences. You can try a Candlelight concert, or spend an evening at The Jazz Room, in Little Burgundy, the neighbourhood where Montreal jazz was born.
How many days do you need in Montreal? My 3-day itinerary
For a first visit, I’d recommend at least three days. Here’s the itinerary I give my friends:
- Day 1: Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, then AURA in the evening.
- Day 2: Mount Royal and the Kondiaronk Belvedere in the morning, the Plateau and Mile End in the afternoon, bagels and a hidden bar in the evening.
- Day 3: Jean-Talon Market, Space for Life or the Lachine Canal by bike depending on the season, then the Quartier des Spectacles.
If you’re staying a week, add a getaway: the Îles-de-Boucherville, Chambly by bike, or even Quebec City by train.
Practical tips for visiting Montreal
Getting around
The metro and bus are all you need. A single fare is $3.75 and the 24-hour pass is $11.25. Good news: it also works on the 747 shuttle between the airport and downtown. From April to November, BIXI is a great option too.
When to visit Montreal
Summer for the festivals and terraces, fall for the colours (and fewer people), and winter if you want the real Quebec experience. Just dress warmly!
Planning your budget
Heads up: taxes (almost 15%) aren’t included in displayed prices, and you’ll need to add a tip at restaurants. To get a clearer picture, read my article on the cost of living in Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do in Montreal on a first visit?
Start with Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica, climb to the Kondiaronk Belvedere on Mount Royal, stroll through the Plateau and Mile End, then visit Jean-Talon Market. In the evening, see the AURA show or a festival in the Quartier des Spectacles.
How many days do you need to visit Montreal?
Three days are enough to see the essentials: Old Montreal, Mount Royal, the Plateau, Jean-Talon Market and the Quartier des Spectacles. With a week, you can add getaways like the Îles-de-Boucherville or Quebec City.
What can you do for free in Montreal?
The Kondiaronk Belvedere, walks through Old Montreal and the Plateau, outdoor concerts at the summer festivals, fireworks seen from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, outdoor skating rinks and Nuit blanche are all free.
What is there to do in Montreal in winter?
Skate on Beaver Lake or at the Esplanade Tranquille, enjoy Montréal en Lumière and Nuit blanche at the end of February, relax in a spa like Bota Bota, and warm up at the Taverne de Noël or in a café.
What can you do in Montreal when it rains?
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica, Space for Life (Biodôme, Planetarium), the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre, an immersive experience like AURA, or settle into a neighbourhood café.
What is the nicest neighbourhood in Montreal for a stroll?
The Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End are the nicest for wandering, with their outdoor staircases, alleys, cafés and shops. Old Montreal is ideal for history and architecture.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
Summer, from June to August, for the festivals and terraces. Mid-September to mid-October for the fall colours. And winter if you want the real Quebec experience.
In a nutshell
So there you have it, my 23 must-dos! Old Montreal, Mount Royal and Notre-Dame are well worth it, but for me, Montreal really shows itself in its neighbourhoods, its cafés and through the seasons. Take your time and let yourself be surprised. Got a question while planning your trip? Message me on Instagram (@lefrenchexplorer), I’ll be happy to help.