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3-Day Itinerary Montreal
Montreal, Canada
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Montreal is definitely one of my favorite cities in Canada that is why I made a 3-day itinerary of this wonderful city.
Not only because of how picturesque the city is thanks to its European style, but I had an unforgettable experience thanks to our friends who live there and that allowed us to get to know the city more as locals than as tourists. So, if you have the opportunity to take a tour of this beautiful city, do not hesitate.
3-Day Itinerary Montreal
Day 1: Exploring Old Montreal
– Morning:
Start your day by visiting Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning Gothic Revival church. Admission is around $8 CAD. Spend some time exploring the beautiful interior and learn about the history of the basilica.
Tip: If you have time I highly recommend you go to the light show The Aura that takes place inside the Notre-Dame Basilica, it is one of the most spectacular shows I have seen, it is 100% worth investing in this event
– Afternoon:
Head to the Old Port of Montreal, a historic area with charming cobblestone streets. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about the city’s history, and have lunch at one of the many bistros or cafes in the area.
– Evening:
Visit Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively square lined with restaurants and street performers. Enjoy a delicious dinner and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
We ate at a spectacular vegan sushi restaurant called Sushi Momo, at that time I was not a vegetarian, and let me tell you, it is one of the best sushis I have eaten in my entire life.
Of course, make a reservation in advance as it fills up quickly.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
– Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The museum houses an extensive collection of artwork from various periods. Admission is around $20 CAD. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and appreciating the diverse art forms.
Check this out: Travel Guide for Vancouver
– Afternoon:
Head to the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and trendy shops. Visit Mount Royal Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails and panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a picnic or relax in nature.
We went to a place for crepes and chocolate that became one of my favorites, it’s called Juliette & Chocolat, it’s located on St. Laurent street.
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– Evening:
Experience Montreal’s vibrant nightlife by exploring the entertainment district on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Enjoy live music, comedy shows, or dance the night away at one of the many clubs and bars.
Our friends took us to a super nice bar, with a lot of style and good drinks called “Le Darling”, perfect way to finish your day.
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Day 3: Modern Montreal
– Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Explore the various themed gardens and the stunning greenhouse complex. Admission is around $21 CAD. Don’t miss the beautiful Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden.
– Afternoon:
Visit the Underground City, a vast network of underground malls, shops, and restaurants. Take a break from the summer heat and explore the unique underground architecture. Grab lunch at one of the many food courts or restaurants in the area.
Another delicious restaurant with good food and excellent beer, “3 Brasseurs” the one we visited is located on St. Catherine Center Ville street.
– Evening:
End your trip by experiencing Montreal’s culinary scene. Head to Mile End, a neighborhood known for its diverse food options.
Try some classic Montreal dishes like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches. Explore the local cafes and shops before bidding farewell to the city.
And what better way to say goodbye to the city than exploring the local cafes and shops, we couldn’t miss a dessert at the ice cream parlor “La Diperie” and then we closed our trip at Bar Brasserie Harricana.
I think a 3 day itinerary is perfect to get a good feeling of the city.
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Transportation Options:
– Public Transportation: Montreal has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro and buses. Purchase a reloadable OPUS card for convenient travel around the city.
– Walking: Montreal is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area and Old Montreal. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
– Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in Montreal.
Useful Tips:
Learn a few basic French phrases. While many locals speak English, Montreal is predominantly French-speaking, and knowing a few key phrases will enhance your experience.
Check out the local festivals and events happening during your visit. Montreal is known for its vibrant festival scene, including the Montreal Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.
Consider purchasing the Montreal Pass, which offers discounted admission to various attractions and public transportation.
How to get there
Main Airport: Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
– Located approximately 20 kilometers west of downtown Montreal.
– The airport is well-connected with domestic and international flights.
– Ground transportation options from the airport include taxis, Uber
Best times to travel
The best times to travel to Montreal are during the spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. Here’s why:
Spring (May to June)
– The weather starts to warm up, and the city comes alive with colorful blooms and greenery.
– May is the beginning of festival season, with events like the Montreal Museums Day and the Montreal Bike Fest.
– June offers pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s parks and gardens.
– It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor terraces, cafes, and strolls along the waterfront.
Fall (September to October)
– The city is adorned with beautiful fall foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop.
– September still offers some summer-like warmth, while October brings cooler temperatures.
– The city hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Montreal International Film Festival and the Gardens of Light at the Botanical Garden.
– Fall is an excellent time to sample seasonal cuisine and indulge in harvest flavors.
It’s worth noting that summer (June to August) is also a popular time to visit Montreal due to the pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. However, it can be busier and more expensive during this period. Winter (December to February) offers a unique experience with its snowy landscapes and winter festivals, but it can be quite cold, especially for those not accustomed to frigid temperatures.
