Perfect 2 Day Montreal Itinerary and Travel Guide
We absolutely love visiting Montreal, Quebec, Canada. If you’re short on time, we’ve distilled the best things into a perfect 2 day Montreal itinerary for you.
About Montreal as a Destination: Our Take
Whenever we talk to people about must-visit travel destinations, Montreal is rarely high on peoples’ lists. We confess, this used to be us, too.
Back in 2013, we knew very little about Montreal. But we fell in love with the city during a 3 week vacation during our Peace Corps service. We got to return again for an extended stay in 2022, so we decided to write this updated Montreal guide.
Montreal is the largest city in the Quebec province of Canada. It’s not as big as Toronto. It’s slightly further northeast and lies directly north of New York and Vermont.
Montreal’s downtown and historic area sits alongside the St. Lawrence river which runs north up to Quebec City and southwest to Lake Ontario and Toronto. The St. Lawrence is important because it feeds directly into the Atlantic, making Montreal an extremely important port city for North America.
#JumpingJedd in Montreal, 2013
Here are a couple of quick reasons why we love Montreal:
It’s like traveling to Europe without crossing the Atlantic: Montreal has a deep French history. The Old Town architecture as well as the French language is more prominent here in Quebec than other parts of Canada.
The urban design, specifically parks and public transit, is exceptional: We love all the public parks and charming small neighborhoods.
And Montreal’s underground metro, bike lane network, and bike share system makes it easy and fun to get around without a car.
Festivals for everyone: Montreal is home to endless festivals which means there is no shortage of things to experience when you visit (especially in the summer). Some of the most quirky and well known festivals are the Just for Laughs comedy festival, the Circus festival, and the International Fireworks competition.
The food is really, really good: Both the French and diverse immigrant influences means delicious bakeries, a variety of cuisines and innovative flavors. The city is also surrounded by a lot of farms which brings great produce to farmers markets like Jean Talon and Lachine.
These are just some of the reasons why we love Montreal and could even see ourselves living there, but there are some additional things to note:
- Montreal gets several months of snow and temperatures that average below zero in winter. That’s too cold for us, so we personally recommend visiting in the beautiful summer!
- Be aware that the Canadian to US dollar exchange rate fluctuates.
- We think it’s important for Americans to learn from our Canadian neighbors and see the nuanced ways we share some similarities but are not always the same.
We’re so glad we went back to Montreal. A decade later, the reasons why we fell in love with Montreal still hold true.
Table of Contents
Our Montreal 2 Day Itinerary: What To Do
Is two days enough in Montreal? It depends. We think Montreal is best enjoyed slowly, just savoring the good life. However, if 2 days in Montreal Canada is all you have, it is enough to fit in the sightseeing highlights.
To best see Montreal in 2 days, we suggest following our self-guided walking tour of Montreal Old Town below. Then dive deeper into some neighborhoods or special interests on your second day.
We’ve outlined the 2 day Montreal itinerary first, followed by more details on each of the top attractions and things to do in Montreal.
After that, you’ll find a quick guide on best foods to eat in Montreal, where to stay in Montreal, and other important things to know about visiting.
Day 1 in Montreal
Whether you have only a day in Montreal Canada, or more, I would always prioritize a visit to Old Montreal first. This is where you’ll see the rich history, architecture, and tourist attractions most unique to Montreal, Quebec.
Then head to the Plateau-Mont Royal district for a tour of vibrant neighborhoods, shops, parks, and restaurants.
Another popular and free stop for tourists is the Mont Royal overlook, which is a great viewpoint to include on Day One if you have time and energy.
Old Montreal Self Guided Walking Tour Map
We put together two self guided walking tour routes of Old Montreal and Plateau-Mont Royal for first time visitors. Sign up below to access the route map by email.
The Old Montreal self guided route takes you through St. Paul Street, Basilica Notre Dame, Place Jacques Cartier, the Old Port, and Chinatown. More details about these points of interest can be found below.
After exploring the Old Port area in the morning, consider lunch in Chinatown or one of the other eateries on our Montreal map.
Want to go with a guide? Tour Montreal Old Town with a local expert >
Try a self-guided Old Town Montreal scavenger hunt on your smartphone >
Plateau-Mont Royal Self Guided Walking Tour Map
In the afternoon of day one, we recommend exploring the neighborhoods and commercial districts in Plateau-Mont Royal (west of Mt Royal Park).
Our self guided route lets you wander the shops along Mont Royal Avenue, Little Portugal, the trendy St. Denis and St. Laurent streets, and impressive parks like Parc la Fontaine.
Keep an eye out for street art and pop into bakeries to try famous bagels or other pastries.
Arriving to Montreal late? See top Montreal sights at night with a guide >
Day 2 in Montreal
Hopefully you have at least 48 hours in Montreal and can dive into some additional locations on your second day.
I would recommend a visit to either the Jean Talon Market and Little Italy, or the Atwater Market and Lachine Canal, depending on which is closer to you.
Then choose your own adventure!
You could visit the Cirque du Soleil school and park, do a food tour in the Mile End neighborhood, visit the Biodome and Olympmic Park, go shopping at the “Underground City” downtown mall, or ride bikes to the island park of Jean Drapeau.
Best Things to Do in Montreal Canada
Now that you have a brief 2 day Montreal itinerary outlined, let’s take a closer look at some of the things to do and see along the way.
Explore Old Montreal
Settled by Europeans back in the early 17th century, Old Town Montreal is a charming neighborhood that showcases both the city’s rich history and its more modern developments.
Walk through the cobblestone streets to admire some of the oldest landmarks in the city or stop by the lively markets or coffee shops for a treat.
Access our Old Montreal self guided walking tour map for free here >
Montreal Old Port
Montreal Old Port, stretching along the Saint Lawrence River, was used as a French trading post for fur. Now, it’s been transformed into a fun recreational area and popular tourist attraction.
The main landmarks include the Montreal Clock Tower and the Montreal Science Center with an IMAX theater.
Here you can make your way through the promenade by walking, cycling, roller-blading, or even with a Segway. You can also enjoy views from above at La Grande Roue, the tallest ferris wheel in Canada, or from a paddleboat along the river.
Beat the crowds with early bird Grande Roue tickets >
Pre-purchase Old Port zipline tickets here >
Rue Saint Paul
St. Paul Street is the oldest and one of the most picturesque streets in Montreal. It’s home to many historic buildings and landmarks such as the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the Bonsecours Market.
Most of Rue St. Paul is still paved with cobblestones, giving the street a European, old town charm.
It’s a great place for shopping since it’s lined with many unique boutique shops and galleries you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Make sure to also check out the charming cafes and restaurants for a quick bite after shopping.
Basilica Notre Dame
The Basilica Notre Dame is a 19th century church known for its stately Gothic Revival-style exterior and even more extravagant interior.
The inside of the basilica has deep blue azure vaulted ceilings adorned with golden stars, ornate stained glass windows depicting the religious history of Montreal, and a church organ with 7,000 pipes.
You can visit the basilica in a self-guided tour, by attending mass, or watching the AURA Experience, a light show inside the cathedral with orchestral music.
Place Jacques Cartier
Place Jacques Cartier is a main historic square that leads to the Old Port. During summer, the area is closed off to cars so street performers, artists, and kiosks fill the square.
The restaurants offer al fresco dining, perfect relaxing in between sightseeing. You can visit Montreal’s oldest public monument, Nelson’s Column, at the north end of the plaza.
Marché Bonsecours
Set in a two-story domed building, the Bonsecours Market houses 15 boutiques featuring high-quality locally made in Quebec products. The boutiques sell jewelry, clothing, accessories, crafts, furniture and more.
Inside you’ll also find restaurants serving local fare and a terrace that’s open during the warm weather.
See the views from Mount Royal overlook
The Mount Royal overlook is located atop Mount Royal, the mountain from which the city derives its name.
This urban green space houses residential areas, neighborhood parks, and rich biodiversity. It’s a local favorite for all sorts of activities like jogging, cycling, hiking, picnicking, skating and more.
The overlook, called Belvedere Kondiaronk, offers amazing views of downtown Montreal. The walk is uphill and has many stairs so it can take about 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. Sunset attracts the most people so we recommend going there early in the morning if you wish to avoid crowds.
Eat in Chinatown Montreal
A few blocks from the Old Port attractions, Montreal’s small Chinatown district sits between Rue St. Laurent and Rue Saint-Urbain. This is a great place to find Asian bakeries and restaurants for a bite to eat.
Try savory steamed bao from Bao Bao Dim Sum, a variety of pastries from Coco Patisserie, and authentic soup dumplings at Qing Hua Dumpling restaurant.
Chinatown is another great area on our Old Montreal self-guided walking tour route.
Do a Street Art Mural Tour
We had the pleasure of doing a Montreal street art tour through a conference we attended. Our guide from Spade & Palacio was passionate and knowledgeable. We learned about the annual Montreal Mural Fest, the stories and meanings behind the murals, and the ways street art has revitalized the St. Laurent neighborhood.
Book this guided Montreal mural tour (we highly recommend!) >
Mile End Food Tour
Mile End is another great neighborhood to explore, especially for food. You can book a guided tour, or wander around on your own and pick up some bites here and there.
Tip: bring cash as many shops don’t take credit card.
Compare two historic Montreal bagel joints side by side: St. Viateur and Fairmount. Pick up a cheap take-away bowl of gnocchi at Drogheria Fine. Try the unique soft serve flavors at Kem Coba ice cream.
Book a guided Mile End food tour with a local >
Best Things to Eat in Montréal
Thanks to French and immigrant influences, Montreal has fantastic diversity in cuisine available.
Poutine, a heavy Canadian classic with fries, is commonly found here. Portuguese rotisserie chicken is another quick, cheap Montreal specialty that is great for take-away.
Bagels have a deep history in Montreal, with wood-fire bakeries like St-Viateur and Fairmount expanding to multiple locations. Pick up fresh bagels and try some different flavors, topped with cream cheese.
French pastries are definitely among the best food in Montreal, and bakeries are easy to find.
In addition to typical French or Canadian cuisine, some of the best places to eat in Montreal are other ethnic restaurants. There’s Lebanese, Greek, Haitian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, you name it.
Montreal Travel Tips: Important Things to Know
Since most of our readers are from the United States, here are some travel tips to help prepare for your Montreal trip as an international visitor.
Canadian Currency and Money Matters
The exchange rate with the Canadian dollar and US dollar does fluctuate, though in recent years it has favored USD. This usually means prices seem slightly cheaper to US travelers, and in fact, Montreal is supposed to be Canada’s most affordable city!
Foreign credit cars are accepted in restaurants and grocery stores. However, there are still quite a few brick-and-mortar shops, market vendors, and eateries that do not accept credit at all.
It’s a good idea to have some Canadian cash on hand, or be sure to double-check credit cards are accepted before ordering.
Language in Montreal
French and English are both official languages in Canada, but the province of Quebec is especially rooted in French. Depending on family of origin, Montreal residents may have gone to an English or a French school, but a majority can speak both to some degree.
Signs are in French, or French and English. You’ll most likely hear French just as much, if not more than English. But even if you don’t speak French, you can get by with English comfortably in Montreal.
Getting Around Montreal
Montreal has fantastic public transit, though vehicle traffic and parking challenges can still be an issue.
The Metro and bus system are convenient for most locations. You can purchase individual transit tickets, day or week passes, etc.
Our personal preference when it comes to how to get around Montreal is using Bixi bike share. If you’re just going to Montreal for two days, you don’t need a subscription and can rent the bikes per minute with a credit card on the Bixi app.
For longer stays, look into a monthly Bixi subscription (just $18 Canadian/month at the time of this writing), which gives you unlimited 45-minute rides. Just use your Canadian hotel or vacation rental address to sign up, and be sure to cancel the subscription when you depart.
Book an all day bike rental in Montreal >
Book tickets for Montreal’s hop on hop off bus (valid for 2 days) >
What is Montreal known for?
In short, Montreal is known for being a vibrant and active city with French influences. It has a wealth of history, street art, summer activities, and great food.
Home to Cirque du Soleil and host to the 1976 Summer Olympics, Montreal is a popular international events destination. It is also one of Canada’s most affordable large cities in terms of cost of living.
Where to Stay in Montreal Quebec Canada
If you’re visiting as a tourist, the best areas to stay in Montreal would be the beautiful neighborhoods like Plateau-Mont Royal or even within Old Montreal. For business travelers or students, it may be more convenient to stay in downtown Montreal.
Where to Stay in Old Town Montreal
Staying in Montreal’s Old Town, near the St. Lawrence River, gives you access to some of the most significant historical sites. This area is as close as you’ll get to Old World Europe in North America.
Lofts du Vieux-Port – A stylish apartment-style hotel with modern amenities including fully-equipped kitchens, separate living/dining areas in spacious one- and two-bedroom units
Check rates and availability for Lofts du Vieux-Port >
Hotel Nelligan – Set in a historic building, this classic hotel features elegant rooms and a top in-house French restaurant and refined bar
Check rates and availability for Hotel Nelligan >
Plateau Mt Royal Accommodations in Montreal
The Plateau neighborhood, between Mont Royal and Parc La Fontaine, is the hip and happening district. There’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and colorful street art.
François-Denis Apartments (pictured above) – Modern and bright units offering the convenience and flexibility of apartment hotels
Check rates and availability for Francois-Denis Apartments >
Auberge de La Fontaine – Luxury inns with well-appointed rooms and suites designed in line with local culture
Check rates and availability for Auberge de La Fontaine >
Luxurious Montreal Condo – Spacious condo unit that’s perfect for a large group or families. Fully-equipped and comes with a free parking spot
Check rates, photos, and availability for this condo >
Splurge: Where to Stay in Downtown Montreal
Although we much prefer Montreal’s quaint neighborhoods, you’ll find most high-end hotels and conference facilities in downtown Montreal. Crescent Street has the most character as well as plenty of great eateries.
Four Seasons Montreal – A 5-star hotel chain renowned for its luxury and service. Treat yourself to a stay in chic, sleek rooms with access to top amenities like a spa and gourmet dining
Check rates and availability for Four Seasons >
Recommended Tours in Montreal
Book the Montreal mural tour we mentioned above >
Small group half-day Montreal guided tour >
Small group evening Montreal city tour >
When to Visit Montreal: Weather and Events
Summer is one of the best times to visit Montreal. You’ll be welcomed with bright, sunny days, though it can get quite hot and humidity is usually high. But it’s a great time to be outdoors and participate in the wide variety of open-air events and festivals that take place during summer.
Popular events include the Grand Prix du Canada, Montreal Jazz Festival, Just For Laughs festivaal, L’International des Feux Loto-Québec (Montreal Fireworks Festival), and many others!
We know folks who love snow and winter sports also enjoy Montreal in winter. It’s just not our cup of tea!
What to Pack for Montreal
Be sure to bring any required international travel documents, credit and ATM cards (or other way to get cash), good walking shoes, and layered clothing for variations in temperature.
Check our our packing recommendations here:
Nomad Travel Clothing Recommendations
Tech Gear for Remote Work and Travel
We hope our 2 day Montreal itinerary and self-guided walking tour routes helps you plan the perfect Montreal trip. If you have questions or your own Montreal recommendations, please share them in the comments below!
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