Montreal-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Montreal

Day 1: Arrival and Old Montreal

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and take a taxi or bus (747 Express Bus) to your accommodation.
  • Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Café Olimpico (1230 Rue Sainte-Catherine E), a cozy café serving Italian-inspired pastries and coffee.

Afternoon

  • Place Royale: Visit the historic Place Royale, a beautiful square in the heart of Old Montreal. Admire the 17th-century Notre-Dame Basilica and explore the surrounding streets.
  • Museum of Archaeology and History (335 Rue Saint-Paul O): Stop by this museum to learn about Montreal’s history and see artifacts from ancient civilizations.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Toqué! (900 Square Saint-François), a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Quebecois cuisine.
  • Evening Stroll: Take a leisurely walk along the Lachine Canal, which offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.

Day 2: Mont-Royal Park and Downtown Montreal

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Boulangerie Guillaume (1210 Rue Sainte-Catherine O), a popular bakery serving freshly baked bread and pastries.
  • Parc du Mont-Royal: Visit the beautiful Parc du Mont-Royal, one of North America’s largest urban parks. Take a hike to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts (1440 Rue Sherbrooke W): Spend the afternoon exploring this world-class art museum, which features works by artists from around the globe.
  • Place des Arts: Stop by Place des Arts, a performing arts complex that hosts various concerts and events throughout the year.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Joe Beef (2180 Rue Saint-Gabriel), a trendy restaurant serving innovative cuisine using local ingredients.
  • Nightlife: Head to Crescent Street or Saint-Laurent Boulevard for a night of bars, clubs, and live music.

Day 3: Underground City and Jean-Talon Market

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Le Cercle (1101 Rue Sherbrooke W), a charming café serving delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • Residence des Artistes (1320 Rue Sainte-Catherine E): Visit this historic building, which was once home to famous artists such as Oscar Wilde.

Afternoon

  • Place Descombes: Explore this underground shopping center, which features various stores, restaurants, and services.
  • Jean-Talon Market: Stop by Jean-Talon Market, one of Montreal’s largest public markets. Try some local produce, cheese, or baked goods.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at L’Assommoir (1040 Rue Sherbrooke W), a cozy restaurant serving classic French-Canadian cuisine.
  • Live Music: Catch a live music performance at the famous Cabaret du Mile End.

Day 4: Botanical Garden and Olympic Stadium

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Café Parc (4631 Rue Sainte-Catherine O), a café located within the Botanical Garden.
  • Jardin Botanique: Visit the beautiful Jardin Botanique, which features over 22,000 plant species and a stunning greenhouse.

Afternoon

  • Olympic Stadium: Stop by Olympic Stadium, a historic stadium built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Take a tour of the facility or attend an event.
  • Aquarium du Québec: Visit the Aquarium du Québec, which features over 10,000 marine animals from around the world.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!’s sister restaurant, Toujours Crêpes (1234 Rue Sainte-Catherine E), a popular spot for crêpes and other French-inspired cuisine.
  • Festival or Event: Check if there are any festivals or events happening during your visit to Montreal. The city hosts many exciting events throughout the year.

Day 5: Visit the Flea Market and Explore the Neighborhoods

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Café Locomotion (1111 Rue Sainte-Catherine O), a cozy café serving delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • Flea Market: Visit the famous Jean-Talon Flea Market, which features various vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture.

Afternoon

  • Explore the Neighborhoods: Spend the afternoon exploring some of Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, or Rosemont-Petite-Patrie.
  • Last-Minute Shopping: Do some last-minute shopping on Saint-Catherine Street or in the Underground City.

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at L’Atelier (1235 Rue Sherbrooke W), a popular restaurant serving creative cuisine using local ingredients.
  • Evening Stroll: Take one final evening stroll along the Lachine Canal or through one of Montreal’s beautiful parks.

Transportation

  • Public Transit: Use the STM public transit system, which includes buses and metro lines.
  • Taxi: Take a taxi, which can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
  • Bike: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Pack layers for unpredictable Montreal weather.
  • Language: While many Montrealers speak English, it’s still a predominantly French-speaking city. Try to learn some basic French phrases.
  • Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the local currency.
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions in crowded areas or at night.

Additional Information

  • Tourist Information Centre: Visit the Tourist Information Centre on Rue Sainte-Catherine E for maps, brochures, and advice from knowledgeable staff.
  • Apps: Download the STM transit app or other city guides to help navigate Montreal’s streets and attractions.
  • Events: Check the official website of the City of Montreal for events, festivals, and concerts happening during your visit.

Enjoy your time in Montreal!