Montreal-7-day-itinerary

Montreal Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

Places to Go:

  • Place Jacques-Cartier: A historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, street performers, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica.
  • Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Wander through cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Explore Place Jacques-Cartier and its surroundings on foot
  • Visit the nearby Notre-Dame Basilica (optional admission)

Where to Eat:

  • Toi Toi Café: A cozy spot for coffee and pastry
  • L’Assommoir: For a taste of Montreal’s famous smoked meat sandwiches

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Le Germain Montreal: Luxurious accommodations in the heart of downtown
  • Auberge du Vieux-Port: Charming boutique hotel in Old Montreal

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or ride-share from the airport to your accommodation
  • Use public transportation (bus, metro) for easy travel throughout the city

Tips:

  • Try some local French cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere
  • Don’t be afraid to speak English with locals; many are bilingual
  • Be prepared for cooler evenings, even in summer

Day 2: Mont Royal Park and Underground City

Places to Go:

  • Mont Royal Park: A beautiful green space with walking trails, a lake, and great views of the city
  • Underground City (RÉSO): Explore this network of shopping centers, restaurants, and shops beneath downtown Montreal

Activities:

  • Hike through Mont Royal Park for panoramic views of the city
  • Spend an afternoon exploring Underground City for shopping or dining

Where to Eat:

  • Café Olimpico: For a coffee break amidst the bustle of Underground City
  • La Banquise: Enjoy traditional Quebecois cuisine in the heart of downtown

Transportation:

  • Use public transportation (bus, metro) to reach Mont Royal Park and Underground City
  • Take a short taxi ride between locations if needed

Day 3: Museum and Art Galleries

Places to Go:

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal: Discover an impressive collection of art from Canada and around the world
  • The McCord Museum: Learn about Canadian history and culture through exhibits and interactive displays

Activities:

  • Spend a morning exploring the Musée des Beaux-Arts for contemporary and historical art
  • Visit The McCord Museum to delve into Canadian heritage

Where to Eat:

  • Laurie-Raphaël Café: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at this charming café near the museum
  • Chez L’Amour: Treat yourself to upscale dining in downtown Montreal

Day 4: Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

Places to Go:

  • Jean-Talon Market: Visit one of North America’s largest farmers markets for fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods
  • Little Italy (Petite-Italie): Explore this vibrant neighborhood with Italian restaurants, shops, and cafes

Activities:

  • Browse the Jean-Talon Market for local food products and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant
  • Wander through Little Italy to soak up its atmosphere and shop for souvenirs

Day 5: Botanical Garden and Biodome

Places to Go:

  • Jardin botanique de Montréal: Explore over 10,000 plant species in this beautiful botanical garden
  • Biodôme de Montréal: Learn about ecosystems from around the world through interactive exhibits

Activities:

  • Spend a morning strolling through the gardens and exploring its themed areas
  • Visit the Biodome to discover diverse environments and wildlife

Day 6: Old Port and Aquarium

Places to Go:

  • Old Port (Vieux-Port): Enjoy this scenic waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and boat cruises
  • Aquatique: Learn about marine life at this aquarium featuring various fish species

Activities:

  • Explore the Old Port on foot or take a leisurely boat ride
  • Visit Aquatique for an educational experience about aquatic ecosystems

Day 7: Last-minute Shopping and Departure

Places to Go:

  • Underground City (RÉSO): For last-minute shopping or dining before departure
  • Airport: Head back home after a wonderful stay in Montreal

Additional Tips:

  • Purchase an OPUS card for convenient public transportation
  • Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and waterproof gear
  • Don’t miss out on trying some of Montreal’s famous bagels and smoked meat sandwiches!
  • If you have time, visit the Montreal Tower (La Tour de Montréal) for panoramic views of the city.

Accommodation Options:

  • For luxury: Hotel Le Germain Montreal
  • For budget-friendly options: Consider staying in a hostel like Auberge du Vieux-Port or booking an Airbnb apartment in the downtown area.

Getting Around:

  • Use public transportation (bus, metro) for easy travel throughout the city.
  • Taxi services are also available if needed.

Food and Drink:

  • Try some local French cuisine at L’Assommoir.
  • For a taste of Montreal’s famous smoked meat sandwiches head to Smoked Meat Pete’s.

This itinerary is designed to give you a good mix of culture, history, outdoor activities, and delicious food. Of course, feel free to customize it based on your interests and the time of year you visit.