Montreal, Canada-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Olimpico, a cozy café serving delicious coffee and pastries.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), one of Canada’s oldest and most comprehensive art museums. The museum features a diverse collection of over 43,000 works of art from around the world.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Schwartz’s Deli, a famous smoked meat deli that’s been a Montreal staple for over 80 years.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the historic Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic Revival style.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.
  • Accommodations: Stay at the Hotel Le Germain Montreal, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown.

Things to know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.
  • Many restaurants and cafes have outdoor seating areas, perfect for people-watching on a warm day.
  • Don’t forget to try some poutine, Quebec’s national dish!

Day 2: Thursday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, one of North America’s largest public markets. Sample local produce and artisanal foods like maple syrup and cheese.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the trendy Rosemont-Petite-Patrie neighborhood, known for its vintage shops, street art, and independent cafes.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Buvette, a charming bistro serving classic French cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden, a 75-acre oasis featuring over 22,000 plant species from around the world.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Buvette, a cozy restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails.

Transportation:

  • Montreal has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and metro lines. You can buy a reusable ticket or purchase a day pass.
  • Renting a bike is also a great way to explore the city.

Day 3: Friday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, which showcases Montreal’s rich history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum features an impressive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Au Pied de Cochon, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative French cuisine with a focus on foie gras and other rich ingredients.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the charming Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, known for its eclectic shops, street art, and independent cafes.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for variable weather in Montreal. Pack layers and waterproof gear to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your stay.
  • Many restaurants and bars offer outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying the city’s atmosphere on a warm day.
  • Don’t forget to try some local specialties like smoked meat sandwiches or poutine!

Day 4: Saturday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Atwater Market, a historic market featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and street performers.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the trendy Saint-Henri neighborhood, known for its vintage shops, street art, and independent cafes.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at L’Grenouille, a cozy bistro serving classic French cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Montreal Underground City, an extensive network of shopping malls and tunnels that connect several downtown buildings.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

Day 5: Sunday

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Biodome de Montreal, an innovative botanical garden featuring four ecosystems from around the world, including tropical rainforests and Arctic tundras.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at La Buvette, a charming bistro serving classic French cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the historic Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic Revival style.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Toqué!, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French-Canadian cuisine.

Accommodations:

  • Stay at the Hotel Le Germain Montreal, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown.