Montreal, Canada-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown

Morning

  • Arrive at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or take the train from Toronto/Kingston
  • Check-in at Hotel Le Germain Montreal, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of downtown
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Place des Arts, a performing arts complex that features various venues, including concert halls and theaters

Afternoon

  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal), one of Canada’s oldest and most respected art museums
  • Explore the adjacent Jardin Botanique, a beautiful botanical garden featuring over 10,000 plant species

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Toqué!, a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Canadian cuisine
  • End the evening with a stroll along the Lachine Canal and its scenic views

Day 2: Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica

Morning

  • Start the day at Café Olimpico, a cozy café serving Italian-style coffee
  • Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, a beautiful Catholic church featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate wood carvings

Afternoon

  • Wander through the historic streets of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), admiring the charming architecture, boutiques, and art galleries
  • Visit the nearby Pointe-à-Callière Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Montreal

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at L’Goff, a bistro serving creative French cuisine in an intimate setting
  • Explore the lively streets of Rue Saint-Denis and its many bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 3: Mont Royal Park and Underground City

Morning

  • Visit Mont Royal Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring hiking trails, gardens, and scenic views
  • Explore the adjacent Biodome de Montreal, a unique museum showcasing four ecosystems from around the world

Afternoon

  • Discover the extensive network of underground tunnels and shops that make up The Underground City (RÉSO), connecting major landmarks and buildings
  • Visit the nearby Place des Nations, a shopping center featuring international cuisine, souvenirs, and street performers

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Bistro 72, a cozy bistro serving French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting
  • Explore the lively streets of Rue Sherbrooke and its many bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 4: Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Jean-Talon Market, a historic marketplace featuring local produce, meats, dairy products, and specialty foods
  • Explore the adjacent streets of Little Italy, admiring the charming architecture, boutiques, and art galleries

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at Pizzeria Napoletana, a popular pizzeria serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza
  • Visit the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal), showcasing cutting-edge art and exhibitions

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Ithaque, a renowned restaurant serving creative Greek cuisine in an intimate setting
  • Explore the lively streets of Rue Dante and its many bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 5: Parc Jean-Drapeau

Morning

  • Visit the scenic Parc Jean-Drapeau, a large park featuring gardens, walking trails, and stunning views of the city
  • Explore the adjacent Casino de Montréal, a popular entertainment complex featuring gaming tables, restaurants, and live music venues

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Toqué!, a renowned restaurant serving contemporary Canadian cuisine (different location from Day 1)
  • Visit the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), showcasing an impressive collection of art and artifacts

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant L’Assommoir, a cozy restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting
  • Explore the lively streets of Rue Saint-Denis and its many bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 6: Atwater Market and Griffintown

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Atwater Market, a historic marketplace featuring local produce, meats, dairy products, and specialty foods
  • Explore the adjacent streets of Griffintown, admiring the charming architecture, boutiques, and art galleries

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at Restaurant L’Goff, a bistro serving creative French cuisine in an intimate setting (different location from Day 2)
  • Visit the nearby Pointe-à-Callière Museum, showcasing the history and culture of Montreal

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Bistro 72, a cozy bistro serving French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting (different location from Day 3)
  • Explore the lively streets of Rue Saint-Denis and its many bars, clubs, and live music venues

Day 7: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Spend some last-minute shopping time at the nearby Avenue du Parc, a popular shopping street featuring boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops
  • Return to Hotel Le Germain Montreal for check-out and departure

Tips and Reminders

  • Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), smoked meat sandwiches, or Quebecois-style bagels
  • Don’t forget to explore the many underground tunnels and shops that make up The Underground City
  • Consider purchasing a Omnium public transportation pass for unlimited travel on buses, metro lines, and AMT commuter trains

Getting Around

  • The city has an efficient public transportation system, with buses, metro lines, and commuter trains connecting major landmarks
  • You can also use ride-sharing services or taxis to get around the city
  • Be aware that traffic congestion can occur during peak hours (rush hour)

Other Essentials

  • Weather: Montreal’s climate is generally cool and temperate, with average highs ranging from 17°C in June to -5°C in January. Pack accordingly!
  • Currency: The Canadian dollar is the local currency
  • Language: French is an official language in Quebec, but most signs and menus are also translated into English

We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay in Montreal!