11 must-see activities in Montréal

A blend of European charm, a dash of cosmopolitan New York, and a distinct quirky flair, Montréal stands out as Canada’s most artistic and vibrant city, perfect for an extended exploration.

From queuing for iconic Montréal-style bagels and smoked meats to hiking up “the mountain” and visiting world-renowned museums, this enchanting city offers endless adventures. Be sure to take time to wander and absorb the atmosphere.

Here are 11 activities to kick off your adventure. Keep in mind that the Passeport Montréal allows you to select from five attractions and tours with a single pass, while the Musée Montréal’s Carte Excursion grants access to all museums within three days.

1. Discover Montréal’s trendy neighborhoods

One hot topic among Montréalers is debating which neighborhood reigns supreme or is the “coolest.” Explore for yourself by wandering through its charming districts.

Le Plateau features the iconic residential duplex and triplex designs typical of Montréal, complete with outdoor staircases and scenic parks like Carré St-Louis and Parc La Fontaine. Further up on the Main (Boulevard St Laurent), you’ll discover the Mile End's trendy eateries alongside Jewish cultural landmarks, and Petite Italie, famous for the delicious food stalls at Marché Jean-Talon and an abundance of cannoli.

Vieux-Port (Old Port) is a historic area over 400 years old, while Quartier des Spectacles is known for its vibrant festivals and cultural events. Downtown along Rue Ste-Catherine is the hub for major retail shopping. To the east in Montréal lingo – actually northeast on a map – lies the lively Gay Village (Le Village) and the edgy hipster district of Hochelaga. Head west along Rue Notre-Dame to explore Griffintown and St-Henri, where you’ll find trendy restaurants and unique shops like Marché Underground, along with paddle boating opportunities on the Canal de Lachine. Don't miss Verdun, an emerging neighborhood with its own beach.

Insider tip: While Downtown and the Old Port are filled with hotels, venture a little further into areas like Le Plateau or St-Henri for a more authentic local experience.

2. Stroll through the Old Port

While Montréal’s Vieux-Port is known for being touristy, filled with souvenir shops, caricaturists, and various attractions, it remains a must-see. Established in 1611, the area showcases a blend of British and French architectural styles, featuring a scenic boardwalk and historic shipping buildings. Notable sights include the Basilique Notre-Dame (Basilica), Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall), and a former bank now home to the beautiful Crew Collective & Café.

Insider tip: Plan your visit to Notre-Dame to enjoy live organ music on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday from 1:30 to 4:20 PM, or experience Aura, an immersive light and sound performance, on most evenings.

3. Participate in local festivals and catch a show

In Montréal, there's hardly a week that goes by without a festival taking over the streets and parks. When they do, witnessing the joy on everyone’s faces in sync with dazzling light displays is unforgettable. Spring and summer events include the Festival International de Jazz featuring live jazz and numerous free concerts; Mural for graffiti art, live hip-hop, and shopping on The Main; Montréal Complètement Cirque showcasing circus performances in the streets; Just for Laughs, one of the leading comedy festivals globally; the Formula 1 Grand Prix with celebrations on Crescent St; and adrenaline-pumping music festivals like Osheaga in the summer and Igloofest in winter's chill. If you're not in Montréal for a festival, you can always catch a performance at venues such as L’Opéra de Montréal, Chez Mado, and MTelus.

Detour: Explore Québec City for the world’s largest winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec, and visit Baie-St-Paul for Le Festif!, a summer music festival featuring live concerts throughout the town, including by the river.

4. Hike up Mont-Royal

Montréal’s namesake, affectionately called “the mountain,” is the heart of the city. Thanks to visionary city planners who safeguarded the area from development in 1876, Mont-Royal serves as an urban oasis. The park features a broad pedestrian path that winds its way to the summit, where you'll discover Lac-aux-Castors (Beaver Lake) and Belvédère Kondiaronk, a delightful chalet offering the city’s most stunning views.

On Sundays, gather at the foot of the mountain near the Monument to Sir George-Étienne-Cartier (a founding figure of Canadian Confederation) to join a lively crowd dancing to bongo drums and various instruments at Tam Tams, a lively weekly gathering that carries the spirit of Le Plateau’s hippie past into the present.

5. Indulge in bagels, smoked meat, Portuguese chicken, and poutine

Montréal is rightfully renowned for its unique bagels (light, water-baked, and covered in sesame seeds), which many claim are superior to New York’s (no arguments, please), alongside its famous smoked meat (brisket) sandwiches. Both culinary delights were introduced to the city by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Don’t miss the bagels from Fairmount Bagel and St-Viateur Bagel, and be sure to queue for the smoked meat at Schwartz’s Deli.

Keep your appetite ready, as there's still more to savor. In the 1960s and ‘70s, Portuguese immigrants introduced another beloved dish to Montréal: piri-piri chicken. Sample some spicy goodness at Ma Poulle Mouillée, Romados, and at the restaurant credited with bringing Portuguese-style chicken to the city: Coco Rico.

Although not originally a dish from Montréal (it actually hails from casse-croûte chip wagons in central Québec), if you’re only visiting Québec through this city, you must indulge in the delicious poutine—ooey-gooey goodness of crispy French fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. The top spots to try this classic are La Banquise, Patati Patata, and Chez Claudette.

Local tip: Join a Beyond the Bagel walking tour starting from the Musée Juif de Montréal to sample the finest Jewish delicacies while learning about the community’s rich history.

6. Experience the beauty of natural diversity

In the eastern part of the city, Espace Pour la Vie is a collection of four key attractions (five if you count the Biosphère at Parc Jean-Drapeau) dedicated to exploring the natural world and our role within it. The Biodôme (distinct from the Biosphère) features five recreated natural habitats, allowing you to experience the sub-Antarctic islands (complete with penguins!) and the tropical rainforest's humidity, highlighted by views of vibrant parrots. The Insectarium invites you into the fascinating realm of insects and butterflies. Additionally, the expansive Jardins Botanique (Botanical Gardens) occasionally hosts stunning light shows, along with the captivating Planétarium.

Detour: For a deeper dive into nature, venture north to the Laurentian Mountains, where numerous lakes and rivers can be found, along with Mont-Tremblant, the most popular ski resort in Eastern Canada.

7. Gather delicious produce at the market for a park picnic

Every year, Québec bursts with fresh produce, from crunchy apples to flavorful wild blueberries and tiny orange ground cherries, all beautifully displayed in overflowing baskets at the city’s primary farmers' markets, Marché Atwater and Marché Jean-Talon. Choose your favorites for a delightful picnic in one of the city's lovely parks, immersing yourself in local life as a Montrealer. Notable parks include Parc La Fontaine, Carré St-Louis, Laurier, Jarry, Jeanne-Mance, and Maisonneuve.

Local tip: You can enjoy alcohol in Montréal’s public parks, but only if accompanied by sufficient food (like a baguette and cheese, not merely chips). You must also be seated at a picnic table to avoid potential fines.

8. Experience awe at a museum or immersive exhibition

Montréal is known as Canada’s art hub, boasting some of the finest museums in the country. Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts for an extensive collection of stunning art from around the globe. The Museé McCord Stewart, a smaller venue, highlights Indigenous art, maps, and fashion that reflect the city’s diverse cultures. Head to Pointe-à-Callière to delve into Montréal’s history and discover an archaeological site underground. Don’t miss Centre PHI, which offers an immersive art experience featuring virtual reality and other incredible shows. For a modern twist, check out the Cité Mémoire app, which uses augmented reality to project visualizations of the city’s history onto buildings and landscapes.

9. Relive the magic of Expo 67

Just across the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port lies a partially man-made group of islands, crafted for the Expo 67 (1967) World’s Fair. While many of the remarkable structures that welcomed 50 million visitors—when Canada’s population was around 20 million—are no longer standing, you can still admire Moshe Safdie’s brutalist masterpiece, Habitat 67, and the iconic Biosphère dome. Throughout summer weekends, Parc Jean-Drapeau features a mini-electronic music festival called Piknic Élektronic, along with an amusement park, La Ronde, and a beach.

Local tip: Take a scenic ride across one of the bridges to Parc Jean-Drapeau using a Bixi bikeshare. It’s a delightful adventure with stunning views of downtown and the St. Lawrence River.

10. Explore the nightlife

While Montréal has largely moved beyond its ‘Sin City’ reputation from the raucous, neon-lit days of US Prohibition, it remains a fantastic spot for nighttime fun. Start your evening with a 5 à 7 (happy hour) at one of the city’s numerous rooftop bars and terrasses, then indulge in natural wines or craft cocktails at trendy bars. The nightlife continues late, as bars can stay open until 3 am, with vibrant clubs in downtown and Le Village. Some top spots include Bar George, Else’s, BarBara, and Messorem, plus the popular Stereo nightclub.

11. Root for the Habs at Centre Bell

Few sports franchises boast a history as rich as that of the Montréal Canadiens, tracing back to when they were one of the “Original Six” teams in the National Hockey League, all the way to their remarkable run in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Experience the excitement of a Habs game at Centre Bell, where the energy of the hometown crowd is palpable. Just remember, cheering for the rival Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs is not an option.