It can be difficult for newcomers to Old Montreal to know which way to go because there are so many attractions and things to do. The neighborhood is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser with its European refinement and historic cobblestone streets!
I created a walking schedule that I believe would be useful for visitors to the city, allowing you to make the most of your time there. It contains both must-see locations and charming streets you shouldn’t miss.
Activities in Old Montreal Activities and places to see in Old Montreal
Old Montreal food and drink tour with Jacques Cartier
The Basilique The University of Notre Dame
Montreal’s Old Port
Museums in Old Montreal
Guided tour of Bonsecours Market Foundation Phi in Old Montreal
Montreal’s top spas
Where to sleep and eat
An schedule and activities for Old Montreal
St. Paul’s Road
Stroll down quaint St-Paul Street’s cobblestones. With the earliest cobblestones going back to 1672, it is the second oldest in Montreal and was the city’s principal roadway for a long time.
To my dismay, Place Jacques Cartier appears to have an excessive number of tourist stores on both sides of the street. However, if you walk a little farther, you’ll find upscale restaurants, elegant cafés, and peaceful green squares that are all yours.
Not to note the stunning eastern end’s Notre-Dame-du-Bonsecours Chapel. Just pay attention to the horse-drawn carriages. Along the road, you will undoubtedly come across one!
Let me start by being very clear: I do not let you to drive to Montreal. It destroys the entire Old-World feel (mobility in the twenty-first century doesn’t exactly scream 17th-century charm), in addition to being incredibly impractical (try finding parking in these streets, for instance, and see if you still think I lied). Take the metro and go for a walk instead, just like the natives!
For a breathtaking view of the Basilique Notre-Dame and the Place d’Armes, ascend Rue Saint-Urbain.
For some of the greatest stores in the region, stroll down Rue Saint-Paul between Rue Saint-Urbain and Rue Saint-Pierre.
Discover the historic homes and lampposts that line Montreal’s Rue des Récollets and Rue Sainte-Hélène.
Reach the St Lawrence coastline by going down Avenue McGill and its imposing Art Nouveau structures
Admire the cruise terminal, the city view, and the green spaces as you stroll along the river!
Location Cartier, Jacques
Your walk will inevitably lead you to the stunning Place Jacques Cartier, which has the name of one of Canada’s discoverers. Here, you’ll find a number of expensive eateries along with ice cream and buskers.
Place Jacques Cartier is worth a visit despite its tacky vibe (but then, tourist attractions are touristy for a reason, right?). It will give you the impression that you have traveled back in time. A visit to the New France building ensemble is highly recommended.
Food and drink tour in Old Montreal
Over the past ten years, Old Montreal has seen a culinary renaissance and is now home to delectable restaurants and markets. Gone are the days when local foodies were completely turned off by the touristic and expensive offerings.
In addition to numerous of the attractions mentioned in this article, the Old Montreal Food Tour shows tourists the cobblestone streets of the most European neighborhood in North America. Highlights include fancy poutine, gluten-free delicacies, craft beers, and many other delicious items.
Notre-Dame Basilica
The church, which was constructed in the Gothic Revival style, is fairly ostentatious and lavishly decorated. First and foremost, the unusual stained glass that features scenes from Montreal’s religious past rather than classic biblical scenes, and the deep blue ceiling that is covered in millions of glittering stars.
Music lovers will also want to check out the 1891 7000-pipe organ, which is among the best of its kind.
It only costs $5 to enter during the day. Tuesday through Saturday evenings are dedicated to the underappreciated sound and light performance “And Then There Was Light,” which tells the narrative of the church.
Montreal’s Old Port
This part of Montreal isn’t well-known by tourists, and even by locals; as a result, most visitors forget that Montreal is actually an island. The Old Port region is loaded with history, a magnificent waterfront, and obviously stunning and privileged views of the St. Lawrence River. Moreoever, it’s a perfect area for a romantic stroll, view famed Habitat 67 architectural complex and maybe (probably) grab an ice cream.
Museums in Old Montreal
Ramezay Château
While Montreal’s central center is home to the city’s top art museums, the city’s historic museums are, understandably, primarily dispersed around the old town. You can choose between the multisensory exhibitions at the Science Centre and ancient Château Ramezay to the exact location of Montreal’s first structure, located inside Pointe à Callière.
Market of Bonsecours
On the rue des Communes, Bonsecours Market
The massive 150-year-old Bonsecours Market, Montreal’s oldest and biggest public market, is located down Saint-Claude Street.
Although its purpose has evolved over time (for example, it now contains high-end cafés and boutiques rather than potatoes and pork chops), it is still an important example of French-Canadian architecture and should not be disregarded.
The Phi Foundation
Are you interested in modern art? In particular, Fondation Phi, a cutting-edge gallery in Montreal, frequently presents and produces modern, provocative exhibitions with a particular emphasis on virtual reality.
A guided tour of Old Montreal
There are plenty of walking tours in these areas because Montreal is a relatively walkable city. Choose from history, heritage, architecture, or even ghosts, depending on your personal interests!
Old Montreal’s historical walking tour
Walking tour with ghosts
Individual walking tour
The haunted pub crawl in Montreal
Montreal’s top spas
Bota Bota
Perhaps you should think about making a quick (or long, depending on your schedule) visit to one of the city’s greatest and most adored spas if your legs can no longer handle the mountainous streets.
While Bota Bota, situated on a permanently docked boat and soothed by the rhythm of the St. Lawrence River, is a little more fanciful, Spa Scandinave offers exceptional Nordic in a modern setting.
