A WEEKEND IN MONTREAL: 2 DAY ITINERARY
Bienvenue á Montreal! Tucked away in the North Eastern province of La Belle Province, or Quebec is the beautiful city of Montreal. Montreal is home to a diverse community of settlers, immigrants, transplants, drifters and nomads. The city seamlessly marries the traditional aesthetics of Old Europe and modern cityscape of North America. It is a party-goers paradise, busy metropolis, and the perfect place to find yourself lost amidst hedonism and culture.
Here is an awesome two day itinerary to help you navigate the city and enjoy your short time. Montreal will seduce you entirely, so don’t be surprised if your two day trip turns into an eternity of longing to come back.
Do I need to know French to travel to Montreal?
One of the many curiosities about the city is that it is a primarily Francophone, or french-speaking city in a North American setting. That said, Anglophones, or English-speakers are often pleased to discover that most people in Montreal speak very good English. I would even go as far as to say that most people in Montreal are bilingual, meaning that they speak both English and French. Just don’t forget to start with your Bonjours and Mercis when asking for directions.
Accomodation
hotel or Hostel: Where to Stay in Montreal
Whether you choose a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, you will have very affordable options available to you in Montreal. I have tried a good amount of each option and can vouch for the fact that you will be satisfied by whichever you choose. Check out this blogpost for some guidance on how to choose hostels in Montreal. Here is a shortlist of some of the hostels and hotels we recommend.
Our favourite Hostels
M montreal: M Montreal is a boutique hostel with a rooftop pool. This hostel serves free breakfast and boasts clean and modern facilities. In the evening, there’s live music and a chance to meet people at the bar. There are shared room options along with single room options.
HI Montreal: This hostel is very clean with great amenities such as a bar and free breakfast. The only drawback of this hostel is the ongoing construction in the surrounding area, but you’ll get used to it as it’s par for the course for many of Montreal’s neighbourhoods.
Samesun Hostel: Samesun Hostel is a wonderful hostel with affordable single-room options. While I was there I paid only 60 CAD per night for a room with a fridge and it’s own bathroom, which is more than you can expect compared to some hotels in other medium to large cities (ahem, House of Toby, London I’m looking at you). Free breakfast is also available at Samesun Hostel.
AIRBNBS & HOTELS in Montreal
I highly recommend arranging an airbnb in Montreal, since the prices are quite affordable and you’ll be able to experience the neighbourhoods more intimately and not limit yourself to touristy areas. Montreal homes are built very beautifully.
Hotels are also available. Celebrities hotel close to Berri UQAM station is a very quirky and affordable choice. You’ll also find common hotel brands such as Best Western and Sofitel.
Getting Around the City
Public Transportation
Montreal is a wonderful city for public transportation. The Société de transport de Montréal or STM is primary network that serves the Montreal and greater Montreal areas. The trains and buses can take you to almost all of the main attractions in the city. I would recommend buying a three day pass which will allow you unlimited travel around the cities for those days. Please be aware that travelling into greater Montreal areas such as Longueuil may require an extra fare. You can buy you tickets from the machines at the subway station or directly from the workers at the turnstiles.
Walking in Montreal
Walking is also a wonderful way to see the city. I highly recommend walking between reasonable stops instead of taking the subway so that you don’t miss the many hidden gems in the city, especially the street art. Montreal is quite safe so don’t be afraid to walk for as long as you need to.
Underground City
Montreal has an underground pathway that stretches throughout the city and provides a very convenient way to navigate the city during the extremely cold winters. Here, you’ll find many shops and places to eat.
Uber in Montreal
Uber had some dubious status in many cities. I’ve been in situations where Uber drivers have told be to duck to escape the views or either the police or other taxi drivers. Montreal was once such city; however, travellers should be happy to know that Uber is active and popular in the city. With that said, it is much pricier than public transportation and you won’t escape the hectic traffic and construction that plagues the city. Uber prices are more reasonable that that of Toronto. A trip from Metro St. Laurent to Longueil will cost you anywhere from $14 -20 Canadian dollars.
Can you take a lyft in Montreal?
Unfortunately LFYT is not yet available in Montreal.
Kanga Rideshare
Travelling from outside the city? An alternative to flying, via-rail, or megabus is the option to ride share. Ride-sharing is when you hitch a ride with someone who owns a car and is heading towards a similar direction. You share the ride with complete strangers and pay the driver in cash. Traditionally, rid-sharers use facebook groups to organize their trips, but now there is an app that makes the process a lot less painful. Kangarides is an app that allows you to book rides to other cities. You buy bookings on the app and apply them to the places you want to go. On the day of the trip, you meet with the driver and pay in cash after the trip. There is a $5 booking fee per ride, which is a small price to pay to protect you from cancellations and no shows.
Why I do not recommend renting a car in Montreal
I would not recommend renting a car in Montreal, and here’s why: construction. While Montreal is very easy to get around on foot and by public transport. I would not recommend renting one because you’ll spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. Since you only have two days, you are better off walking. Driving styles in Montreal also vary so you’ll be less than pleased with what you will endure in Montreal. If you really need to rent a car, go with enterprise, Avis or Hertz, which can set you back about $6/day and up.
Day 1: Morning coffee, breakfast, sport & gym
The Old Port or Saint Laurent
I would recommend starting starting your journey with breakfast and or coffee in either the Old Port or St Laurent. St Laurent runs perpendicular from the Old Port into Montreal’s plateau region. They are highly walkable areas that offer idyllic places to stroll and people watch while enjoying authentic French breakfast. Both areas have an abundance of places to eat and shop!
Where to eat breakfast in St Laurent
Searching for an authentic French Breakfast? I would recommend that you begin your journey on the plateau, or New France, as it’s know for it’s high population of French residents. The neighbourhood is popular for its bohemian inhabitants and decadent restaurants. Here, you will find lots of options and a delightful introduction to French cuisine.
One of the best places you’ll ever go for a crêpe is Breizh Café. I often re-visit this authentic French restaurant for their crispy buck-wheat crêpes. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, they offer a variety of crêpes filled with a bevy of toppings and flavour.
Another breakfast diner I would highly recommend is Bagels etc. A favourite of Leonard Cohen’s, it is a retro-style diner that has been around since the 1940’s. You’re love the extensive menu and the generous portions.
Other places for breakfast
Alternatively, if crepes are not your thing, I would suggest Allo Mon Coco a delightfully addicting breakfast spot with an extensive menu filled with your breakfast faves. You’ll won’t miss the sweet Belgian waffles and sumptuous Benedict options. This is a chain restaurant (no, I am not above chain restaurants) with location on St Denis, Guy Concordia, and McGill Street.
day 1: Noon shopping, Sightseeing and places to visit
mont royal
Walk off your delicious breakfast by taking a trip to Mont Royal, the highest point in Montreal. It’s quite the hike but you’ll enjoy the work-out and incredible view!
Shopping on St Laurent and the plateau
I hope that you didn’t come all this way to visit the mall. Montreal’s Eaton Centre (located on the green line between stations Peel and McGill) gives a rather underwhelming shopping experiences since many of the stores that would otherwise be available in larger cities such as Toronto are virtually non-existent at this mall. I would also recommend avoiding the area because of the non-stop construction.
Where Montreal lacks in shopping malls it more than makes up for with an abundance of boutiques and second hand stores. One of my favourite stores is Hadio Friperie Vintage. Here you can find high quality vintage clothes, some even imported from Japan.
Vieux Port Activities
Okay, this is going to be rather “touristy” but it definitely should be on your list because…no shade…but you’re probably tourist. Go down to the old port fun fair and sign up for so fun activities such as tours on segways, jet-skiing, and amusement rides. This was one of the places I took my family when they came to visit me in the city. My little brother was definitely happy to see this part of the city so its definitely as great place for kids. There are also many restaurants and spots soft
Museum & Gallery
Want to discover this amazing city? Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art are where you can experience the bold, innovative and creative works as well as their history.
The Notre Dame Basilica
In the wonderful tradition of Euro travel (I know its still Northern America, many make believe that Montreal and Quebec City are a piece of Europe in the North) your trip would not be complete without a trip to a church, of Eglise, as we say in French. Located in the old port, not far from Tommy Café lies the Notre Dame Basillica. the enjoy the artistry of gorgeous stain glass windows, light a candle, sing along with the choir. One of my first dates was actually at the Basilica and I was impressed. If churches aren’t your thing but you still want to marvel at something cool, or beautiful, visit
The Botanical Gardens
One of my favourite things about Montreal is the city’s respect for foliage. It is almost a sacrilege to not have some form of greenery off the balcony. During the summer you’ll see gorgeous ivy covering homes, dangling from apartment and stretching throughout alleyways! This aesthetic was one of my many reasons for moving to Montreal. The greatest extent of this beauty is the biodome: enjoy the Japanese garden and gorgeous grounds.
Alternatively, you could visit the Biosphere, located at Parc Drapeau it’s structure is a formidable glass ball design that can me seen from miles away.
day 1 evening: spas, dinner and drinks
Feel like winding down after a jam-packed day? Visit one of Montreal’s post popular Spa’s Bota Bota. Bota Bota is located on Spa located on a boat. It has a great atmosphere and there has been many celebrities spotted going in and out of the Spa. Another Spa located in the Old Port is Scandinave Spa.
The best Restaurants in montreal
Montreal has an abundance of dinner options. Like Toronto, you can find any type of food you can dream of: for a homely feel, try poutines from our resident ‘hole in the wall’ spots such as Pattati Patata, and Frite Alors. Other popular spots for dinner include:
MEET UPS & GROUP ACTIVITES
Want to meet some cool people in the city, both natives and drifters? Go to a Mundolingo event. Here you will get to meet people from all over the city who would like to practice many languages. You’ll learn the difference between French and Quebecois dialects, as well as the many other languages represented by this diverse community. (Mundolingo events take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
NIGHTCLUBS IN MONTREAL
Alternatively, hit one of the city’s many night clubs. Want something one the high-end side? Visit Bordelle, Flyjinn, or Joverse . You’ll experience an older crowd, posh drinks and incredible music. If you want to get out of travel mode, dress up and feel stylish for the night, these are definitely places for you. Prefer a more casual atmosphere? Try Candi Bar, Confessional and Tokyo Bar. These clubs are great especially if you love music from the 2000s and a younger crowd. Alternatively, feel free to walk down St Laurent on a night out and you’ll be beckoned into many clubs by dozens of promoters offering deals on the street. If you want to discover some interesting and novel drinks, some places to try are La Distillerie and The lab, but hold on to your wallets because drinks in these places are on the pricey side! Alternatively, Montreal has an abundance of Irish pubs such as Mckibbins pub, and Hurley’s.
Day 2: Markets, Parks and Beaches in Montreal
MORNING: eat breakfast in The Old Port, SHOPPING AT JEAN TALON
Tommy and Apero is also a fantastic option for a great breakfast. This gorgeous café is located in the rather appropriate neighbourhood. Another opulent setting that will surely blow you alway is crew Crew Café Collective. located in the area and it is also a marvel. Located in old bank, it is a café as well as co-working space and is a great meeting spot for those who need a private place to work and good coffee to drink.
Afternoon // Lunch at Marché Jean Talon
Alternatively, you could have lunch at Jean Talon Market. Jean Talon Market is a great option for both lunch and dinner. While you may not be looking to do a big shop for food, Jean talon Market is definitely the place to be for any samples of hearty Quebecois food. Be sure to try some maple syrup treats, and shop around for Montreal smoked meat, cheese, and of course…poutine! This is a great place to buy souvenirs and products that reflect authentic Montreal tastes
day 2 noon: parks, rooftop bars and street festivals
Parks
Visit one or two of Montreal’s many Parks. My two favourite parks are Parc George Etienne Cartier and Parc de la Fontaine. These parks are like a painting come to life. You’ll love the ponds, fountains and statues. In the summer, attend Tam Tams on Sunday morning: here you have people banging drums in the morning and fostering an atmosphere of playfulness and fun.
Rooftop bars
Attend a Street Festival
In the summer there always seems to be some type of festival occurring. Where it is a street festival or a cultural festival, don’t be shocked by seemingly random street closures and large crowds. People in this city really like to have fun. Last year, I added the afro festival on Saint Laurent. There are also cultural festivals on Parc Drapeau; I had the pleasure of tasting Haitian and Congolese food for the first time while dancing to Brazilian music at one of many events.
Montreal is home to many music festivals. In the summer there is the major festival are the Jazz festival, Osheaga, and Ile Soniq. In the Winter the party doesn’t stop! Grab your snow suit and attend Ile Soniq. Just a few months ago I was jumping in the crowd to Diplo. It gets super cold in Montreal so I would highly recommend purchasing VIP tickets so you can have access to heated rooms and convenient bathrooms. For a more in-depth look at Montreal’s festivals, please check out this post.
DAY 2 EVENING: PartIES “beachES” & More Festivals
While Montreal isn’t known for its beaches, there are two notable beaches that I frequent. One beach you should definitely check out is in Verdun located close to De L’Église station; although swimming is not often recommend it is a great spot to chill with friends and have some beers.
There is also a a man-made beach close to Papineau station where many parties are hosted during the summer. Pied au Courant is one of such organizations that organize these parties. If you love African or Caribbean music, this is a series events that you don’t want to miss. These parties are so amazing that you’ll forget that you are not on a real beach. Check facebook to to keep up with when these events take place.
More Drinks and Hidden Gems In montreal
Fancy getting a little lost? Look for one of Montreal’s not-so-secret secret speakeasies. There places are clandestine bars known fo their incredible atmosphere, low-lighting and unique (expensive!) drinks. The Coldroom is a personal favourite of mine. There are many located in old Montreal and they are notoriously difficult to find, some ever requiring passwords to enter, but once you do find them, you won’t be disappointed!
I hope that the suggestions in this itinerary will inspire you to build a fabulous weekend in Montreal. Although some of these suggestions are more skewed towards party-animals and social butterfly, many of these suggestions are suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds! Happy travelling!
