3 Days of Fun in Montreal on a Budget

Experience Montreal's charm on a shoestring - a budget-friendly adventure awaits!

21 June 2023

Montreal, Canada offers a vibrant cultural scene with a mix of French and English influences. For travelers on a limited budget, the city offers plenty of free activities like walking tours, visiting public parks and browsing art galleries. Affordable food options include street vendor fare and local markets, while budget accommodations can be found in hostels or with Airbnb.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Old Montreal

  • Check-in at Hotel Bonaventure, located in downtown with affordable prices and a rooftop pool!
  • Grab a croissant and coffee from the nearby Olive & Gourmando bakery to start the day
  • Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, admiring the stunning architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica and Place Jacques-Cartier
  • Stop for lunch at Pub BreWskey to try classic Quebecois poutine and a pint of their extensive beer selection
  • Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about the city's history and enjoy the stunning archaeological gardens
  • End the day with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets of Old Montreal
Day 2

A Day of Art and Nature

  • Take the metro to Plateau Mont-Royal and grab breakfast at Cosy Café, a cozy and eclectic spot
  • Head to Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal to admire the vast collection of art from local and international artists
  • Have lunch at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion café with lovely panoramic views and delicious food
  • Go for a stroll through Mount Royal Park, which offers stunning views of the city and beautiful scenery
  • Explore the Montreal Biosphere, an interactive museum dedicated to environment and climate change issues
  • Dine at Romados Portuguese chicken, a hole-in-the-wall joint offering fantastic roasted chicken and poutine
Day 3

Hipster Mile-End neighbourhood & Funky Mile End Business District

  • Start the day with an artisanal coffee at Café Olimpico, a spot beloved by locals
  • Take in the vibrant street art of Mile-End and wander through the charming boutiques and vintage shops
  • Stop for a brunch at the EPICERIE Pumpui, a family-owned restaurant with a quirky atmosphere and delicious Sri Lankan breakfast dishes
  • Check out the local businesses in the Funky Mile End Business District, and do some shopping at the impressive Plaza St-Hubert, a street full of shops
  • Visit the Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America, offering fresh produce, regional specialties, and beautiful flowers
  • End the day with a delightful dinner at Le Comptoir charcuteries et vins, showcasing locally sourced meat and creative small plates.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Montreal by plane is to fly to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport which is the main airport in Montreal.

Car

Driving to Montreal is possible if you have your own car or can rent one. The journey to Montreal from Toronto takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes via Highway 401 E and Autoroute 20 E.

Train

There are several train stations in Montreal, but the best way to get there by train is to take Via Rail Canada which operates from various Canadian cities and arrives at the Montreal Central Station.

Boat

Getting to Montreal by boat is a unique option. Port of Montreal is a popular destination for cruise ships and cargo vessels. Alternatively, taking a ferry from Quebec City to Montreal is also possible.

Bus

Taking a bus to Montreal is one of the cheapest options. Greyhound operates services from various Canadian and US cities to the Montreal Bus Station.

Destination

Montreal

Welcome to the land of bagels, poutine, and the Montreal Canadiens. If you're looking for culture, history, and a side of smoked meat, you've come to the right place.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Romantic Montreal: A Dreamy 3-Day Getaway

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A Romantic Weekend in Montreal

Montreal is a charming and romantic city that is perfect for a couple's getaway. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Old Montreal, savor local delicacies, and take in the stunning views of the city from atop Mount Royal. With plenty of options for romantic activities, Montreal is the perfect destination for those seeking a romantic trip.

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Weeklong fun-filled itinerary for Montreal, Canada

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