5 Day Montreal Adventure: Old Town to Hidden Gems

Experience the European charm in North America - Visit Montreal, Canada.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, you can explore the historic streets and buildings of Old Montreal, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, and indulge in delicious local cuisine such as poutine and bagels. The city also boasts vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums and galleries to explore, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée d'Art Contemporain. Additionally, take a stroll down St. Catherine Street and enjoy shopping at the many designer boutiques and retail stores.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Old Montreal

  • Check-in at Boutique Saint-James Hotel, a charming historic building in Old Montreal
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the European architecture
  • Visit Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic-style masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows
  • Lunch at Olive & Gourmando, a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and pastries
  • Explore Pointe-à-Callière, a museum showcasing the history of Montreal from its founding to present day
  • End the day with a drink at rooftop bar Terrasse Sur L'Auberge, offering panoramic views of the city
Day 2

Mount Royal Hike and Food Tour

  • Hike up Mount Royal for breathtaking views of the city and discover its history along the way
  • Lunch at Schwartz's Deli, famous for its smoked meat sandwiches and pickles
  • Stroll through Mile End, a trendy neighborhood known for its artisanal shops and cafes
  • Take a flavor-packed food tour with Local Montreal Food Tours and try poutine, bagels and more
  • Have dinner at Joe Beef, a renowned restaurant serving exquisite meat dishes
  • Experience Montreal’s nightlife with a visit to St. Laurent Boulevard, lined with bars and live music venues
Day 3

Art and Culture Day

  • Admire the works of art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, featuring collections from around the world
  • Enjoy lunch at the Musée d'art Contemporain de Montréal's café, surrounded by contemporary art
  • Visit the Biosphère, a museum dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues
  • Explore the entertainment district, Quartier des Spectacles, home to music festivals and performance venues
  • Check out the street art in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood
  • Dine at Toqué!, a renowned restaurant serving French culinary delights
Day 4

Quebec City Day Trip

  • Take a day trip to Quebec City, a charming city with historic architecture and cobblestone streets
  • Walk along the fortified walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Château Frontenac, a grand hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River
  • Explore the Lower Town, a picturesque area with colorful houses and inviting cafes
  • Have lunch at Le Chic Shack, known for its gourmet burgers and poutine
  • Return to Montreal in the evening and have dinner at Liverpool House, a seafood-centric restaurant
Day 5

Hidden Gems of Montreal

  • Start the day with breakfast at Patati Patata, a diner-style eatery serving delicious breakfast combos
  • Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden, showcasing over 22,000 plant species in a stunning setting
  • Take a walking tour of the underground city, a network of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants and entertainment
  • Catch a show at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, a venue showcasing plays and musicals
  • End the trip with drinks at Atwater Cocktail Club, a chic speakeasy hidden behind an art gallery

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

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