Montreal on a Budget: The 5 Day Guide! 🍁🎉

Experience the charm of Montreal on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

Montreal is a city rich in culture and history, and can be visited even on a limited budget. Opt for cheaper accommodations like hostels or staying outside the downtown area, dine at local cafes and street food vendors, and take advantage of free activities like exploring the Old Port and visiting the city's many parks. With a little planning and budgeting, Montreal can be an affordable and enjoyable destination.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Bienvenue à Montréal!

  • Check into Hotel Bon Accueil for budget-friendly accommodations
  • Visit Old Montreal for a historic feel and charming architecture
  • Enjoy a poutine lunch at La Banquise
  • Walk around the Mount Royal viewpoint for stunning city views
  • End the night at the Quartier des Spectacles for a lively atmosphere
Day 2

Get your culture on

  • Breakfast at Olive & Gourmando for fresh baked goods and coffee
  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for diverse exhibitions
  • Stop at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal for trendy shopping and cafes
  • Have a traditional Italian meal at Pizzeria Napoletana for dinner
  • Catch a show at the Place des Arts
Day 3

Explore Downtown

  • Start the day with brunch at the popular Cafe Parvis
  • Walk over to the Underground City for a unique shopping experience
  • Take a tour of the Montreal Canadiens' Bell Centre or visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
  • Have a juicy burger at Nouveau Palais for dinner
  • Check out the buzzing nightlife at the Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Day 4

Discover the cultural & natural history

  • Get your caffeine fix with a latte from Pikolo Espresso Bar
  • Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum for a historical perspective
  • Take a scenic bike ride on the Lachine Canal
  • Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at Aux Vivres
  • Catch a comedy show at the Just for Laughs Museum
Day 5

Say Au Revoir

  • Have a final breakfast at Tommy's cafe
  • Admire the art at the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal
  • Stroll through the Botanical Garden for a serene nature experience
  • Have a farewell meal at the classic Chez Claudette diner
  • Grab a souvenir at the Jean-Talon Market before heading home.

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.

More travel plans

Montreal in Love: A 4-Day Romantic Getaway

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Montreal, Canada offers a fantastic family friendly trip with a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Explore the historic streets of Old Montreal, where you can visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and discover charming shops and cafes. Kids will love exploring the Montreal Science Centre and the Montreal Biodome, where they can interact with animals and learn about nature.

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