Montreal 10 days

A breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, Notre-Dame Basilica is renowned for its stunning interior adorned with vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and a celestial blue ceiling. It's a must-visit for its historical significance and artistic grandeur, offering a peaceful sanctuary within the bustling city.

• Consider attending the Aura light show in the evening for a different perspective.
• Audio guides are available to enhance your visit.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, a historic district brimming with European charm. Admire the preserved architecture, browse unique boutiques, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of squares like Place Jacques-Cartier.

• Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven.
• Look out for street performers and artists in Place Jacques-Cartier.

A lively and popular restaurant in Old Montreal, known for its delicious seafood dishes, particularly oysters, and its vibrant, convivial atmosphere. It's a great spot to experience Montreal's culinary scene with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
• Don't miss their famous lobster poutine if you're feeling adventurous.

Canada's oldest art museum, housing an extensive collection ranging from Quebec and Canadian art to international masterpieces. Explore diverse exhibitions that span various periods and cultures, making it a rich cultural experience.

• Check their website for temporary exhibitions, which often have a separate admission fee.
• Allow ample time to explore the different pavilions.

A highly acclaimed vegetable-forward restaurant from the Joe Beef team, offering an innovative and delicious small-plate dining experience. Known for its creative use of seasonal ingredients and an impressive wine list, it's a culinary highlight.

• Reservations are essential and can be difficult to secure; book well in advance.
• The menu changes seasonally, so expect new delights with each visit.

Explore the eclectic Plateau neighborhood, famous for its colorful houses with iconic spiral staircases, independent boutiques, and lively cafes. It's a hub for local culture, street art, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.

• Wander down Rue Saint-Denis and Avenue Mont-Royal for shopping and people-watching.
• Keep an eye out for vibrant murals and street art.

A classic French bistro that has been a Montreal institution for decades, offering a timeless ambiance and expertly prepared traditional dishes. It's perfect for a romantic dinner with its cozy setting and authentic French cuisine.

• Their steak frites is a classic for a reason.
• The atmosphere is bustling and authentic, especially during peak hours.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, this urban park offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its Kondiaronk Belvedere. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply enjoying nature within the city.

• Hike or take a bus up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for the iconic city view.
• Visit the Beaver Lake area for a more tranquil experience.

A legendary Montreal institution, famous for its hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels that are boiled in honey-sweetened water and baked to perfection. It's a quintessential Montreal food experience, offering a taste of the city's unique bagel culture.

• Try a classic sesame or poppy seed bagel, or sample their specialty flavors.
• Grab a few to enjoy as a snack or for a picnic.

This vibrant and artistic neighborhood is known for its independent bookstores, trendy cafes, artisan shops, and its significant Jewish heritage. It's a hub for creativity, culinary innovation, and a laid-back urban lifestyle.

• Explore Bernard Avenue and Laurier Avenue for boutique shopping.
• Visit a local independent bookstore like Librairie Drawn & Quarterly.

A popular restaurant in the Mile End neighborhood offering a refined yet relaxed dining experience with a focus on seasonal, market-driven cuisine. Known for its excellent charcuterie and a well-curated wine list, it's a local favorite.

• The tasting menu can be a great way to experience a variety of their dishes.
• Enjoy their selection of house-cured meats.

Home to the 1976 Summer Olympics, this iconic site features the Montreal Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world. You can take a funicular to the top for spectacular views or explore the various sports facilities.

• The funicular ride offers unique perspectives of the stadium.
• Check for any ongoing events or sports matches held at the stadium.

One of the world's largest and most beautiful botanical gardens, featuring diverse themed gardens, greenhouses, and the stunning First Nations Garden. It's a tranquil oasis offering a journey through global flora and cultural heritage.

• Don't miss the Chinese and Japanese gardens, which are particularly impressive.
• The Insectarium, located within the gardens, is also worth a visit.

A pioneering restaurant in Quebecois cuisine, Toqué! is celebrated for its innovative dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients from Quebec. It offers an exceptional fine-dining experience with impeccable service.

• The tasting menu is highly recommended for a comprehensive culinary journey.
• Dress code is smart casual.

Explore the vast network of pedestrian walkways connecting metro stations, shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings. It's a unique urban feature, especially convenient during inclement weather, offering a city beneath the city.

• Download a map of the RESO beforehand, as it can be extensive.
• It's a great way to navigate between attractions without facing the elements.

An iconic Montreal institution, famous for its smoked meat sandwiches. Expect a line, but the experience and the delicious, juicy meat are well worth the wait. It's a casual and no-frills culinary landmark.

• Order the 'medium fat' smoked meat sandwich for the best flavor.
• It's a cash-only establishment.

Montreal's premier performing arts complex, hosting a wide range of concerts, ballets, operas, and theatrical performances. Even if you don't attend a show, the complex itself is an architectural landmark worth seeing.

• Check the schedule for upcoming performances; booking in advance is recommended for popular shows.
• The outdoor Esplanade often has free events or installations.

A contemporary restaurant offering refined, modern Quebecois cuisine in a chic and intimate setting. Known for its creative dishes and excellent service, it's a sophisticated choice for dinner.

• Their tasting menu is an excellent way to experience the chef's creativity.
• The cocktail list is also noteworthy.

One of North America's largest open-air markets, buzzing with local produce, artisanal products, Quebec cheeses, maple syrup, and international foods. It's a vibrant sensory experience and a fantastic place to sample local flavors.

• Go with an appetite and sample various local treats.
• Purchase some Quebec cheeses and fresh bread for a picnic later.

Adjacent to Jean-Talon Market, this charming neighborhood is the heart of Montreal's Italian community. Enjoy authentic Italian cafes, bakeries, specialty food shops, and vibrant street life.

• Try a cannoli or gelato from a local pasticceria.
• Explore the shops along Rue Dante and Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

Located on two islands in the Saint Lawrence River, this expansive park offers green spaces, walking trails, the Biosphere environmental museum, and the Casino de Montréal. It's a great escape for nature and recreation.

• Rent a bike to explore the islands.
• Visit the Biosphere for its unique architecture and environmental exhibits.

Housed in a former industrial space in Griffintown, Le Serpent offers a contemporary Italian-inspired menu with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative presentations. The sleek, modern ambiance makes it a popular spot for a chic dinner.

• Their pasta dishes are a highlight.
• The industrial-chic decor adds to the dining experience.

Dedicated to contemporary art, the MAC showcases works by Quebec, Canadian, and international artists. Its dynamic exhibitions and engaging installations offer a glimpse into the current art scene.

• Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events.
• The museum is located in the Quartier des Spectacles, a vibrant cultural district.

A charming market and restaurant located by the Lachine Canal, offering fresh, local products and a seasonal menu. It's a delightful spot for lunch with a view of the water and the city.

• Enjoy the patio seating during warmer months.
• They often feature local beers and wines.

A beautiful urban green space perfect for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water. The historic canal offers picturesque views and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

• Consider renting a BIXI bike for an easy way to explore the canal path.
• Look for the various locks and bridges that are part of the canal's history.

A cozy and intimate wine bar known for its extensive selection of natural and organic wines from around the world. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed evening, offering small plates and a knowledgeable staff.

• Ask the sommelier for recommendations based on your preferences.
• Enjoy their curated cheese and charcuterie boards.

Explore the vibrant street art scene along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, which hosts the annual MURAL Festival. Discover large-scale murals created by local and international artists, transforming the urban landscape into an open-air gallery.

• The murals are permanent, so you can explore this area year-round.
• Look for guided tours that focus specifically on Montreal's street art.

A popular steakhouse located in the trendy Griffintown neighborhood, offering a modern industrial ambiance and a menu featuring quality cuts of meat and seafood. It's a great spot for a sophisticated lunch.

• Their steak tartare is a popular choice.
• The bar area is lively and offers a good selection of cocktails.

Once an industrial area, Griffintown has transformed into a fashionable district with modern condos, chic boutiques, and trendy restaurants. It retains some of its industrial heritage while embracing a contemporary urban vibe.

• Walk along Rue Notre-Dame Ouest for a mix of old and new architecture.
• Discover local art galleries and design studios.

A gastropub with a cozy, rustic atmosphere, specializing in Belgian beers and delicious pub fare, including excellent mussels and frites. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy a casual evening.

• Explore their extensive list of Belgian beers.
• The mussels are a must-try, with various preparations available.

Built on a historic archaeological site, this museum offers a fascinating journey through Montreal's past, from its Indigenous origins to its modern-day development. The underground portions reveal ancient ruins, providing a unique historical perspective.

• Allow time to explore the underground archaeological crypt.
• The museum often has engaging temporary exhibitions.

Return to Jean-Talon Market to grab lunch from one of the many food stalls or vendors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try diverse local specialties in a lively market setting.

• Look for vendors selling fresh pasta, empanadas, or Quebecois tourtière.
• Enjoy your meal at one of the communal tables or take it to a nearby park.

A beautiful Art Deco market located along the Lachine Canal, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. It's a picturesque spot to browse and pick up local delicacies.

• Admire the distinctive Art Deco architecture of the market building.
• This market has a slightly different selection of vendors than Jean-Talon.

A popular and vibrant restaurant in the Plateau, known for its creative and eclectic menu, featuring dishes with global influences and a lively, bohemian atmosphere. It's a fun spot for a memorable dinner.

• The menu is inventive, so be open to trying new flavor combinations.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

A magnificent basilica and a major pilgrimage site, this impressive structure offers stunning architecture and breathtaking views from its dome. It's a place of spiritual significance and architectural grandeur.

• Take the bus or a taxi to reach the Oratory, as it's uphill.
• The interior is vast and offers various chapels and sanctuaries to explore.

Another legendary Montreal bagel shop, Fairmount Bagel is the original institution that started the city's iconic bagel tradition. Enjoy freshly baked, hand-rolled bagels with a unique chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

• Try a mix of sesame and poppy seed bagels.
• It's a perfect spot for a quick, authentic Montreal breakfast or snack.

Montreal's premier commercial street, offering a vast array of shops, department stores, and boutiques. It's a bustling pedestrian zone perfect for last-minute souvenir shopping or exploring the city's retail heart.

• This street is easily accessible via the Underground City.
• Look for Canadian brands and local crafts.

Depart from Montreal. The 747 bus is a convenient and affordable option for reaching Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) from downtown.