Downtown Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Downtown Montreal. A comprehensive travel guide with helpful tips and insights for your visit.


Introduction to Downtown

Downtown Montreal is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Southwestern Quebec, Canada. It is the heart of the city and home to an array of cultural attractions, outdoor spaces, and a thriving food and drink scene. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal or taking a walk along Sainte-Catherine Street, there’s always something to see and do in Downtown Montreal.

List of Places to Visit in Downtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pointe-à-Callière Museum: This museum unfolds the history of Montreal’s foundation, with archeological remains, multimedia shows, and interactive exhibits.
  • McCord Museum: The McCord Museum highlights the history, people, and lifestyle of Montreal and Canada through engaging temporary exhibitions or an array of objects from its collection.
  • Notre-Dame Basilica: This magnificent basilica showcases an ornate and elaborate interior, stunning stained glass windows, and an impressive altar.
  • Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal: This contemporary art museum holds a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection of modern art.

Natural Attractions of Downtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Royal Park: A perfect place for hiking near the city, Mount Royal boasts beautiful scenic views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for picnicking and enjoying outdoor activities.
  • Old Port of Montreal: A scenic waterfront neighborhood, with views of the St. Lawrence River, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. -** Montreal Botanical Garden**: This stunning garden hosts a huge collection of flora and fauna from Maine to the Arctic and beyond.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Downtown

Montreal has over 600 km of bike paths and lanes, which are ideal for bike enthusiasts. Some of the popular biking and hiking trails include:

  • Lachine Canal: Stretching over 14 km, the Lachine Canal is excellent for biking, jogging, and leisurely strolls.
  • Parc Jean-Drapeau: This verdant park hosts a lot of cycling trails, as well as beautiful gardens and many large-scale events throughout the year.

Best Things to Do in Downtown: Activities and Tours

  • Underground City: Also known as the RESO in French, it is the largest underground city in the world, stretching over 32 km and hosting a lot of shopping centers and boutiques, coffee shops, movie theaters, and more.
  • City Walking Tours: Learn more about the history and culture of Montreal’s downtown core through an informative and inspiring walking tour.
  • Boat Tours: Get an alternate view of the city skyline and waterfront on a sightseeing boat tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Downtown

Day 1: Get oriented with the neighborhood, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and the historic Distillery district Day 2: Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, and take a walk through the beautiful Mount Royal Park. Day 3: Rent a bike and explore the bike paths, take a cruise, and enjoy the Old Port of Montreal.
Day 4: Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden and enjoy the hundreds of plant species found here. Day 5: Take a walking tour of the city, learn about Montreal’s history. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Place Ville Marie Observation Deck. Day 6: Shop at the Underground City and enjoy some local cuisine. Visit the “Montreal Biodome” on the Olympic site. Day 7: Relax in one of the many fine dining restaurants, and enjoy the view of the Old Port at night.

Food and Drink Scene of Downtown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A must-try local delicacy of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
  • Bagels: Montreal-style bagels boast a distinct sweet taste, boiled in honey water before being baked to perfection.
  • Smoked Meat Sandwich: A specialty of Schwartz’s Deli, this famous sandwich is made with smoked meat, rye bread, and mustard.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Montreal is home to several excellent craft breweries, notably Dieu du Ciel, which brews an array of delicious beers.
  • Wine: Quebec has a quota for importation of wine and, therefore, creates a booming local wine industry. Terrasses Magneta (in the Olympic Village) produces amazing sparkling wines.

Where to Stay in Downtown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth: A luxurious hotel, offering unmatched elegance, comfort, and breathtaking views of the city.
  • Hotel William Gray: This boutique hotel in Old Montreal has a charming and elegant ambiance, offering an intimate setting away from the bustle of downtown.
  • Auberge Saint-Paul: A great budget-friendly option in Old Montreal, Auberge Saint-Paul provides clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations.

What to Buy in Downtown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: A quintessential taste of Canada, Montreal is one of best places to buy fresh, pure maple syrup.
  • Local Artwork: Montreal is home to a vibrant arts community, so there are many galleries and shops that offer unique and creative pieces.
  • Craft Beer: Bring back a taste of Montreal with some locally brewed craft beer.

Local Culture and Customs of Downtown

Montreal is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and languages. It is considered the cultural capital of Canada, with a rich and diverse history. Some essential tips to keep in mind while exploring downtown Montreal include respecting cultural differences, learning about the city’s history, and being courteous to locals.

Best Time to Visit Downtown

The best time to visit downtown Montreal is during the summer months between June and August, when the weather is warm, and the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and events. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit the city, with fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations.

Do’s and Don’ts of Downtown

Do:

  • Try Montreal’s iconic cuisine: Poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and Montreal bagels.
  • Visit the city’s downtown neighborhoods, immerse yourself in the local culture and history, and enjoy the City’s festivals and events.
  • Use public transportation, like buses, subways, and bikes- they offer easy and affordable ways to navigate downtown and beyond.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public: Smoking is banned from public parks, buildings and on public transportation
  • Jaywalk: Montreal is a city of pedestrians and cyclists; always cross the street when it’s safe and use designated crosswalks and pedestrian paths.
  • Drink and drive: The legal age for drinking alcohol in Quebec is 18; always take a taxi, use public transportation, or designate a driver if you consume alcohol.

Safety and Health

Safety in Downtown

Downtown Montreal is generally safe, but like in any city, it’s essential to practice good safety precautions. Always be aware of your belongings and surroundings, especially in crowded areas and after dark.

Health in Downtown

Montreal has world-class hospitals and medical facilities, with many English-speaking medical professionals. In case of medical emergencies, dial 911 to request an ambulance.

Getting to Downtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Downtown

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport is the most convenient airport for those visiting downtown Montreal, situated only 18km away from the city center. Public transport or taxis are readily available for transportation to and from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Downtown

Montreal is well-connected by road, with frequent buses arriving and departing from the city’s bus terminals. The two main stations are the Greyhound Bus Station and the Gare d’autocars de Montreal.

Other Options

Montreal’s central railway station, Gare Central, is well-connected to cities throughout Canada and the eastern United States. Alternatively, car rentals and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available to travelers arriving in the city.

How to Get Around in Downtown

Downtown Montreal is a walkable city, but also has a robust public transportation system consisting of subways, buses, and trains. Bicycles are also popular for getting around, with many rental stations throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Downtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Quebec City: This charming city, known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and European ambiance, is a 3-hour drive from Montreal.
  • Cantons de l’Est: This rustic and scenic region in Eastern Quebec is a great destination for nature lovers, only an hour and a half drive from Montreal.
  • Ottawa: Canada’s capital city is only a two-hour drive from Montreal, with museums, galleries, and historic landmarks to explore.

Conclusion

Downtown Montreal is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, food, and outdoor adventures. From exploring the city’s museums and galleries to cycling along scenic bike paths, there’s something for everyone in this exciting neighborhood. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the best this vibrant Canadian city has to offer!

Edifice Sun Life building Edifice Sun Life building Montreal viewed from Mount Royal Montreal viewed from Mount Royal Underground City Underground City Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Musee McCord Musee McCord