15 Things to do in Montreal on a weekend

Situated in the province of Quebec,  Montreal is one of the most unique and fascinating cities I have ever been to.

I was lucky to explore this city for two months and experience its rich history and vibrant culture!

With its French colonial past, Montreal has a distinctly European feel, but it also embraces its North American surroundings. It’s like the perfect mix between the two cultures – and that`s what makes it so interesting!

Montreal is also well known for its beautiful architecture, which includes both historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. From its charming neighborhoods to its lively downtown, there is truly a lot to see in Montreal.

How many days in Montreal

For visiting Montreal, I recommend at least a full weekend. If you have three days, that’s even more perfect because that is the amount of time you will need to see everything without rushing and maybe even go on a nice tour of the city.

When to visit

The best time to visit Montreal is in the summer months, from June to August.

The weather is warm and there are plenty of activities and events taking place in the city.

However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, spring or fall are also great times to visit. Winter can be cold (REALLY cold), but if you don’t mind the cold weather, you can find some great deals on hotels and flights and even take on some skiing near the city in Mont Tremblant.

How to get around Montreal

The best way to get around Montreal is by public transportation and walking. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and metro trains.

The metro system works remarkably well, is clean and safe and a fantastic way of visiting distant parts of town.

If you are staying in the downtown area – or even in Plateau Mont-Royal or Vieux Montreal, you can easily walk to most of the attractions.

However, if you plan on exploring more of the city, I would recommend getting a day pass – which costs 10$ –  for the public transportation system.

What to do in Montreal on a weekend

There are so many things to do in Montreal! Here are some of my favorite activities to do on an intense weekend.

Visit Old Montreal

Old Montreal, also known as Vieux Montreal, is the historic district of the city and it is absolutely beautiful.

The cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings give it a distinctly old-world charm, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do.

You can take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhood, visit the many museums and art galleries, or simply enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Le Petit Dep and Café de Mercanti Old Montreal are great choices for a good cup of coffee, while Le Club Chasse et Pêche, Holder, and Garde Manger are some of the best restaurants in the city.

See art at the Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in Canada, and it is definitely worth a visit.

The museum has an impressive collection of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary, and there are also often temporary exhibitions that are worth checking out.

If you are interested in art, this is definitely a place you won’t want to miss.

If you visit Montreal during the week, a ticket to the museum is cheaper on Wednesday night. However, some of the exhibits are closed during that time, so it might not be worth it if you really want to see everything in the museum.

Explore Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is a large park located in the center of the city. It is the perfect place to go for a walk or a hike; on a clear day, you can even get a great view of the city from the top of the mountain.

There are a few nice cafes and also several lakes located within the park, which make for a pleasant place to relax on a warm day.

Stroll through Chinatown

Montreal’s Chinatown is located in the downtown area, and it is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. This is one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Montreal.

The neighborhood is filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and businesses, and it is definitely worth exploring.

My favorite restaurants in Montreal`s Chinatown are Nouilles de Lan Zhou and Oh Dumplings.

Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden is one of the largest gardens in the world, and it is absolutely beautiful.

The garden has many different sections, each with its own unique theme, and there are also several greenhouses that are worth checking out.

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, this is definitely the place for you!

However, this visit might only be worth it in late spring and summer.

Watch the sunset from Place Jacques-Cartier

Place Jacques-Cartier is a large square located in Old Montreal. It is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike and offers a great view of the city.

The best time to visit is at sunset when the sky is filled with beautiful colors.

Experience the nightlife scene

Montreal is known for its lively nightlife scene; there are many bars and clubs to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a place to have a few drinks or dance the night away, you will surely find something to your liking.

Bike along the Lachine canal

The Lachine canal is a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride.

The canal offers beautiful views of the city and is also a great place to people watch.

Near the canal,  you can find bike shops to rent a bike and also Le Trou, a small bagel shop that is really good.

Have a smoked salmon bagel at St Viateur Bagel

St Viateur Bagel is a popular bakery located in the Mile End neighborhood.

The bakery is known for its delicious smoked salmon bagels, which are definitely worth trying! If you visit on the weekend, plan to stay in line for at least 15 minutes – it gets crowded!

Shop at the Jean-Talon Market

The Jean-Talon Market is the largest outdoor market in Montreal, and it is a great place to find fresh produce and other food items for good prices.

Spend an afternoon in Plateau Mont-Royal

In my opinion, Plateau Mont-Royal is the most charming neighborhood in Montreal.

The streets are lined with beautiful Victorian houses, and there are plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants to explore.

I recommend trying Lebanese food at Trip de bouffe or a traditional London Fog latte at Cafe Myriade.

Check out the Biodome

The Biodome is a unique attraction that is definitely worth a visit.

The Biodome is home to four different ecosystems and is a great place to learn about the animals and plants.

You can also visit the Insectarium, which is located next to the Biodome, and learn all about the many different kinds of insects that call Montreal home.

Take a boat ride on the St. Lawrence River

A boat ride on the St. Lawrence River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Plus it is a super relaxing way to spend a weekend in Montreal.

Walk around Parc Jean Drapeau

Parc Jean Drapeau is a large park located on the island of Saint Helene.Getting here is very easy: you can take the metro from the Berry UQAM station.

This park is huge and so beautiful. In summer, many locals come here to sunbathe, paddle in the water, listen to music, and have a picnic. Plan to explore the park for at least a couple of hours!

Eat poutine at Le Banquise

If you are looking for a traditional Montreal dish, you must try poutine.

Poutine is a dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and it is absolutely delicious.

You can find it at pretty much any restaurant in the city, but La Banquise is one of the most popular spots.

I suggest trying the La Rachel or La Elvis poutine.

Conclusion: Montreal travel guide

That’s a wrap! Montreal is a beautiful city and a fantastic destination for a long weekend.

From its stunning architecture and art to its lively nightlife scene, there is something for everyone in Montreal and I am absolutely sure that you will love this city just as much as I did.

This place has a unique atmosphere you can’t really find anywhere else, and personally; I can’t wait to go back! I hope you are inspired to spend a weekend in Montreal.