Montreal Canada 2 Day Itinerary

July 14, 2024

48 Hours in Montreal: A Two-Day Itinerary

This two-day itinerary focuses on experiencing some of Montreal’s iconic sights and vibrant culture. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Old Montreal & Historic Charm

Morning:
- Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Olive + Gourmando (Old Montreal), known for its fresh pastries and mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches.
- Explore Old Montreal:
  - Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), admiring the historic architecture and visiting attractions like:
    - Place Jacques-Cartier: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this iconic square, a popular gathering spot for street performers and tourists.
    - Notre-Dame Basilica: Experience the breathtaking beauty of this stunning church with its ornate interior and intricate stained glass windows.
    - Montreal Museum of Archaeology & History (Pointe-à-Callière): Discover the rich history of Montreal through interactive exhibits and archaeological artifacts.
- Lunch: Grab a classic Montreal smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli, a legendary spot in the city.
Afternoon:
- Old Port (Vieux-Port de Montréal): Enjoy the waterfront scenery, take a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic views, or explore one of the many historical sites.
- Montreal Science Centre (Espace pour la Vie): Learn about science and nature through interactive displays and exhibits.
- Dinner: Indulge in a delicious French-Canadian meal at Le Bremner, a popular restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Evening:
- Montreal Jazz Festival: If you’re visiting during the summer, catch a free show at this world-renowned festival.
- Catch a Habs game: During the hockey season, experience the passion of Montreal Canadiens fans at a live game (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets!).

Day 2: Culture & Cuisine

Morning:
- Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Old Montreal. Try a Montreal bagel from St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel, both known for their unique style and flavors.
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal): Explore a wide range of art, from classical to contemporary, at this beautiful museum.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Plateau Mont Royal: Wander through the charming streets of this neighborhood, known for its colourful buildings, bohemian vibe and trendy shops & cafes.
- Lunch: Discover the vibrant Jean-Talon Market and enjoy a fresh lunch from one of the many vendors offering delicious local fare.
Evening:
- Dinner & Drinks: Experience the lively Montreal nightlife by exploring a few bars in the Mile End neighborhood, known for its indie music scene and creative cocktails.
  - Things to do: Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of Montreal’s Plateau, browsing the independent boutiques and shops along St-Laurent Boulevard or Rue St-Denis.

Things to know:

Montreal is a bilingual city (French & English), so knowing some basic French phrases can be helpful for navigating and interacting with locals.
Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars (15% is standard, 20% for exceptional service).
Montreal’s currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Things to see:

Montreal Museum of Archaeology & History (Vieux-Montréal): Explore the history of Montreal through interactive exhibits and archaeological artifacts.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, Montreal): Enjoy a diverse collection of art from around the world and experience the vibrant art scene in Montreal.
Notre-Dame Basilica: A breathtaking example of Gothic architecture, with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

Things to do:

Visit Old Montreal’s historic sites: Explore the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture of this charming neighborhood.
Attend a concert or festival: Montreal is known for its vibrant music scene, from classical concerts at the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal to international festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
Climb Mount Royal: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and take a break from the urban bustle with a hike up this iconic landmark.

Day 2:

Montreal:
- Explore the Underground City (RÉSO): A unique network of underground tunnels and walkways connecting buildings and shopping centres.
- Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Montréal): Experience the beauty of nature with diverse plant collections and stunning greenhouses.

Day 2:

Montreal Science Centre: Explore the latest in science and technology, enjoy interactive exhibits and learn about the environment.
Experience a Habs game: If you’re visiting during the hockey season, this is your chance to catch a Montreal Canadiens game! (Consider checking the schedule for events/games)
Explore the Old Port of Montreal: Enjoy the waterfront scenery, take a ride on the Ferris wheel and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Day 2:

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal): A world-class museum with an impressive collection of Canadian and international art.
Montreal Biodome: Experience different ecosystems in one place at this fascinating indoor attraction.
Montreal Science Centre: Explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits and shows.

Enjoy Montreal’s diverse cultural offerings!

Transportation:

Montreal has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the metro.
The STM (Société de transport de Montréal) website and app are excellent resources for planning your trips.
Consider purchasing a day pass for the STM to save money on multiple journeys.

Things to know:

Montreal’s public transportation system is one of the best in North America, with clean and efficient trains and buses.
The STM offers a 7-circuit bus and metro pass for tourists which allows access to all public transportation options.
You can also explore the city by foot, bike, or taxi.

Food & Drink:

Montreal is known for its diverse food scene.