Montreal Canada 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Montreal Itinerary: Exploring the City’s Charm

This 4-day itinerary offers a balanced mix of Montreal’s iconic sights, hidden gems, and delicious culinary experiences.

Where to Stay:

For this itinerary, we recommend staying in Old Montreal. This charming historic district offers beautiful hotels within walking distance of many attractions.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While Montreal is bilingual, French is the official language. Most people in the tourism industry speak English, but knowing a few basic French phrases can be helpful.
  • Currency: The currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar (CAD).
  • Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather! Montreal has distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly.

Day 1: Old Montreal Charm & History

  • Morning: Explore Old Montreal. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire the architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica, and visit the historic Old Port for a taste of the city’s past.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Olive et Gourmando, a popular spot known for its delicious sandwiches, pastries, and creative dishes.

  • Evening:

    • Activity: Take a walk through Vieux-Montréal after sunset and enjoy the beauty of the historic buildings and streetlights.
    • Dinner: Indulge in a traditional French meal at Le Bremner, a renowned seafood restaurant known for its fresh oysters and inventive seafood dishes.

Day 2: Montreal’s Artistic Soul

  • Morning: Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) to discover their impressive collection of art, including Canadian and international artists.

    • Lunch: Grab a classic bagel with cream cheese at St-Viateur Bagel, a local institution.

  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood. Enjoy a coffee and browse the quirky shops on Rue Saint-Denis.

    • Evening: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Montreal’s Jazz Scene with a performance at one of the many venues in the city, known for its incredible music and welcoming vibe.

  • Dinner: Savor the flavors of authentic Montreal cuisine at Schwartz’s Deli, known for serving up the best smoked meat in the city.

  • Transportation: Utilize the efficient Montreal Metro system to navigate around the city.

Day 3: Exploring the City

  • Activity: Visit Mount Royal Park for stunning views of the city. Hike or bike to the top (consider taking it easy on the way down!), explore the trails, and enjoy a picnic by the Kondiaronk Belvedere.
  • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious meal at Au Pied de Cochon, a famous Montreal restaurant known for its decadent Quebec cuisine.

Day 4: Exploring the Underground & Delving into History

  • Activity: Discover the hidden world of the Underground City (RÉSO). This network of tunnels and walkways connects over 30 buildings underground, offering a unique experience to explore in the comfort of a climate-controlled environment.

  • Lunch: Indulge in a classic poutine at La Banquise, a Montreal institution for this beloved dish.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a final delicious meal in Montreal before you depart.

Day 5: Relaxing Day Trip

  • Activity: Take a day trip to Old Montréal. Explore the cobblestone streets, enjoy the architecture, and have dinner at a charming bistro like La Banquise.

Important Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be easily adapted to your interests.

Day 4: A Taste of Local History & Culture

Morning:

  • Explore Old Montréal: Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history by strolling through the picturesque streets of Old Montreal. Admire the architecture, visit historical sites like the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum to learn about the archaeology of the city.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Olive et Gourmando. Enjoy their famous bagels and coffee!

  • Lunch: Indulge in a traditional Montreal meal at Schwartz’s, known for its smoked meat sandwiches.

Montreal Eats & Activities:

  • Enjoy a “breakfast” sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli: Experience the legendary smoked meat of this Montreal institution, a must-try for any visitor!
  • Explore the Old Port: Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the historic buildings, and explore the many attractions like the Montreal Science Centre, the Ferris wheel at the Science Centre, or enjoy a scenic walk up to the summit of Mount Royal.

Day 3: Montreal Eats & Treats:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Experience the bustling nightlife of Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood.
  • Savor the city’s culinary delights: Indulge in “poutine” (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) at Poutineville, a restaurant with a variety of poutine options.

Explore Montreal’s History:

  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History to explore the city’s past.
  • Discover the history of the Underground City: Explore the underground network of tunnels and learn about its evolution from a series of underground walkways into a vibrant underground urban space.
  • Enjoy the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMF)

Experience the Culture:

  • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Montreal Jazz Festival, a renowned event that attracts top musicians from around the world.

Day 4: Enjoying the City

  • Explore the underground city:

  • Transportation:

    • Take a stroll through the underground city (RÉSO), a network of tunnels and walkways connecting over 30 underground buildings.
    • Visit the Montreal Underground City, an underground complex with shops, restaurants, and even a shopping mall.

Enjoy the Culinary Delights:

  • Explore the Montreal food scene: Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Montreal. Enjoy a delicious bagel with cream cheese at St-Viateur Bagel.
  • Experience the flavors of Montreal:

Embrace the Underground City’s charm:

  • Enjoy the underground city’s unique atmosphere: Try the famous “poutine” (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) for a truly Montreal experience.

  • Explore Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods: Discover the vibrant culture and culinary scene of Montreal’s different districts.

  • Sample local delicacies:

    • Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Montreal.

Enjoy the unique experiences that Montreal offers:

  • Learn about the history of Montreal’s cuisine:

  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History:

  • Experience the Montreal Food Festival:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Montreal.

Enjoy the best of Montreal’s food scene:

  • Visit the Montreal Underground City, a complex of underground shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Things to do in Montreal:

  • Enjoy a delicious “poutine” (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) with a side of fries and poutine!

  • Enjoy the cultural diversity of Montreal:

    • Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as:
      • The Old Port (Vieux-Montréal):

  • Enjoy a delicious Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich.

  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMF), a museum with a variety of exhibits.

  • Experience the Underground City:

Enjoy the unique and exciting experience that is Montreal’s underground complex!

Discover the city’s vibrant nightlife: Enjoy the diverse bars and clubs in the city.

  • Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (MMFH):

Experience a delicious Montreal cuisine:

  • Explore Old Montreal’s historic architecture: Marvel at the architectural gems while indulging in some local treats like poutine.

  • Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Explore a variety of art forms.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

Experience the diverse and vibrant cultural scene of Montreal.

Other tips:

  • Enjoy a delicious poutine: Try the famous “poutine” (Old Montreal’s specialty).
  • Explore Old Montreal’s underground network:
  • Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden: Home to 10 different greenhouses, a Japanese garden, and an outdoor garden.
  • Take a walk in the Old City: Enjoy its unique charm and history.

Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife:

Try a jazz club, a local tradition!

Montreal Attractions:

  • Explore Montreal’s vibrant underground network: Discover the hidden treasures of the city’s historic architecture.

  • Montreal Jazz Festival: Experience the incredible music and atmosphere.

  • Underground City (RÉSO): Enjoy the cultural diversity of the city.

  • Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets:

Enjoy a variety of restaurants. Montreal’s vibrant culinary scene:

  • Montreal’s Underground City: Explore the underground complex, which is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Montreal’s Old Port:

Enjoy a variety of art forms Enjoy the city’s unique attractions

  • Underground Art Walkways:

  • Montreal’s Historic Underground City: Visit the local museums and galleries in Montreal’s underground network

  • Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s Archaeology and History Complex:

Explore Montreal’s history:

  • Montreals Museums: Enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants.

Enjoy Montreal’s vibrant culture:

  • Visit the
  • Montreal Science Centre: Explore the exhibits and enjoy the unique experience of exploring science in an underground setting.

Explore the Old Port:

  • Experience the city’s vibrant history: Enjoy the museums and historical sites, such as the Pointe-à-Callière museum or the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History

Enjoy a delicious variety of food options.