Montreal has a rhythm all its own. It’s artsy, food-obsessed, and proudly weird in the best way possible. You’ll hear French and English mixing mid-sentence, smell fresh bagels on street corners, and spot locals biking past 200-year-old buildings.
At Remitly, we know a major part of settling into a new country is finding the places that make you feel at home. This guide will help you do just that. From the Montreal landmarks everyone talks about to the hidden corners only locals know, every block has a story, and every Montreal neighbourhood feels like its own little universe.
Getting around Montreal
Moving around Montreal shouldn’t feel like a puzzle, and thankfully, it isn’t. The city’s compact layout, great public transit, and walkable streets make exploring super easy, even if you’ve just arrived.
Arriving in the city
If you’re flying in, you’ll land at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), about a 25-minute drive from downtown. The 747 Express Bus runs 24/7 and drops you right in the heart of the city, making it one of the best budget-friendly options.
If you’d rather skip the bus, you can grab a taxi or rideshare; just keep in mind fares are fixed between the airport and downtown. For those arriving from other parts of Canada, VIA Rail and Orléans Express buses are comfortable, affordable, and scenic ways to reach Montreal.
Exploring like a local
Once you’re in Montreal, getting around is part of the adventure. The city’s STM metro is clean, reliable, and easy to navigate, even if your French vocabulary currently stops at “bonjour” and “merci.” Grab an Opus card for unlimited travel, and you’ll zip between neighbourhoods like a seasoned Montrealer in no time.
When the sun’s out, trade the metro for a BIXI bike. You’ll spot locals cruising along the Lachine Canal or weaving through leafy residential streets, baguette in basket and all. It’s affordable, eco-friendly, and one of the best ways to get to know the city’s rhythm.
If you’re more of a walker, you’re in luck; Montreal is incredibly walkable. Just one heads-up: Old Montreal’s cobblestones may look cute, but your feet might disagree after a few hours. Comfy shoes are your best travel buddy here.
Old Montreal & Mount Royal: Two icons, one unforgettable view
If you only have a day to fall in love with Montreal, these two spots will seal the deal. Old Montreal gives you that “wait, am I in Europe?” feeling, while Mount Royal shows off the city’s skyline from its very best angle.
Wander through Old Montreal
This is where Montreal shows off its timeless charm. Vieux-Montréal is all cobblestones, candlelit restaurants, and architecture that’s older than Canada itself. You’ll find the Notre-Dame Basilica, with its jaw-dropping stained glass and blue-lit interior, right in the middle of it all. It’s the kind of place that makes you whisper without realizing it.
Stroll along the Old Port, grab a drink by the water, or take a spin on the giant Ferris wheel for unbeatable river views. If you end up people-watching at Place Jacques-Cartier, don’t rush; between the buskers, artists, and café chatter, you could happily lose track of an afternoon here.
Climb to Mount Royal
When you need a break from the cobblestones, head up to Mount Royal. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park), so you know the views are going to be good.
The Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout gives you that iconic postcard shot of the skyline. In summer, locals picnic on the grass and listen to drummers at Tam-Tams. Come winter, it turns into a snowy playground perfect for sledding, skating, or pretending you enjoy the cold more than you actually do.
Montreal’s neighbourhoods
Montreal isn’t a city you just visit, it’s one you explore block by block. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe, its own rhythm, and its own must-try bakery.
The Plateau and Mile End: artsy, effortless, and endlessly cool
If Montreal had a personality, it would look a lot like the Plateau Mont-Royal, with colourful staircases, vintage shops, and coffee-fuelled creativity everywhere you turn. The streets are lined with murals so good that they double as open-air art galleries, and brunch here feels like a competitive sport.
A short walk north lands you in Mile End, where bagels are a way of life. Grab a warm one straight from the oven, then wander down Saint-Laurent Boulevard for thrift stores, indie cafés, and that “I could totally live here” feeling.
Little Italy and Griffintown: food, flair, and reinvention
Follow your nose to Little Italy, where the smell of espresso and fresh pasta fills the air around Jean-Talon Market. It’s the perfect place to grab local produce or try your first authentic cannoli (trust us, you’ll never look back).
Then there’s Griffintown, a neighbourhood that’s reinvented itself from old factories into one of the city’s coolest spots. Think trendy restaurants, riverside patios, and loft-style apartments.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (HoMa): laid-back and local
Head east and you’ll hit HoMa, a neighbourhood that feels like the real Montreal, creative, down-to-earth, and full of surprises. It’s home to markets, family-run cafés, and street art that tells stories about the community. You’ll also find Olympic Park and the Biodome nearby, making it perfect for a mix of nature, culture, and weekend exploring.
Montreal’s culture, art, and festivals
From massive murals to spontaneous jazz in city parks, creativity isn’t tucked away in galleries here. The city wears its imagination proudly.
Museums that make you feel something
If you love art, history, or simply beautiful spaces, Montreal’s museums deliver. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts blends classics and contemporary pieces so seamlessly that you might forget what century you’re in. And the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) keeps things bold and thought-provoking.
For something different, visit Pointe-à-Callière, the city’s archaeology museum built over its historic foundations. Outside, the Quartier des Spectacles turns downtown into an open-air gallery with light shows and pop-up performances.
Festivals that turn the city into a stage
If Montreal had a love language, it would be festivals. There’s always something happening. Summer brings favourites like the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and Osheaga, when the city practically vibrates with energy.
In winter, things don’t slow down; they just move indoors. Montréal en Lumière lights up the dark months, while Nuit Blanche turns the city into an all-night art party. Many events are free or donation-based, so your wallet can relax while you soak it all in.
The Underground City and hidden gems
Montreal has a secret, and it’s right under your feet. Beneath the busy streets lies an entire world of tunnels, cafés, and shops, known as the Underground City (also known as RESO).
Hidden gems that locals quietly love
When temperatures drop and your eyelashes start freezing, locals head underground. The RESO stretches for over 30 kilometres, linking metro stations, offices, and shopping centres.
You can walk for hours without stepping outside, finding bakeries, boutiques, and art in unexpected corners. Major stops like Eaton Centre, Place Ville Marie, and McGill Metro connect you to some of downtown’s best spots.
The Montreal food scene
You can’t really know Montreal until you’ve eaten your way through it. Every neighbourhood has its own flavour, and every meal feels like a mini world tour.
The icons: poutine, smoked meat, and bagels
Some dishes are non-negotiable. First up: poutine, crispy fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy in glorious harmony. Locals swear by La Banquise, which serves wild combos like poutine with pulled pork or spicy sausage on top.
Then there’s smoked meat, Montreal’s meaty claim to fame. Head to Schwartz’s Deli on Saint-Laurent for a sandwich that’s practically a rite of passage, no frills, all flavour. And the eternal debate: St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel? These wood-fired, slightly sweet bagels are local legends, and the only fair choice is to try both.
A global kitchen on every corner
Montreal’s diversity shines through its food. Start your morning with Turkish coffee, grab pho for lunch, and finish the day with Ethiopian injera or Haitian griot. Authentic flavours are everywhere, and often budget-friendly.
For late-night cravings, you’ll find plenty of spots serving warm, flavour-packed Middle Eastern dishes. If you’re craving comfort food, head to Montreal’s cozy Japanese and Syrian eateries that deliver big flavour in intimate settings. If you’re feeling fancy, you could try a tasting menu in Little Burgundy. Or if you’re looking for cheap eats, then Chinatown has you covered.
Markets, cafés, and sweet escapes
Food in Montreal is as much about atmosphere as it is about flavour. At the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, you’ll find fresh produce, pastries, and local cheeses. It’s the kind of place where you go for “just a look” and end up staying for lunch.
And when your sweet tooth kicks in, follow the scent of maple syrup. In spring, a visit to a sugar shack (cabane à sucre) is a must for the full Quebec experience. Think pancakes, syrup, laughter, and maybe a well-earned food coma.
Family fun and outdoor adventures
Montreal is one of those cities that’s just as fun outdoors as it is indoors, maybe even more.
Olympic Park and the Biodome
You don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate Olympic Park. Built for the 1976 Summer Games, it’s still one of Montreal’s most striking landmarks. The Olympic Tower, with its dramatic tilt, offers sweeping views of the entire city.
Right next door, the Biodome is a family favourite and a total must-see. It recreates five different ecosystems under one roof, from a lush tropical rainforest to a chilly Arctic tundra. If you have time, check out the nearby Insectarium or Botanical Garden for even more magical opportunities to learn about nature.
Seasonal Montreal: the city that never stops changing
Montreal transforms completely throughout the year, and locals embrace every season. Summer feels like one long block party. Patios spill onto sidewalks, festivals fill the streets, and live music drifts from every corner.
Then comes fall, when the city glows in reds and golds. Mount Royal Park is perfect for leaf-crunching walks before cozying up in cafés with a latte and a view. Winter turns Montreal into a snow globe. Outdoor skating rinks sparkle, markets pop up, and even February shines during Montréal en Lumière.
By spring, the big thaw brings flowers, sunshine, and a lighter mood. Terraces reopen, the Botanical Garden blooms, and locals soak in the first real warmth of the year.
Day trips to escape the city
If you want a change of scenery, Montreal is surrounded by easy day-trip destinations that make for the perfect weekend escape. For example, just 45 minutes away, Mont-Tremblant offers stunning mountain views and year-round fun. If vineyards are more your style, head to Eastern Townships, where you can sip local wines and wander through charming villages.
History fans will love Quebec City, about a three-hour drive away. Its old-world streets and riverside views make it one of the most beautiful spots in the province. And if you’re craving a dose of nature without the long drive, the Laurentians provide lakes, trails, and cozy cabins just north of the city.
Start exploring Montreal today
Montreal has a way of making you feel at home, even if you’ve just arrived. It’s a city that invites you to explore, get lost, and find joy in the little things. From historic architecture to late-night food runs, from summer festivals to snowy adventures, every corner of Montreal tells a story worth discovering.
So grab your metro card, bring your appetite, and dive in. There are plenty of things to do in Montreal. The city is waiting to show you just how easy it is to feel at home here.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Montreal?
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather and festivals, while winter (December to February) transforms the city into a snowy wonderland.
Is Montreal expensive for tourists?
It doesn’t have to be. There are many free tourist attractions in Montreal, and public transport makes getting around affordable.
Can I visit Montreal if I don’t speak French?
Yes. Most locals are bilingual, and English is widely spoken. Learning a few French phrases, though, will earn you a smile.
What are some free Montreal tourist attractions?
Mount Royal, Old Port, Parc La Fontaine, and countless festivals offer free experiences year-round.
How do I get around Montreal without a car?
You can use the STM metro, buses, or BIXI bikes; they’re efficient, affordable, and perfect for exploring.