Montreal Things to Do

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Montreal has much to offer. While the cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture of Old Montreal present an enchanting atmosphere, the many parks and gardens in the city provide ambient picnicking and hiking grounds.

The historic district of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and its 17th-century buildings are some of the oldest pieces of architecture on the continent. Notre-Dame Basilica, Place d’Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, the Château Ramezay, the Pointe-à-Callière museum, and the Old Port (Vieux-Port) are just some of the attractions that draw residents and visitors from all over the world to this part of town—but another big draw is the shopping.

Surely there is no shortage of cafes, bistros, and restaurants in Old Montreal, but deciding where to best spend your limited time at one can be tricky. Fear not—greatness is in no short supply here. This beautiful section of Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) has been preserved in much of its original state—the oldest building dates back to the 1600s!

Walk a self-guided tour: First things first – download or print a map for Vieux-Montréal beforehand so you can be sure to hit all the important stops. The best way to ‘see’ this part of the city is just to explore and wander through it at your own pace. See the Notre-Dame Basilica: Complete with [...]

Montreal likes to bill itself as having the best aspects of North America mixed with the best aspects of Europe, and in that respect, it’s not far wrong. There are few cities in the world that have Montreal’s mixture of buzz and vitality without feeling too intense and overbearing. It is a city that feels makes you fancy a drink, not need a drink, if that makes sense.

Old Montreal is best explored by foot – there’s no better way to fully appreciate the beautiful buildings and historic charm. On a guided walking tour, a local will lead you around the district, enlightening you about its history and architecture. See Notre Dame Basilica, City Hall, Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d’Armes and Bonsecours Market.