2 Days in Montreal: Top Things to do in Montreal for First-Time Visitors
Rich with colour and history, Montreal is an incredible city that needs to be explored from every angle. This hip Quebec city is home to some of the best street art in the world. There are distinctive cafés on every corner. But throughout it all runs its historic roots and celebrated diversity. And while there’s much to do and see, I recommend at least 2 days in Montreal for first-time visitors.
Are you looking for a weekend getaway from Toronto or New York? Perhaps a mid-week escape? This forty-eight hour Montreal itinerary will take you to the top sights, best places to eat, and all the must things to do in Montreal. And for first-time visitors this itinerary is ideal!
Whether you love exploring hipster cafes and hunting down street art or learning about the history and exploring amazing green spaces, then this Montreal itinerary is for you!
Below you’ll find everything you’ll need to know to help plan your 2 Days in Montreal! Discover all the top things to do in Montreal, must-eats, plus where to stay, and more!
15 Top Things to do in Montreal in 2 Days
Are you looking for the perfect weekend in Montreal itinerary? Well, I’ve got everything you need to know to plan for the best getaway including all the best things to do in Montreal, what to eat, and so much more! There is something for everyone’s interests. Whether you love exploring parks and eat all the city’s best food or prefer to wandering museums and take historic walking tours, you’ll find it all in Montreal!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Notre Dame Basilica
One of my favourite places in Montreal is the Notre Dame Basilica. It gave me that enchanting and overwhelming feeling that few places I’ve visited have, like Paris’ Notre-Dame and Greece’s Meteora. As you climb up the imposing stone stairs and enter the Basilica’s grand interior your breath will be taken from you. Yes, Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica is that breath-taking!
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica was built in 1829 and oozes grandeur throughout. Its bell can be heard up to 25 kilometres away. Its massive organ stands centre stage and has 7000 individual pipes. And there are fourteen stain-glass windows from Limoges, France. But for me, the pièce de résistance is the magical vaulted ceiling with its 24 karat gold stars against a rich night blue sky.
There are endless reasons why the Notre Dame Basilica is the most popular attraction in Montreal. For all the reasons I’ve mentioned above and because there’s also an incredible light show that takes place within. The Aura light show is an incredible and enchanting experience that brings the interior to life, from the paintings to the ceiling, and all through light, sound, and movement.
Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal
Hunt Street Art
A big draw for many to Montreal is street art! And boy, it will not disappointed. To be honest, you don’t have to hunt too hard for it because it is everywhere. It’s in every neighbourhood from Old Montreal to Chinatown and over to Griffintown. Montreal truly embraces its creatives. There are even two street art festivals that help keep bringing the city to life with colour and art, Mural Festival and Under Pressure.
But the best neighbourhood for street art in Montreal is Plateau Mont Royal. Many of the city’s big, iconic pieces, like Graffiti Granny, the Jackie Robinson mural, and the crazy happy-faced Mona Lisa. Unlike street art in other cities, most of it is on a large scale in Montreal. It’s certainly not hiding!
If you’re looking for a guided tour to see some of the best street art in Montreal then check out this Official Mural Tour!
Related Post: Where to Find Street Art in Ontario
Montreal Biodome
For families looking for things to do in Montreal with kids then head on over to the Biodome! It was originally built for the Summer Olympics of 1976 for judo and cycling events. Now, it’s home to a natural wonderland of fun! The Biodome has thousands of animals representing over 200 species, 500 plant species, and so much more!
The Montreal Biodome can be found within the Olympic Park. Its part of the Montreal Space for Life, which is Canada’s largest natural sciences museum complex! Within the Biodome you’ll find four distinct ecosystems that visitors can wander through. Biodome means “house of life” and that’s exactly what it is. Not a zoo or gardens, but a haven for all. A few popular animals to visit include the golden lion tamarin monkeys as well as the penguins
Other fun things to do in Montreal with family that are nearby include the Insectarium, Space for Life Museum, The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, and for epic views – The Montreal Tower!
Address: 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal
Redpath Museum
Montreal has some amazing museums, one of which is the Redpath Museum. Located on the picturesque campus of McGill University, the Redpath Museum should be on your list of what to do in Montreal. This beautiful natural history museum was built in 1882 and not only has an incredible collection that includes ancient Egyptian mummies, large scale dinosaur skeletons, and interesting local pieces, but its interior is stunning as well.
Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or free things to do in Montreal (yes, the museum is free but a donation is much appreciated), then a visit to the Redpath Museum should be added to your 2 days in Montreal itinerary.
Other great museums to check out if you plan to spend more than two days in Montreal are the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, Pointe-à-Callière – Museum of Archaeology and History.
Address: 859 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Are you torn between which top Canadian city to visit? In my guide Montreal vs Toronto I’ll dive into which city is the best to visit.
Montreal Botanical Garden
Be transported to a natural oasis in Montreal Botanical Garden! You’ll forget that you’re right in the city! For those looking for fun things to do in Montreal in summer then head to the Botanical Garden! It’s noted as one of the largest botanical gardens in the world! For over 80 it’s been a top attraction in Montreal.
Covering approximately 200 acres, the Montreal Botanical Garden is home to over 10,000 species of plants, 10 greenhouses, and 15 themed gardens. One of the most incredible and popular is the Chinese Garden. The biggest draw to this particular garden is the Lantern Festival. It takes place every October and showcases hundreds of colourful silk lanterns. If you’re visiting in the fall, be sure to add the festival to your Montreal 2-day itinerary!
Other places and gardens to check out include the First Nations Garden as well as the main Greenhouse. Within the main Greenhouse you’ll find a two-story waterfall and seasonal exhibits. If you want to learn more about the plants and the gardens then consider joining one of their tours.
Address: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal
Cap Saint Jacques Nature Park
For nature lovers looking to fill their 2 days in Montreal with outdoor activities then head to Cap-Saint Jacques Nature Park. The park is located 40 minutes from downtown Montreal and is home to a wealth of outdoor activities in Montreal. Covering nearly 300 hectares, the park is home to over 40 kilometres of trails that are ideal for hiking or skiing in the winter. There’s also a beach and an ecological farm.
Cap Saint Jacques Nature Park sits on a peninsula and is surrounded on three sides by water. So, if you’re keen on soaking up the summer sun on a beach or getting out on the water, this is a great park in Montreal to do so! Plus, if you don’t have the gear, the park offers gear rentals.
Other highlights of the park include Chateau Gohier and a sugar shack! It’s one of the popular places to visit in Montreal in the spring. There’s a sugar shack, maple forest, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more during maple season.
Address: 20099 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds, QC
Other parks in Montreal to check out include: La Fontaine Park, Angrignon Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, and Jarry Park.
Mont Royal Park
Montreal was named after Mont Royal, a once volcanic small mountain to the west of downtown. Mont Royal is part of the Monteregian Hills that are located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Laurentians. And while there’s much to do around Mont Royal Park, from museums to hiking trails, if you’re in Montreal for two days there are a couple of must things to do.
The first is to walk up the over 500 wooden staircase that takes you past smaller lookouts, a wee waterfall, and finally up to the incredible main lookout at the top. Don’t worry, it should only take you around 30 minutes to ascend. (The staircase starts at the top of Peel Street and the corner of Pine Avenue)
At the top, you’ll find sweeping views of Montreal, from the St. Lawrence River to the towering skyscrapers that dot the city. One of which has the iconic Leonard Cohen mural that is easy to spot. After you take in the view, wander into the beautiful 1932 Mount Royal Cottage. Here you’ll find a grand interior with a small gift shop and a lovely little café.
Plus, don’t forget to check out Saint Joseph’s Oratory. It’s the largest church in Canada and has the largest dome of its kind in the world!
Travel Tip: If you don’t have a car and want to make the most of your 2 days in Montreal then consider taking a Guided Sightseeing Tour. Tours bring you around to all the top attractions in Montreal, tell you all about the places and their history, as well as pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
For gallery and art lovers you’ll find a bunch of great museums in Montreal! One of the best is the Museum of Fine Arts, or as it’s called in French Musée des Beaux-Arts. Spread out over five pavilions, it’s Montreal’s largest museum. After founded in 1860, the museum has grown and is now home to a concert hall, theatre, as well as outdoor installations.
The museum houses over 45,000 pieces of art, ranging in form from paintings to sculptures. Art from around the world is represented here, including Quebec and Canada as well as international. You’ll also find works of art from famous artists like Rembrandt, Renoir, and Picasso. A few notable pieces to check out are Auguste Rodin’s The Sirens, Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Young Woman, and be sure to visit the Pavilion for Peace’s The Salons of the Belle Époque: Romanticism exhibit – it’s stunning!
Along with its extensive fine art collection, the museum also runs workshops, lectures, guided tours, and more.
Fun Fact: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is Canada’s oldest art museum!
Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Stroll Mont Royal Plateau
The Mont Royal Plateau is one of my favourite places to go in Montreal. The Mont Royal Plateau neighbourhood of Montreal sits to the north-west of downtown with the main thoroughfare being Saint Laurent Boulevard. This colourful, hip and eccentric neighbourhood is full of life, street art, cafes, and hip boutiques. Statistics Canada even noted Mont Royal Plateau as having the greatest number of creative people in Canada. Now that sounds like my kind of place!
Mont Royal Plateau is also where you’ll find the charming and colourful Victorian style row houses at Saint-Louis Square. It’s also where you’ll find Schwartz’s Deli, famous for their Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. And another of my favourite stops in the neighbourhood is La Fontaine Park. This sprawling 34 hectare urban park is an oasis in the city with a river running through it, winding footpaths, history and it’s also home to concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Another great neighbourhood to explore if you have more than 2 days in Montreal is Mile End. It’s home to more great cafes and shops, as well as the stunning St. Michael Church.
Related Post: 10 Stops on a Quebec City Instagram Tour
Underground City
One of the coolest things to do in Montreal Canada is explore below the city streets! Much like The PATH in Toronto, Montreal has an Underground City. Known to the French as RÉSO, Montreal’s Underground City has over 30 kilometres of passageways. This multi-story network is filled with restaurants, retail shops, and a host of attractions. It’s one of the biggest in the world!
If you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer in Montreal then escape to the air-conditioned Underground City. Or you can duck in to warm up in the winter. Below you’ll find a variety of weird and cool things to do and see. There’s a year-round ice skating rink, the delicious Time Out Market, as well as a piece of the Berlin Wall!
From when it was first built in the 1960’s to now, the Underground City has quickly risen to be one of the top places to visit in Montreal. With 120 access points, it’s easy to find and home to something for everyone, from shoppers to foodies!
Address: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria #247, Montréal
Enjoy Montreal’s Café Culture
Everyone who knows me, whether friends or family or through reading my blog, knows I love me some coffee. And everywhere I travel I am always on the hunt for great cafes. To me, a café really speaks about the people, city or small town in which they are. Cafes in Montreal are no different. They’re the hub of social affairs, many speak to the neighbourhood they’re in, and they are a great place to sit back and soak in Montreal.
Montreal is full of fabulous cafes! Some are small and quaint, others are in historic buildings, and some are filled with students. But a few of my favourites are; Tommy Café, Parvis Café, Café Humble Lion, and the grand Crew Collective Café that is located in the historic Royal Bank Tower.
Related Post: Things to do in Quebec City for Every Traveller
Parc Jean-Drapeau
One of the places to add to your 2 days in Montreal itinerary is to visit Parc Jean Drapeau! This massive park spans over 600 acres and is home to a ton of fun things to do in Montreal! Spread out over two islands within the Saint Lawrence River, close to downtown, Parc Jean-Drapeau was where the Expo 67 World’s Fair was.
What can you do in Parc Jean-Drapeau? To start, there’s over 25 kilometres of trails, public art, a beach, pools, two museums, a casino, a racetrack, and an amusement park. It’s also a popular spot for many concerts, events, and Montreal festivals.
A few top attractions in Parc Jean-Drapeau are the Montreal Biosphere, Hélène-de-Champlain, Espace 67, the Lévis Tower, and La Ronde. The park is also home to a wealth of awesome view of Montreal! Plus, if you’re a motorsport fan then you’ll be interested to know that the park hosts the annual Canadian Grand Prix.
Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal
Eat Montreal Bagels
One of the top things to do in Montreal is to indulge in their incredible bagels! While you can get Montreal style bagels at many cafes, restaurants and such, there are two popular places to go in Montreal for bagels – St-Viateur and Fairmount. What makes Montreal bagels different? There are a couple of reasons, they’re sweeter and denser than their New York-style counterparts. But the main reason is they are always baked in a wood-fired oven.
So be sure to grab one when you visit Montreal. And the best part is they are delicious with toppings or just straight up plain and fresh.
If you’re a foodie and looking for fun and unique things to do in Montreal there are a bunch of great food tours! Like this Montreal-Style Bagel Making Workshop, or this Beyond the Market Food Tour, and this awesome Food Tour of Mile End!
Explore Old Montreal
Nowhere else in Montreal will you feel like your stepping back in time than in Old Montreal. With its Greystone buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic sites scattered throughout, Old Montreal is a must-visit during your visit. The most popular attraction in Old Montreal is the Notre-Dame Basilica. But there’s so much to do and see.
Old Montreal is home to charming shops, wonderful cafes, art galleries, museums and more. Some places to visit in Old Montreal include; the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, the Montreal Science Centre, the Museum of Archaeology and History, the Montreal History Centre, and the Old Port. Running through Old Montreal and along the waterfront, you’ll also find a portion of the Great Trail (aka Trans Canada Trail).
Do you want to learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of Old Montreal? Check out this awesome walking tour!
Eat Poutine
Another must in Montreal is to indulge in a classic Montreal poutine. Fresh cut fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and drenched in piping hot brown gravy, a Montreal poutine never disappoints. So, no matter what else you eat in Montreal be sure to try at least one of their mouth-watering poutines. I mean, they even have a home-grown chain called Poutineville!
More Montreal Attractions
There are so many incredible things to do in Montreal! It’s hard to choose what to add to make the ideal 2 days in Montreal. However, if you’re planning to extend your weekend in Montréal, and looking for more attractions then I have a few more ideas!
Montreal Fireworks Festival – If you’re looking for the best time to visit Montreal then check out its list of events! One of the top festivals in Montreal is a banging good time! The Montreal Fireworks Festival takes place every summer, between June and July. It began in 1985 and is now the largest fireworks show in the world. The best place to watch the fireworks from is the Jacques Cartier Bridge!
Montreal Observation Wheel – Also known as La Grande Roue de Montréal, a ride aboard this nearly 200-foot-tall observation wheel should be added to anyone’s 2 days in Montreal itinerary! It was built to celebrate the city’s 375th anniversary. You can ride it all year round and enjoy incredible views of downtown Montreal and beyond.
Time Out Market Montréal – A Montreal food tour of Time Out Market is a must for any foodie! This 40,000 square foot food court is located within the Underground City. It’s the biggest of its kind and is filled with a variety of places to eat, as well as bars and a host of cuisines. Plus, if you’re looking for unique things to do in Montreal, consider trying their cooking school to learn a few recipes!
Jean-Talon Market – Another top destination for foodies looking to add to their 2 days in Montreal is Jean-Talon Market. The market dates to 1933 and is home to an assortment of local producers, butchers, fishmongers, and more! Plus, in the summer you can enjoy their seasonal pop-up restaurants. And don’t forget to grab some of that world famous Quebec cheese!
Luminothérapie – If you’re planning your 2 days in Montreal in November then check out Luminothérapie! The festival takes place every November in the Quartier des Spectacles neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find a ton of amazing light and music-based art installations.
Montréal En Lumière – For those planning to visit Montreal in the winter, take note of one of the world’s largest winter festivals, Montréal En Lumière! From the middle of February through the beginning of March you’ll find a variety of cool things to do, including installations, parties, and more! The festival end with La Nuit Blanche, which is a must!
2 Days in Montreal Itinerary
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Montreal or visiting during the week for a couple of days, this itinerary for Montreal in 2 days is the perfect package for first-time visitors. You’ll hit all the top sights, eat the best foods, and get a glimpse at what makes Montreal a great city to return to again and again. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary.
Day 1 – For your first day in Montreal, I recommend spending the morning exploring Old Montreal, visiting the Notre Dame Basilica, checking out some of the great cafes and restaurants in the area, and don’t forget to try a poutine. Next up, spend the afternoon at the Redpath Museum and another of the top museums in the downtown area before heading out for dinner and drinks to celebrate your first day in Montreal.
Day 2 – On your second day in Montreal head up to Mont Royal for the morning, enjoy a wondering hike up the mountain, take in the epic views, explore the area, and enjoy lunch with a view at the Mont Royal Cottage. Head back down to wander the charming and hip neighbourhood of Mont Royal Plateau. Check out the area’s awesome street art, tasty bagels, quirky cafes, and browse the incredible shops. Be sure to take a stroll through La Fountain Park before heading out for your last dinner in Montreal.
Short on time? Montreal is one of the best day trips from Ottawa by train! The train ride is only 2 hours. Get a taste for the city and come back for and extended Montreal stay.
Where to Stay in Montreal
When planning your trip to Montreal I recommend staying right downtown, especially for your first visit. And with only 2 days in Montreal you’ll want to maximize your time by finding a central location to stay. If you’re looking for a great hotel in a prime location than book your stay at the Novotel Montreal Center. Rooms are elegant and modern, plus there is a complimentary breakfast and on-site dining.
If you’re looking for a little more charm then consider staying at the Sir Montcalm Gite Bed and Breakfast. Rooms are the perfect blend of modern yet cozy. The B&B is located right downtown and has a lovely garden, fantastic breakfast, and all the luxuries of a hotel.
Looking for a little different or travelling with a group? Book your stay at Downtown Central by Liv MTL and enjoy an incredible apartment with a perfect location. Apartments are colourful, modern, with floor to ceiling windows and come in a range of room choices.
Book your Stay in Montreal Today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Montréal Travel
Are you looking to plan your 2 days in Montreal, or maybe stay longer? I’ve rounded up some essential travel tips for Montreal to help you get there and discover the best the city has to offer.
What is Montreal Known for? – There are a bounty of things Montreal is known for. It is the number one city for international events in North America. It’s also popular for its street art, smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and poutine. Montreal is also said to have hosted the most successful 20th century world’s fair.
Where is Montreal? – The city of Montreal is located in the southwest of the province of Quebec.
How to Get to Montreal – If you’re planning a weekend trip to Montreal from Toronto & New York there are multiple ways to get to Montreal. Toronto to Montreal is a 5.5-hour drive directly along the 401, which becomes the A20 in Quebec, and takes you right into town. You can also take the VIA Rail train for under $100 and it’s a 5-hour trip.
Amtrak trains run daily between New York City and Montreal. The trip is roughly 10 hours and very scenic! You can also easily drive from New York to Montreal. The drive is approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, flights from New York to Montreal are affordable and flight time is only 1 hour.
Best Time to Visit – The best time to travel to Montreal depends on what you’re looking for. Any time of year is a good idea! In the summer you can enjoy restaurant patios and gardens in full bloom. Fall in Montreal is a great time to visit with fall colours and fabulous festivals. And of course, winter is full of fun adventures like Christmas Markets, ice skating, and maple season.
Top Things to do in Montreal – Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Botanical Gardens, Redpath Museum, Underground City, Biodome, Museum of Fine Arts, Jacques Nature Park, The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, eat bagels and poutine, explore street art, and Old Montreal.
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