3-Day Montreal Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Canada's European Jewel (2025)
Discover the best of Montreal in 3 days with our comprehensive guide. From cobblestone Old Montreal and French culture to Mount Royal and world-famous bagels. Perfect for first-time visitors with budget tips, cultural insights, and must-see attractions.
Quick Montreal Overview
Best Time to Visit
May-September (festivals & warmth) and December-February (winter magic)
Budget Range
CAD $70-320 per day ($52-240 USD)
Getting Around
STM Metro, buses, BIXI bikes, and very walkable neighborhoods
Language Tip
French first, but most speak English. "Bonjour" opens doors!
Day 1: Old Montreal & French Heritage
Budget: CAD $50-180 • Walking: 14,000 steps
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Notre-Dame Basilica
Begin at Montreal's most famous landmark, a stunning Gothic Revival basilica with intricate wood carvings, stained glass, and one of the largest church organs in North America.
Entry: CAD $15 adults • Opens 9 AM • Audio guide included • Photography allowed
Place d'Armes Square
Historic square surrounded by Montreal's oldest buildings, including the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice (1685) and ornate Victorian architecture. Perfect for photos and history appreciation.
Free • Historic plaques • Architecture viewing • Central location
Late Morning (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Old Montreal Walking Tour
Stroll cobblestone streets past 17th-century buildings, art galleries, and boutiques. Visit Place Jacques-Cartier, Château Ramezay, and City Hall - each tells Montreal's story.
Self-guided free • Guided tours CAD $25 • Cobblestone streets • Historic atmosphere
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Old Montreal Lunch Spots
- • Café Olympico: Famous for espresso and Italian sandwiches (CAD $8-15)
- • Schwartz's Deli: Legendary smoked meat since 1928 (CAD $12-20)
- • Le Cartet: French bistro with excellent brunch (CAD $15-28)
- • Marché Bonsecours: Food court in historic market building (CAD $10-18)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Built on Montreal's actual birthplace, this archaeology museum shows the city's evolution through multimedia exhibits and actual ruins beneath the building.
Entry: CAD $22 • Underground ruins • Interactive exhibits • 2 hours needed
Old Port of Montreal
Revitalized waterfront with parks, activities, and St. Lawrence River views. In summer, enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals. In winter, ice skating and snow tubing!
Free to explore • Seasonal activities • River views • Events year-round
Montreal Observation Wheel (Seasonal)
60-meter Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city, river, and surrounding areas. Operates May through October with climate-controlled gondolas.
Entry: CAD $25 • Seasonal (May-Oct) • 15-minute ride • Great photos
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Dinner in Old Montreal
Choose from romantic French bistros, innovative Quebecois cuisine, or classic brasseries. Many restaurants occupy heritage buildings with stone walls and candlelit ambiance.
Budget: CAD $25-80 • French cuisine • Historic settings • Wine culture
Evening Stroll & Nightlife
Old Montreal comes alive at night with street lamps illuminating cobblestones. Visit rooftop bars, jazz clubs, or simply enjoy the European atmosphere with a nightcap.
Varies by venue • European ambiance • Safe for evening walks • Romantic setting
Day 2: Mount Royal, Neighborhoods & Culture
Budget: CAD $40-220 • Nature and neighborhoods
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)
Montreal's crown jewel designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who designed Central Park). Hike to the summit for panoramic city views, or take the easier path to Kondiaronk Belvedere.
Free • Multiple trails • City views • Picnic areas • Year-round access
Saint Joseph's Oratory
Canada's largest church and a National Historic Site. The impressive dome (third-largest in the world) houses Brother André's tomb and offers spectacular city views.
Free admission • Donations welcome • Dome access CAD $5 • Pilgrimage site
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Plateau Lunch Options
- • St-Viateur Bagel: Montreal's famous bagels since 1957 (CAD $5-12)
- • La Banquise: 24/7 poutine paradise with 30+ varieties (CAD $8-18)
- • Wilensky's Light Lunch: Unchanged since 1932, order "the special" (CAD $4-8)
- • Beauty's Luncheonette: Montreal breakfast institution (CAD $10-20)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood
Montreal's hippest neighborhood with colorful row houses, murals, vintage shops, and outdoor staircases. Browse record stores, bookshops, and local designer boutiques.
Free to explore • Street art • Local shopping • Café culture • Instagram-worthy
Avenue Mont-Royal Shopping
One of Montreal's main shopping arteries with a mix of chain stores, local boutiques, vintage finds, and sidewalk cafes. Great for people-watching and finding unique Quebec-made goods.
Free to browse • Local designers • Vintage stores • Pedestrian-friendly sections
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Canada's oldest art museum with impressive collections of Canadian, European, and contemporary art. The building itself is architectural eye candy on Sherbrooke Street.
Entry: CAD $24 • Students/seniors discounts • Free for children • Special exhibitions extra
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Mile End District
Trendy neighborhood known for its multicultural vibe, excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and the bagel rivalry between St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel.
Walking distance from Plateau • Diverse dining • Craft beer scene • Young crowd
Live Music & Nightlife
Montreal has an incredible music scene. Check out venues like Casa del Popolo, Upstairs Jazz Bar, or catch a show at Place des Arts for world-class performances.
Varies by venue • Strong music scene • Jazz heritage • Check schedules
Day 3: Underground City & Modern Montreal
Budget: CAD $60-280 • Urban exploration
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Underground City (RESO)
Explore the world's largest underground complex connecting metro stations, shopping centers, hotels, and offices. Perfect escape from Montreal's harsh winters or summer heat.
Free with metro pass • 32km of tunnels • Climate controlled • Shopping and dining
Downtown & Financial District
Walk through Montreal's modern core, including Place Ville Marie, the cathedral-like Central Station, and numerous skyscrapers connected by the underground network.
Free to explore • Modern architecture • Business district • Connected underground
Late Morning (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
Montreal's cathedral modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, located in the heart of downtown. Much smaller than Notre-Dame but equally impressive with beautiful mosaics.
Free admission • Downtown location • Roman architecture • Guided tours available
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Downtown Lunch Options
- • Eaton Centre food court: International options in shopping center (CAD $8-15)
- • Peel Pub: Classic pub fare near McGill University (CAD $12-25)
- • Atwater Market: Fresh local produce and prepared foods (CAD $8-20)
- • Joe Beef: Famous restaurant (reservations essential) (CAD $40-80)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
McGill University Campus
Walk through one of Canada's most prestigious universities. The historic campus in downtown features beautiful limestone buildings and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Free campus tours • Historic buildings • Downtown location • Student atmosphere
Lachine Canal
Historic waterway turned linear park perfect for walking, cycling, or boat tours. Learn about Montreal's industrial heritage while enjoying green space and canal views.
Free access • Bike rentals available • Boat tours CAD $20-35 • Historic sites
Atwater Market
One of Montreal's great public markets in a beautiful Art Deco building. Sample local cheeses, maple products, fresh produce, and prepared foods from Quebec producers.
Free to browse • Local products • Art Deco architecture • Food sampling
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Montreal Canadiens Game (Seasonal)
If in season (October-April), catch the legendary Habs at Bell Centre. Even non-hockey fans enjoy the atmosphere in this hockey-obsessed city.
Tickets CAD $50-300+ • Seasonal sport • Local tradition • Book ahead
Place des Arts & Quartier des Spectacles
Montreal's cultural heart with multiple venues for theater, dance, symphony, and opera. The surrounding Quartier des Spectacles lights up at night with year-round festivals.
Varies by show • World-class performances • Check schedules • Cultural district
Crescent Street Nightlife
End your Montreal adventure on Crescent Street, famous for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The street comes alive after dark with a mix of locals and visitors.
Varies by venue • Nightlife district • Restaurant row • Party atmosphere
3-Day Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $30-70
- Meals/day: CAD $20-45
- Transport/day: CAD $8-15
- Activities/day: CAD $10-35
- Total/day: CAD $68-165
- ($51-123 USD)
Mid-Range Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $100-220
- Meals/day: CAD $50-100
- Transport/day: CAD $15-40
- Activities/day: CAD $30-80
- Total/day: CAD $195-440
- ($145-330 USD)
Luxury Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $250-600
- Meals/day: CAD $120-300
- Transport/day: CAD $40-120
- Activities/day: CAD $80-200
- Total/day: CAD $490-1,220
- ($365-910 USD)
Essential Montreal Travel Tips
🚇 Transportation
- • STM Metro: Efficient subway system, CAD $3.70 per ride
- • OPUS card: Rechargeable card for metro, bus, and some attractions
- • BIXI bikes: Bike-sharing system perfect for warm weather
- • Walking: Many neighborhoods are very walkable
- • Taxis/Uber: Available but metro is usually faster downtown
🇫🇷 Language & Culture
- • Bonjour/Bonsoir: Always greet in French first
- • Most speak English: But French opens more doors
- • European vibe: Late dinners, café culture, Sunday closures
- • Dress code: Montrealers dress more formally than other Canadian cities
- • Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, similar to rest of Canada
❄️ Seasonal Considerations
- • Winter clothes: Pack warm layers for Nov-Mar visits
- • Underground city: Essential for winter comfort
- • Summer festivals: Book accommodations early June-Aug
- • Fall colors: Beautiful in Laurentians (day trip)
- • Spring: March-May can be unpredictable weather
💡 Practical Tips
- • Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD), credit cards widely accepted
- • Taxes: 5% GST + 9.975% QST (total ~15%)
- • Pharmacies: Jean Coutu and Pharmaprix everywhere
- • Bagels: Montreal-style are unique - try both St-Viateur and Fairmount
- • Poutine: Quebec's signature dish - curds should be squeaky!
Seasonal Montreal Guide
🌞 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Festival season with perfect weather and long days.
- • Temperature: 15-26°C (59-79°F)
- • Jazz Festival (late June-early July)
- • Just for Laughs comedy festival (July)
- • Outdoor patios and festivals
🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful colors and comfortable temperatures.
- • Temperature: 0-18°C (32-64°F)
- • Fall foliage in city parks
- • Lower accommodation prices
- • Comfortable walking weather
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold but magical with winter activities and cozy atmosphere.
- • Temperature: -15 to -5°C (5-23°F)
- • Underground city essential
- • Winter festivals and ice skating
- • Lowest prices, fewer crowds
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Variable weather but city awakens from winter.
- • Temperature: -2 to 20°C (28-68°F)
- • Unpredictable weather
- • Fewer tourists
- • Cafés reopen patios
Where to Stay in Montreal
🏰 Old Montreal (Most Atmospheric)
Historic cobblestone streets with boutique hotels in heritage buildings, close to major attractions.
- • Walking distance to attractions
- • Historic atmosphere
- • Boutique hotels in heritage buildings
- • Romantic setting
- • More expensive
- • Cobblestones with luggage
- • Can be touristy
- • Limited late-night dining
CAD $150-500/night
Best For:Couples, history lovers
🏙️ Downtown (Central & Connected)
Modern hotels with metro access, underground city connections, and business amenities.
- • Metro connections
- • Underground city access
- • Business facilities
- • Modern amenities
- • Less character
- • Business district feel
- • Weekend quiet
- • Chain hotel dominance
CAD $100-350/night
Best For:Business travelers, metro access
🎨 Plateau Mont-Royal (Hip & Local)
Trendy neighborhood with B&Bs, boutique hotels, and local vibe among colorful houses and street art.
- • Local neighborhood experience
- • Great restaurants and cafes
- • Unique boutique accommodations
- • Young, artsy atmosphere
- • Further from Old Montreal
- • Limited luxury options
- • Can be noisy on weekends
- • Stairs in some buildings
CAD $80-250/night
Best For:Young travelers, local experience
