Thinking about visiting Montréal? You’re in for a treat!

If you want to visit a city that blends European charm with North American modernity, then Montréal is just the destination for you!

I’ve been to Montréal a handful of times, and each time I visit, I feel so much appreciation for everything it has to offer.

From the charming and romantic streets of Old Montréal to the trendy and cool cafes and shops in the Plateau neighborhood, I’ve always said that Montréal is just such a cool city. There’s something here for every traveler, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning!

In this Ultimate Montréal Travel Guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your trip!

Montréal at a Glance

  • Best times to visit: The best times to visit Montréal depend on what you want to experience. Montréal is beautiful all year round, and there are dozens of things to do in every season! However, if you’re looking at weather only, I suggest spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) as the best seasons, as they are less crowded, and the weather feels mild. Summer (June-August) is great too, but it’s a bit too hot and it can be crowded, and winter (mid-November-late April) is great if you don’t mind being bundled up in layers upon layers.
  • Currency: Montréal uses the Canadian dollar (CAD), and I found that most places accept credit and debit cards, but having some cash for smaller shops or markets is handy!
  • Language: French is the official language, but don’t worry if you don’t speak it. Most people in Montréal speak English, too, especially in restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas. Still, it’s a good idea to at least practice a few words in French to greet people in.
  • Tipping: Similar to the U.S., tipping is expected. Plan to tip around 15–20% at restaurants and for services like taxis or tours. This is when having cash would be handy!
  • Safety and solo female travel safety: Montréal is one of the safest cities in North America, and I’ve always felt comfortable exploring, whether with others or solo, even at night. That said, like any big city, staying aware of your surroundings is key, especially in less touristy areas or after dark. Want more practical advice on navigating a new city confidently? Check out my best safety tips for solo female travelers — based on my own experience.

✅ In truth, there are some other good things to know before planning a trip to Montréal, so be sure to check them all out!

Where to stay in Montréal

Choosing the right neighborhood in Montréal can truly shape your experience of the city.

Whether you want to stay in the historic center of Old Montréal, or you want to get a taste of the trendy and up-and-coming neighborhoods with tons of character, or close to parks and museums, there’s something for everyone!

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay for different styles of travelers:

  • Old Montréal (Vieux-Montréal): Best for first-time visitors who want to be surrounded by historic architecture, charming plazas, and top attractions.
  • Downtown (Ville-Marie): Perfect if you want easy access to shopping, museums, and nightlife, with great public transportation connections.
  • Plateau Mont-Royal: Great for travelers who love artsy neighborhoods, colorful murals, and a strong local vibe — plus incredible food!
  • Mile End: A fantastic choice for food lovers, coffee shop hoppers, and anyone who wants a more off-the-beaten-path local experience.
  • Little Italy: A quieter, more residential feel, ideal for longer stays or travelers looking for a cozy, authentic side of Montréal.

💡 Tip: Montréal’s metro system is great, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be able to get around easily!

🏨 Need help choosing the perfect place to stay? Check out my full guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in Montréal!

Best things to do in Montréal

  • Mount Royal Park
  • Old Montréal
  • Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Explore the neighborhoods
  • Try a smoked ham sandwich and bagels!

Check out my complete list of things to do in Montréal with my 3-day Montréal itinerary!

What to eat in Montréal (and where to find it)

If you’re anything like me, a trip isn’t complete without taste testing some of the food items the city is known for, and in Montréal, that means a lot of good eating.

The city’s history and lively immigrant population make Montréal a top foodie destination, offering savory, cozy classics to sweet maple-infused treats!

  • Poutine: Crispy fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy, so simple yet so good!
  • Montréal-Style Bagels: These bagels are denser and slightly sweeter than New York bagels. Head to Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel to try one fresh out of the oven.
  • Smoked Meat Sandwiches: Tender, flavorful, and a staple in Montréal. Schwartz’s Deli is iconic, but many spots do it justice.
  • Maple Syrup Treats: Whether it’s maple taffy, maple butter, or maple candies, they go hard for maple-flavored treats in Montréal, so skipping out on it would be a crime.
  • Local Cheese and Pastries: Stop by Jean-Talon Market for artisanal cheeses, pastries, sample maple syrup and local honey, plus seasonal produce you can snack on during your trip.

How to get around Montréal

One thing I loved about exploring the different sides of Montréal was how easy it was to move around the city! Whether you want to walk around, or get on the subway or buses, there are plenty of ways to move around this city.

Here’s what to know:

Walking

Montréal is very walkable, especially around Old Montréal, the Plateau, and Downtown, so bring comfy shoes!

In fact, that’s one of the attractions, in my opinion: how easily you can explore on foot, which isn’t surprising considering how European-influenced the city is.

If you’re unsure what to pack, I put together my favorite white sneakers for walking around European-style cities like Montréal, which are cute, comfortable, and perfect for long days out.

Metro (Subway)

The Montréal Metro is safe, affordable, and easy to use.

  • Operated by STM, the metro has 4 lines and over 65 stations, connecting key neighborhoods and attractions.
  • Trains run frequently and are especially useful if you stay in areas outside downtown.

Read my post on how to easily plan a trip to Montréal to learn more helpful info, like whether you need a car in Montréal, or which tours are actually worth exploring Montréal with.

Buses

Montréal’s bus network is another great way to move around the city! It fills in the gaps where the metro doesn’t reach.

  • Buses use the same STM ticket system, so your pass works for both the bus and the metro.
  • The bus is great for exploring neighborhoods.

Taxis, Ubers, and Rideshare

  • Uber is widely available in Montréal and usually cheaper than taxis.
  • Taxis are regulated and safe, but may cost more during traffic or off-hours so beware.
  • You can also use Eva — Montréal’s version of Uber.

BIXI Bikes

In spring through fall, BIXI, Montréal’s public bike system, is a fun way to explore.

  • Download the BIXI app and rent bikes from one of the many docking stations.
  • BIXI bikes are great for short rides between neighborhoods or along the waterfront.

Airport Transportation

Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) is about 25–30 minutes from downtown.

Options to get into the city:

  • 747 Express Bus
  • Uber or a taxi
  • Private transfers (great if you’re arriving with luggage or late at night)

What to pack for Montréal

Depending on the season, Montréal weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key!

In the spring and fall, pack a light jacket, closed-toe shoes, and an umbrella.

Summers are warm and perfect for flowy outfits and comfortable walking shoes.

Winters? Just like Chicago, Montréal deals with harsh winters that require warm jackets and coats. Plus, consider thermal layers and boots with grip.

Need help choosing travel shoes? Check out my favorite white sneakers for European-style cities like Montréal.

Recommended day trips from Montréal

If you’re staying more than a few days, consider a quick trip outside the city!

From Montréal, I’ve taken a day trip to Quebec City, which is often the most popular day trip option, but other than Québec City, there are plenty of other places to explore for the day!

Don’t have a car and you want to visit Québec City? No worries! Check out one of the day tours from Montréal to Québec City for a smooth travel day, or even plan to take the train from Montréal to Québec City!

You can also explore the Eastern Townships for cute villages, wineries, nature escapes, or Mont-Tremblant if you’re craving mountains and outdoor fun.

Get inspired with more day trip ideas from Montréal so you’re prepared to explore more of French Canada!