Start your day with a visit to Montreal's iconic Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer behind New York City's Central Park. The park offers breathtaking views of the city and features a network of trails, a lake, and an artificial ski slope used for winter sports.
Explore the historic Old Montreal, the city's oldest area filled with 18th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming boutiques. Visit the famous Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame Basilica. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage or a walking tour to learn more about Montreal's history.
Spend the morning immersed in art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts,one of the most prestigious art museums in Canada. It has an extensive collection of Canadian art and works from Quebec, along with international collections from ancient to contemporary art.
Visit the popular Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest food markets in North America. With over 300 vendors, it offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal products. Enjoy lunch in the market and take in the sights and smells of the local cuisine.
Discover the Underground City, a vast network of tunnels and walkways beneath the city center. The underground city offers shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants, as well as access to the Montreal Metro. Afterward, head to the Biodome, a unique indoor museum that recreates four different ecosystems found in the Americas: the Tropical Forest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Sub-Antarctic Islands.
To get around Montreal, you can use public transportation such as the metro, bus, or Bixi (public bike system). A single metro or bus ticket costs $3.25, and a 24-hour pass costs $10. Bicycles can be rented for $5 per 30 minutes or $15 for 24 hours. Expect a 10-15 minute travel time by metro or bus between destinations.
If you have more time, you can explore other attractions such as the Botanical Garden, the Science Centre, or the Plateau neighborhood. If you have less time, prioritize your interests and shorten your stays in each location accordingly.
Montreal's primary airport is Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), located approximately 13 miles from downtown Montreal. The airport is serviced by taxis, private shuttles, and public transportation. The bus line 747 connects the airport to the city center and costs $10 one way.