Best Things to Do in Montreal: Top Attractions & Family Activities

62

Best Things to Do in Montreal. Got a few days free over the weekend, or want to go for a getaway with family or your partner? Well, consider Montreal, and here’s exactly why. First things first, Montreal is super accessible, a 1-hour flight from New York or just a few hours from Boston.  It’s close enough to visit for a long weekend without rushing through everything, yet different enough to feel like a new place for vacation. 

Montreal is a sweet mix between a historical city stuck in time and a modern one with skyscrapers. It’s tricky to explain how you can just be walking in cobblestone streets with warm hues into those tall silver high-rise buildings that make you feel tiny. This and the feeling of being in a new place that seems familiar but fresh at the same time.  The best things to do in Montreal have to be a mixed bag, where you can experience every part of this place according to your vibe. Montreal has great things to offer, from cool ones to family-friendly ones; all options are available and beautifully so.  

Let’s picture Montreal together, located in Quebec in eastern Canada, where Europe meets North America. Highly influenced by the Quebec culture, Montreal is like a mini France with hints of Europe everywhere you go.  It’s all about art, architecture, culture, walkable streets, and contemporary buildings. You can find a bunch of cool things to do in Montreal that blend culture with touristy things.

 Here is your guide for the best things to do in Montreal.

Top things to do in Montreal

Do you know what the best thing about Montreal is? Well its the fact that it’s highly walkable. And that is what makes it so convenient to see all the lovely spots. 

Explore Old Montreal

One of the Top things to do in Montreal is to visit Old Montreal, it’s the heart of the whole city and has to be in the Top things to do in Montreal. It’s charming and picturesque. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a European town. 

Visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Located in Old Montreal, it’s easy to include in your itinerary for the top things to do in Montreal. It is one of the most stunning churches in the world. The interior, architecture with wood carvings, is truly a masterpiece. 

Walk or Bike Up Mount Royal

Mount Royal is the city’s namesake and offers one of the best viewpoints in Montreal. You can hike, bike, or even drive up to the lookout for panoramic views of the skyline.

Designed in part by the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, it feels familiar yet distinctly Canadian. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.

Discover the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

If you are someone who likes to know a place through its art and culture, then the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best things to do in Montreal.  One of the largest in Canada, this museum houses a mix of classical and contemporary art. 

Experience the Jean-Talon Market

The foodie in you will love this place, and that is why it’s one of the Top things to do in Montreal. It’s actually one of the largest public markets in North America. Locally made cheese, baked goods, and Quebec specialties like bales and shepherd’s pie. 

Explore the Underground City (RESO)

Montreal’s underground network connects shopping centers, metro stations, and office buildings. It’s especially useful during winter but also a fascinating urban feature year-round.

For Americans, it’s similar to underground systems in cities like Minneapolis, but on a much larger scale.

Things to do in Montreal with kids

Yes, Montreal is an amazing pick if you have kids along. You can easily find Things to do in Montreal with kids that they would love. 

Visit Montreal Biodome

This is not what you wouldnt except out of Montreal, in a good way. Its perfect if your kids are always on the move, they get bored and want to keep seeing more. From tropical rainforests to icy areas, everything, and yes, 5 different ecosystems all in one place.

Spend Time at La Ronde

An amusement park for kids? Always. It’s a great option for both kids and adults. Things to do in Montreal with kids don’t have to be boring for adults, and La Ronde is that place. There are roller coasters, themed rides, family rides, and so much more. 

Explore Montreal Science Centre

Located in Old Montreal is just the perfect for Things to do in Montreal with kids. The science centre is an interactive experience. If your kids are into science and technology they would want to go back again. 

Relax at Parc Jean-Drapeau

This large park offers green spaces, bike paths, and even a beach area. It’s a great place for families to unwind outdoors.

Visit Ecomuseum Zoo

Just outside Montreal in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, this zoo features local canadian animals like black bears, river otters, lynx, snowy owls. 

Ride the Ferris Wheel at La Grande Roue de Montreal

This observation wheel provides stunning views of the city and is especially fun for kids, offering a safe and memorable experience.

Cool things to do in Montreal

If you are looking for Cool things to do in Montreal, then these are some great options. 

Explore Street Art in Plateau Mont-Royal

This street is known for its murals, indie shops, and trendy cafés. Walking here feels enriching, its a creative center that you should visit on a rest day so you still catch up on something. 

Visit Atwater Market

Another one on the list of Cool things to do in Montreal, is another iconic market. Its a historical market known for its art deco. You get to experience interesting food choices, along with farm markets. Its a loved bu locals as well. 

Take a Food Tour

Taking a food tour is the perfect combination of walking and having a culinary experience. You get to taste fresh locally made poutine, bagels, smoked meat sandwiches, Steamés and Maple desserts. 

Visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory

One of the largest churches in Canada, it sits on Mount Royal and offers impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Walk Along the Old Port

The Old Port area offers bike rentals, boat tours, and seasonal activities like zip-lining or ice skating.

Things to do in Montreal at night

Lightlife in Montreal is a mix of bars, partying, clubs and live music. 

Experience Nightlife in Saint-Laurent Boulevard

Called as The Main, Saint-Laurent Boulevard is a fun and a placefull of options. Along with drinks you get to experience nightlife lika a local. 

Enjoy a Show at Place des Arts

This is a cultural hub located in downtown, events like opera, ballet, theater, and other performing arts. 

Visit a Rooftop Bar

The views from rooftop bars are incredible, you get to see the skyline and an amazing view of the island. Popular recommendations are – Terrasse William Gray, Terrasse Nelligan and Perché.

Try Late-Night Dining

Planning a date night well you will find great Things to do in Montreal at night. Its pretty easy to grab a bite even late at night. Some local favourite options are- St-Viateur Bagel, Le Mousso and Bar Darling. 

Summing Up

Of all the best Things to Do in Montreal, have to have some element of Quebec culture, and that is exactly what Montreal is popular for.  From Things to do in Montreal at night to things for kids in Montreal, you will experience something for everyone. The blend of old and new architecture makes Montreal a unique destination. The International food scene is also up to the mark, you can find local farm to table options to luxury ones. 

FAQs