On a recent trip to Quebec, I flew in and out of the province’s largest city, leaving myself just 1 day in Montreal.
The relaxing day focused around Old Montréal, the historic and Parisian-esque part of the city, and easily the most attractive area for sightseeing with such little time.
This Montreal one day itinerary is all about having a chill and cozy day in the world’s second largest French-speaking city, while still seeing some of its most iconic sites.
Let’s get into it! Here’s how to spend a day in Montreal, Canada.
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Where to Stay in Montreal
If you have just a day in Montreal, then you’ll want to stay somewhere central so that you can walk wherever you need to go in the city. Here are my recommendations.
- Auberge Les Bons Matins: Such a beautiful inn! It’s in the downtown area, which has lots of bars for a nightcap after dinner, and is a short walk to Old Montreal. It’s also a budget friendly option!
- Le Petit Hôtel Vieux-Montréal: Beautiful rooms with stone accent walls in Old Montreal
- InterContinental Montreal: Upscale hotel with amazing city views
1 Day in Montreal Itinerary
Plan an easy-going and enjoyable day in Montreal with this 1 day itinerary. Because Montreal isn’t a city with tons of must-see landmarks, this itinerary (unlike my Paris itinerary, for example) is a lot more laidback and focuses on having a good day out instead of seeing “iconic spots”.
And if your trip to Quebec also brings you to Quebec City, be sure to check out my 3-day itinerary designed for a winter visit.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Start your 1 day Montreal itinerary off by visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, which opened in 1829. The exterior is lovely with loads of intricate details. As for the inside, you will need to pay to visit.
Entry is CAD $16 for adults. This is for a daytime visit. They also have an evening light show called the AURA Experience, which costs CAD $35 for adults.
I haven’t done the AURA Experience, but it looks incredibly magical. It’s essentially an immersive light show on the various architectural pieces of the basilica combined with music.
I do know that the next time I’m in Montreal, I’m definitely visiting again in the evening to see the light shows. So, keep that in mind if you’d rather wait until after 5:30 on weekdays or after 6:30 on Saturdays.
Place d’Armes
This is one of the main hubs of Old Montreal, located right in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica. There are usually street performers here, and in winter there is a lovely light display.
It looks out at the Basilica as well as the Bank of Montreal Museum.
Actually, if you really want to make the most of having just 1 day in Montreal, it’s worth hopping on a 1.5 hour Old Montreal walking tour.
This one covers the West Side of Old Montreal, giving lots of insider tips, historic details, and fun facts you wouldn’t otherwise gather during such a short visit.
Place Jacques-Cartier
This is less of a square or “place” and more of a pedestrian-only street lined with various shops and restaurants. It’s common to see street performers and events going on through here.
Plus, it beautifully leads down toward the waterfront of Montreal and Jacques-Cartier Pier.
Visiting in December, there was a cute winter display perfect for taking photographs on this scenic square.
Bonsecours Market
This is a historic Neoclassical building with a domed ceiling that serves as the city’s public market, and it’s a perfect addition to your 1 day in Montreal!
The Bonsecours Market was the main public market in Montreal for over 100 years . It saw a lot of the cultural, social, and economic evolution of Quebec, making it well worth a visit.
Besides, it’s still running as a market and is full of artisanal goodies, souvenirs, and restaurants.
One place I loved was the Pub BreWsky. They make unique beers, particularly sours, along with craft beer from other breweries. They also serve food like fish and chips, French onion soup, and bar appetizers like nachos, fries, and even focaccia.
Chinatown Lunch
Montreal’s Chinatown is part of the Ville-Marie district that makes up Old Montreal. So, it’s still very close and makes for a good place to have lunch during your 1 day in Montreal itinerary.
Popular spots include Nouilles de Lan Zhou (Noodle Shop), Restaurant Chinatown Kim Fung (Dim Sum + Cantonese food), and Sumo Ramen (Japanese Ramen bar).
There is also a nice ramen spot in another part of Old Montreal called Kinton Ramen on Union Avenue.
Structure Coffee Roasters- Crew Collective
Coffee in Old Montreal
After lunch, head back into Old Montreal for a coffee break. There are two places I would recommend.
The first one is Structure Coffee Roasters on Rue Mcgill. It has a minimalist industrial style with excellent specialty coffee and pastries. It’s definitely a hot spot for remote workers or students looking for a cool place to work, sip coffee, and hangout.
The other is far more regal, and a lot busier. It’s called Crew Collective and it’s set in a cathedral-style, historic bank. It’s stunning! The coffee is also great and they serve pastries, bowls, fancy toasts, and more dishes.
Even if you get coffee from Structure Coffee Roasters, I recommend walking through Crew Collective. No one will bat an eye, don’t worry. Simply take in the beauty of one of Canada’s most beautiful coffee shops.
Museum Visit
Choose a museum that fits your interests, or return to the Notre-Dame Basilica for their AURA Experience.
Some of the most popular museums in Old Montreal include:
- OASIS Immersion: Really cool art museum that puts you into the paintings with immersive displays
- Montreal Science Centre: Unique, interactive science museum with wildlife & human science exhibits + more
- Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History: Covers several centuries of history from First Peoples to present day
- Château Ramezay: First building in Quebec to be classified as a historic monument, covers 500 years of history in a 1700s house
La Grande Roue de Montréal – Ferris Wheel
Since you only have 1 day in Montreal, you can get some of the best views of the city from the Montreal Ferris Wheel. Standing 60 meters tall, it’s located at the Old Port and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
It’s a little bit pricey if you buy your ticket at the counter but you can get them a little cheaper if you buy online from their website or through GetYourGuide.
Dinner in Old Montreal
One of the best parts about visiting Montreal for a day is the food scene. As the second largest city in Canada, there is a diverse range of wonderful restaurants. Here are a few recommendations to fit your taste and travel style.
- BEVO Bar + Pizzeria: Excellent pizzeria in a cozy space with a nice wine selection
- Vieux-Port Steakhouse: Popular, high-end steakhouse
- Gaspar Brasserie Française: Lovely pub-grub set in 19th-century warehouse
- 3 Brasseurs Saint-Paul: Quebec chain brew pub with yummy poutine
Other Things to Do with 1 Day in Montreal
If you have more time, or you would like some more options of things to do. Here are a few other options:
- Visit the Underground City: Montreal built an underground portion of the city in the downtown area, offering shops, residentials, offices, and more.
- Explore Royal Park: Overlooking Montreal, Royal Park is a perfect nature getaway in the city with trails, viewpoints, and a lake with boat rentals.
- Jardin botanique de Montréal: Really lovely botanical garden with Asian influence
- Strøm Spa: Gorgeous outdoor spa with thermal pools and saunas, perfect for a visit during the winter months
- Visit downtown bars: Check out the nightlife scene of downtown Montreal on streets like Rue Crescent.
Buy me a coffee
