Ready to plan the ultimate three days in Montreal? You’ve found the perfect itinerary!
Montreal is effortlessly cool, blending old-world charm with modern flair—from its cobblestone streets and grand cathedrals to indie coffee shops, food markets, and edgy street art. It’s a city rich in history, flavor, and personality around every corner. With so much to experience in just a few days, having a well-crafted plan makes all the difference. That’s where we come in!
After multiple visits, we’ve put together the perfect three-day Montreal itinerary. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or a little of both, this plan will help you soak it all in. Let’s get to it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this walking tour of Old Montreal! With so much history nestled into these cobblestone streets, we knew we needed a guide to experience the history, architecture, and culture fully, and it delivered!
Overview of the best Montreal itinerary


🍁 Day 1: Explore Old Montreal & Downtown
Start with breakfast at Tommy Cafe, take a guided walking tour of Old Montreal, visit Notre-Dame Basilica, explore the Old Port, go jet boating, and finish with a sunset cruise and dinner.
🥯 Day 2: Bagel-Making Workshop, Jean-Talon Market & Mile End Food Tour
Learn how to make Montreal-style bagels, snack your way through Jean-Talon Market, then explore Little Italy and Mile End before finishing the day on a guided food tour.
👻 Day 3: Jardin Botanique, Downtown Montreal & Old Montreal Ghost Tour
Visit the stunning Biodome and Jardin Botanique, spend the afternoon downtown, then enjoy dinner in Old Montreal before ending the night with a spooky ghost tour and dinner.
Day 1
Breakfast – Creperie Maison Bagatelle


Crepes and Montreal go hand in hand, and Creperie Maison Bagatelle was a yummy way to kick off our day of exploration. We loved this place for a few reasons, from the Victorian-style decor to the quick service, which is ideal if you’re eager to get going.
You order at the counter, and they quickly bring out your food. They serve sweet and savory crepes, so of course we had to get one of each, for research purposes. The “strawberry love” had strawberries and Nutella, and the savory one had turkey and cheese. They were both delicious and balanced each other out well!
This place opens daily at 8 am and is conveniently located only a block from our walking tour’s starting point, which is up next!
Morning – Explore Old Montreal


After finishing breakfast, we strolled just a few minutes to the meeting point for this Old Montreal walking tour, and honestly, it was the best way to kick off our first day of sightseeing. The 10 am option gave us plenty of time to fuel up without rushing, and the two-hour tour wrapped up just in time for lunch.
We’ve wandered through a lot of “historic districts” that start blending together, but this tour made Old Montreal feel alive. Instead of just admiring old buildings and snapping photos, our guide Martin turned every corner into a story with the wit and insight of a history-obsessed friend. He was also hilarious, and we found ourselves laughing practically the entire time.


From the city’s oldest street to Notre-Dame Basilica’s gothic spires and the grandeur of City Hall, Martin didn’t just explain the architecture; he brought it to life. Place Jacques-Cartier was a standout, especially with his stories of how it’s evolved from a colonial marketplace to a lively square full of performers and cafés.
With a small group, we could actually hear everything, ask questions, and linger without feeling rushed. We even ended the walk with a local treat and a list of great recommendations.
Of all the tours we did, this one stuck with us most—and we’re clearly not the only ones who felt that way. Just check out the five-star reviews here to see why this is one of the top-rated tours in Montreal!
Lunch – Enjoy a meal with a view at a “Terrasse”


We loved Old Montreal’s charm and the unique architecture – you’ll feel like you’re in Europe! One of the most charming things we discovered was the rooftop restaurants and bars on historic buildings, boasting incredible city views. These are called terrasses, which means “terrace” in French.
Dining at a terrasse is a must while in Montreal, and here are two great options for lunch.
Terrasse Sur L’Auberge is a winner all around, but it really stands out for its incredible river and port views. We also thought it was quite affordable considering the view, which is always a bonus in my book. It can get pretty busy, so be sure to make a reservation. It’s also just a minute from the end of the walking tour, so this is definitely a convenient option!
Terrasse Place D’Armes is another contender with a large menu and great service. It sits further back from the water and offers more seating options, which means you should be okay without a reservation. It’s slightly more expensive than Terrasse Sur L’Auberge, but we thought the quality was well worth the price.
Regardless of which one you go with, you can relax over lunch and take in Old Montreal’s beauty!
Afternoon – Explore the Old Port


After lunch, we took our time wandering into the Old Port, one of the most scenic and vibrant parts of the city. This area is a total vibe—historic buildings, river views, quirky shops, and just enough street performers to keep things interesting without feeling like a circus.
It’s also conveniently located just steps from Old Montreal and both terrace restaurants mentioned above.
Besides just walking around and taking in the view and vibes, there are a few notable activities in the Old Port that you should consider while you’re in the area, including:
Go jet boating!


Let’s start off with one of the most thrilling activities you can do in this area – jet boating! This jet boat tour through the Lachine Rapids was exactly the adrenaline fix we didn’t know we needed. It has multiple departure times in the afternoon, so it’s a flexible activity to add in.
Leaving right from the Old Port with multiple departure times throughout the afternoon, it was an easy transition from mellow sightseeing to full-on mayhem. The ride kicks off slow and scenic, gliding past sights like the Clock Tower, the Biosphere, and Habitat 67.
But once we hit the rapids, it turned into a totally wild, hold-on-for-dear-life kind of experience. Our guide, Todd, was equal parts hype man and river warrior and had us cracking up before we even got wet (which didn’t take long).
It’s a two-hour tour, and while you can sit toward the back for a calmer ride, we braved the front row and basically swallowed half the river. The energy was contagious, everyone was laughing, and by the end, we were soaked to the bone and didn’t care one bit. They provide ponchos, life jackets, and lockers, but take it from us: bring a full change of clothes because nobody escapes dry.
This was easily one of the most ridiculous, fun, and unexpected highlights of our trip. Total adrenaline, zero stress, and a shared group energy that made it unforgettable!
Ride La Grande Roue de Montréal


For something slightly less adrenaline-pumping but equally memorable, check out the Ferris wheel at the Old Port. La Grande Roue de Montréal towers over the Old Port and gives you a whole new perspective on the city. It’s actually the tallest observation wheel in Canada, and riding it felt surprisingly peaceful, like floating above Montreal in a climate-controlled bubble.
Each ride includes three full 18-minute rotations, so you get nearly an hour to soak in panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, the downtown skyline, and even the mountains in the distance on a clear day. We hopped in a private gondola, took way too many photos, and spent most of the ride pointing out landmarks we’d just visited that morning.
It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it—especially after a morning of walking. Bonus points for being right on the edge of the boardwalk, which made our next stop an easy transition.
Walk the Old Port Boardwalk


Back on solid ground, we took our time walking the Old Port Boardwalk, which stretches for about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) along the St. Lawrence River. It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan, you just walk and enjoy the atmosphere.
We passed street performers juggling flaming torches (casual), popped into a few cute shops, and found a bench to sit with iced coffees and watch the boats go by. Public art installations dot the path, and the mix of historic and modern architecture makes every direction photo-worthy.
There are a lot of street food options here, and they all look fantastic. Since dinner is going to be a bit later tonight, I recommend grabbing a snack.
Whether you’re up for a full stroll or just want to linger around the central area, this is one of the best ways to unwind after sightseeing. It’s touristy, sure, but in the best possible way!
Take a scenic river cruise


After you spend the afternoon exploring Old Port, you have one more scenic activity to check off here. This sunset cruise was such a relaxing way to wrap up our day, and it’s only 45 minutes, so it didn’t feel like a huge commitment.
I recommend booking the 7 pm departure time, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy your afternoon activities and still catch the golden hour and sunset.
We sipped wine from the onboard bar, chatted with the friendly crew, and listened to fascinating stories from our guide about places like Habitat 67, the Lachine Canal locks, and the historic Harbour Commissioners’ Building. The views of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Clock Tower as the sun set were genuinely stunning!
What made this stand out was the vibe—relaxed, scenic, and just social enough. Whether you’re with friends or on a romantic night out, this one-hour cruise was a highlight of our day and a perfect way to unwind. Just read the five-star reviews here to see why this peaceful, one-of-a-kind experience is a favorite for so many travelers.
Dinner – Jardin Nelson


After we were sufficiently relaxed from our sunset cruise, we found the best patio in Montreal for dinner, just a five-minute walk from the docks. Jardin Nelson has a massive courtyard with beautiful gardens. It’s quite a large restaurant, which makes it feel extra lush. They even have live music every night, and we caught some local jazz music that truly took this experience to the next level!
The food was just as notable as the ambiance. I went with the seafood mac and cheese, which I’d highly recommend, and everything that I saw come out of the kitchen looked tasty. They also specialize in fruity martinis, which went down a little too easily!


The only downside is that we aren’t the only people who know how good this restaurant is. They don’t take reservations, so there might be a line down the street when you arrive. However, it’s a big restaurant, and the line moved very quickly when we arrived around 8 pm after our cruise. We were seated within 5 minutes!
Day 2
Breakfast – On the go!


Your morning activity starts at 10 am, so instead of rushing out the door for a sit-down breakfast, enjoy a slower morning and find something quick and light near your hotel. Today is also all about eating the best food – so keeping breakfast light is a good idea to save room for all the tasty local food to come!
Convenience stores in Montreal are called “depanneurs”, so type that into Google Maps, and you can find one around your hotel. This is a good spot to pick up some light snacks, like yogurt and fruit, or drinks, in case there aren’t any great coffee shops or breakfast options near you!
Then catch an Uber or Lyft to the tour’s meeting point. The subway is also easy to navigate if you prefer!
Morning – Bagel-Making Workshop


Before going to Montreal, I had no idea how big a deal bagels were here. Turns out that bagels, poutine, and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches are the three must-try foods in the city, so this bagel-making workshop is the best way to get into the spirit.
Montreal bagels are quite different than New York bagels, and I actually preferred them. These bagels are a little smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter because they are traditionally cooked in honey water before going in the oven, but don’t worry, you’ll learn all of this soon!
During our session, we got to knead our own dough, learn the difference between flour types, and brush our creations with egg wash before choosing our toppings—everything bagel fans, rejoice.
The process felt relaxed but hands-on, and our instructor made it easy to follow along, whether we were seasoned bakers or complete newbies. After baking, we got to enjoy hot, fresh bagels right out of the oven. Plus, you get to take a few home, too!
With just a small group, this was intimate, fun, and surprisingly educational. The workshop runs Thursday through Sunday, so if it doesn’t line up with your Day 2, you can always shift a day around to make it work. It starts at 10 am and lasts about two hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the neighborhood afterward.
We had such a great time learning and laughing—by the end, it felt like we were baking with old friends. Check out the five-star reviews here to see why this class is such a hit. We left full, happy, and officially converted to Team Montreal Bagel!
Lunch – Jean-Talon Market


After our bagel workshop, we hopped in a quick 7-minute Uber and made our way over to Jean-Talon Market, nestled in the heart of Little Italy. Even if you’re not starving (those fresh bagels do the job), this open-air market is absolutely worth a visit. It’s one of the largest in North America, and wandering through the rows of local produce, flower stalls, and food stands is an experience all its own.
You can sample juicy Quebec-grown berries, nibble on locally made cheeses, or grab a little something extra like a maple-glazed treat, a crepe, or even a warm empanada. We sipped espresso from a tiny stand tucked in the back, browsed through baskets of colorful produce, and stocked up on some maple goodies to take home.
Just be sure to save room—this stop is more about snacking and exploring than committing to a full meal. With a food tour coming up at 3 pm, you’ll want to pace yourself. But whether you eat or not, Jean-Talon is the kind of place that makes you wish you had a kitchen nearby and an extra suitcase for all the local goodies.
Afternoon – Explore Little Italy and Mile End


After the buzz of Jean-Talon Market, we spent the early afternoon exploring Little Italy and nearby Mile End, two of Montreal’s most charming and personality-packed neighborhoods. With a mix of old-world charm and creative energy, everything is easily walkable, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll before the next tour. Here are a few highlights along the way:
Rest in Parc de la Petite-Italie
Just a few minutes from the market, Parc de la Petite-Italie is a leafy green space where locals lounge with iced coffee or gelato in hand. It’s not a big park, but it’s got great benches, good shade, and even better people-watching. After the food and the walking, it was the perfect place to sit for a bit, snack on fruit from the market, and take in the laid-back energy of the neighborhood.


Visit Madonna della Difesa Church
From the park, it’s only a 2-minute walk to the striking Madonna della Difesa Church, a National Historic Site known for its unique mix of architectural styles and stunning interior frescoes. Even if you’re not usually drawn to churches, this one is worth a peek inside. The artwork tells powerful stories of immigration and faith, and the peaceful interior offers a quiet contrast to the lively streets outside.
Stroll into the Mile End neighborhood
Once we’d soaked up Little Italy’s slower pace, we wandered into Mile End, one of Montreal’s most iconic, quirky neighborhoods. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the church, and it’s where our next tour kicks off, so we used the time to look around.
We passed indie bookstores, poked around in record shops, and spotted murals tucked between artist studios and third-wave coffee shops. Even without an agenda, it’s a great place to explore—you never know what you’ll stumble across, but it’s always something interesting.
Early dinner – Taste your way around Mile End


After exploring Little Italy and making our way into Mile End, we joined this small-group food tour that turned out to be one of the tastiest highlights of the trip. Montreal’s food scene is incredible, but knowing where to go can be tricky, so having a local guide lead the way through the neighborhood’s hidden gems made all the difference.
You can book the 3 pm group option or opt for a private tour at 4 pm if you prefer a more personal experience. We chose the Mile End route, and within the first few stops, it was clear we were in good hands. Be sure to come hungry because you’ll eat a lot of amazing food on this tour!
Our guide, Donna-Lynn, felt more like a friend than a tour leader—fun, passionate, and full of stories that made every bite more meaningful. Donna-Lynn made sure we sampled classic dishes, like a Montreal smoked meat sandwich from the most famous smoked meat restaurant in town and fresh, warm bagels from the most famous bagel shop in town!


We had poutine at a local brewery (yum) and the best ice cream I’ve ever had – strawberry sorbet mixed with matcha soft serve! This wasn’t all Montreal staple foods, though; we got to try some inventive dishes too, but I’ll leave that for you to discover.
The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, ending around 6 to 7 pm, and you’ll sample more than enough food to call it dinner. Trust us—come hungry and let this local-led experience show you why Mile End is one of Montreal’s tastiest neighborhoods!
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Evening – Head out on the town (Live Jazz or Speakeasy)


After a full day of exploring and full bellies to match, it’s time to unwind in style!
If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere and live jazz, Diese Onze was the perfect spot. Tucked into a stylish basement on Rue Saint-Denis, this intimate jazz bar offers live performances every night and stays open late (until 1 am), making it an ideal post-dinner hangout. This is just a quick 5-minute Uber from the end of the food tour.
If you’re up for something with a little more mystery, The Coldroom is a speakeasy that’s actually hidden and honestly the coolest speakeasy I’ve ever been to. The Google Maps location is approximate, so you’ll need to wander around a bit and find a large, unmarked black door. Above the door is an exit sign that has a small duck on it. When you find it, ring the bell and wait for them to come and get you. Fun right!?


The cocktails are inventive, and the atmosphere is fun, making for a fantastic end to the day! The Coldroom is located in Old Montreal, so you’ll have to grab an Uber after the food tour. Old Montreal is lively at this time of day, complete with street performers and a buzzing atmosphere!
Related Read: Visiting during the colder months? Be sure to check out our 3-Day Montreal winter itinerary here for snowy activities, cozy spots, and seasonal highlights.
Day 3
Breakfast – Visit one of the best bakeries in town


La Cave à Manger is one of the top bakeries in all of Montreal – so this just makes sense for your final breakfast in the city! Located in Old Montreal, this is an easy stop if you’re staying here (it opens at 7 am).
They have everything from sandwiches to bagels, croissants, and other baked goods. The espresso is also really good, which pairs perfectly with all the sweets we were getting. It’s a casual atmosphere, like an underground grab-and-go spot with very few seats. Everyone was so nice when we visited; they even threw in a couple of free pastries for us simply because we were buying so much!
Morning – Visit the Biodome and/or Jardin Botanique


Full disclosure: I didn’t get a chance to visit these two sites, but I hear wonderful things about both! So I’m adding it to the itinerary because I’m kicking myself for not going, and you shouldn’t miss out as I did.
Jardins botaniques de Montréal is a stunning botanical garden with 10 exhibition greenhouses and 20 themed gardens. The Chinese lantern garden is a crowd favorite! The botanical garden is quite large, covering 75 hectares (1895 acres), and is a must-stop for any nature lover or anyone looking to take a break from the city vibe.
The Biodome is in the same Olympic complex and is an indoor nature museum. It’s really unique because it has four distinct ecosystems, and animals can roam freely, which is more ethical for them. This is great for kids and families, or any animal enthusiast.
If you can visit both, they pair well. The Biodome is fascinating to see all of the animals, and the museum is very impressive in itself. The gardens are really beautiful and have such a relaxed pace, especially if you are lucky to have good weather!
While the botanical garden and Biodome are within walking distance, you will need to purchase separate tickets. Plan on spending the entire morning here if you can visit both; about two hours at each should be enough, and get an Uber here.
Lunch – Ruben’s Diner


After your morning exploring the gardens and biodome, catch a 20-minute Uber back towards downtown Montreal. We heard great things about Ruben’s Deli and Smokehouse with their expert smoked meats. We were pretty excited, as we were hungry by that point!
Ruben’s is known for sandwiches and poutines, all made with the classic Montreal smoked-meat style. I got the French onion soup to start, which was the best I’ve ever had, and Le Phily a Dean sandwich melt – delicious! I wish I had more room for dessert because they looked amazing, but I was stuffed.
Early Afternoon – Explore Downtown


With lunch wrapped up and the rest of the day ahead, we spent the early afternoon exploring downtown Montreal—a part of the city that mixes sleek modernity with hidden gems and cultural depth. Everything here is walkable and easy to navigate, which makes it perfect for a casual stroll before winding down the trip. We squeezed in a little shopping, some architecture, and a dose of contemporary art, all within a few blocks of each other.
Go shopping on Saint Catherine Street
Right in the same area as Ruben’s, Saint Catherine Street is downtown Montreal’s main shopping drag and an easy place to get sidetracked in the best way. From big-name brands to local boutiques, there’s something for every kind of shopper. We used the time to pick up a few souvenirs, browse Canadian labels we hadn’t seen before, and pop into a bookstore for some light reading for the trip home.
Museum of Fine Arts
If you like art museums, don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts. This is actually one of Canada’s oldest museums, and the collection is quite impressive, featuring pieces by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet. But it’s not all about the classics; there’s also a lot of cool modern art, as well as modern architecture of the building.
I’d give yourself at least two hours to wander through here. Admission to the museum is $30 CAD, but I recommend checking the exhibition calendar to see if there’s anything special worth seeing!
Happy Hour Drink and/or Dinner – Bar George


Once you wrap up your afternoon exploring downtown, settle in for a happy hour drink to remember!
Bar George is a beautiful bar in a Victorian-style mansion. It’s quite fancy, as you might expect from a restored mansion setting, but the quality and ambiance are totally worth it – at least for one cocktail! Drinks are about $25+ CAD, but we really enjoyed our time here. The food is really delicious, so you can eat dinner here, or if it’s out of budget, then stop in for a drink and head to Old Montreal for dinner.
Garde Manger is a seafood-forward spot in Old Montreal from celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. It has a cool, modern vibe with a lively energy. The stand-out dish here is lobster poutine, and the cocktails were just as tasty. Between the food, the energy, and the location, this is exactly the kind of “treat yourself” dinner your final night deserves!


Finally, for something a bit more casual, check out 3 Brasseurs Saint-Paul. I can never say no to a brewery, and every beer I tried on my tasting flight was great. Pair that with fried cheese curds, and it makes for the perfect combo!
Evening – Learn about Montreal’s dark history on a ghost tour


After dinner, we wrapped up our final night in the most theatrical way possible with this ghost tour through Old Montreal. The 8 pm tour meets just two minutes from Garde Manger, and from the first moment, we were swept into a world of gruesome legends, haunted alleyways, and chilling tales of the past.
Led by our guide Alice, who was not only a gifted storyteller but also fully dressed the part, the tour felt more like a live performance than a history lesson. She brought Montreal’s darker past to life with flair and perfectly timed suspense, guiding us through narrow streets and dimly lit corners of Old Montreal.
We stopped at historic spots like Place Royale and Bonsecours Market, where Alice spun vivid tales of witchcraft, hangings, devastating fires, and eerie disappearances. They’re the kind of stories that leave you glancing over your shoulder long after the tour ends.
At 90 minutes, it flew by, thanks to Alice’s witty, immersive storytelling and the eerie atmosphere of the city after dark. It’s not recommended for kids under 12, and honestly, we could see why. It’s creepy in the best way. Available only on Friday and Saturday nights, this tour was the perfect, spine-tingling send-off to our time in Montreal.
We loved it because it was unlike anything else we did—equal parts theatrical, historical, and just spooky enough. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after the stories end.
If you have extra time…
Quebec City day trip


If you have an extra day and want to explore more of Quebec, I can highly recommend this day trip to Quebec City! This tour was all around excellent, from the easy organization to the incredible sights we saw.
It’s a three-hour drive from Montreal to Quebec City. We were in a big coach bus, which was comfy enough for the journey. They broke up the drive by stopping at an area with convenience stores and a McDonald’s, so you can grab breakfast or coffee if you’d like.


Our first official stop is Montmorency Falls, which somehow manages to be taller than Niagara but less crowded. You’ll have about an hour here and can enjoy the beautiful scenery and walking paths. If you’re feeling up for it, you can climb the 500ish steps to the top of the falls!
Then we made it to Old Quebec City and started off with a 1-hour history tour. This gave us insight into the stunning historic buildings, and it helped us get oriented in the city. We then had free time until the cruise, which was definitely the highlight of the day.


Cruising down the St Lawrence River was such a fun way to experience Quebec. The boat was massive, with indoor and outdoor tables, a bar, food, and table service. It was such a good way to relax and take in the views!
The rest of our time in Quebec was ours, so we spent it wandering through cobbled lanes of Petit Champlain, admiring the Château Frontenac, and browsing quirky little shops that looked like storybook illustrations. After our journey back to Montreal, it was about 8 pm, so while a long day, it was really fulfilling!
Overall, we loved this experience, as it balanced organized tour activities and time to explore on our own. I’d highly recommend it for those who want to experience Old Quebec City’s quaint and historic streets but don’t have the time to spend a few nights here.
Related Read: Looking for a few more things to fill your itinerary? Check out our favorite things to do in Montreal!
Where to Stay in Montreal, Quebec


Montreal is packed with fantastic places to stay, whether you’re after upscale luxury, a comfortable mid-range suite, or a fun, budget-friendly hostel. We’d recommend staying in Old Montreal if it works out! Although there aren’t many budget options there, the Plateau Mont-Royal is another great option.
To make planning easier, we’ve put together our top picks for where to stay in Montreal so you can focus on enjoying the city!
Luxury – $$$
Set across four historic 19th-century buildings right in the heart of Old Montreal, Hotel Place D’Armes absolutely nails that blend of old-world elegance and modern flair. Rooms are spacious and stylish, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and thoughtful touches like plush robes and Nespresso machines.
We love that there’s a rooftop terrace with views over the city, plus an on-site spa and a sleek bar downstairs. The location is also hard to beat, just steps from Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes metro. Expect to pay around $400 to $800 CAD per night, and it can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a stay that balances comfort, location, and perks, Hyatt Centric Montreal is a fantastic choice. Located in Old Town, you’re a short walk from the Old Port, Berri Uqam Metro Station, and Clock Tower Beach.
But while you’re not adventuring around Montreal, you can enjoy the rooftop pool (which is heated in the winter!) and terrace for a relaxing afternoon. It’s hard to beat a beautiful day in Montreal! Prices range from about $350 to $500 CAD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Traveling on a budget in Montreal doesn’t mean sacrificing location, and Auberge du Plateau proves it. Set right in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal, this friendly hostel offers a mix of private rooms and dorms, making it a great fit for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
We love that it includes free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to a shared kitchen, which can save a surprising amount on food costs during a longer stay. The rooftop terrace is another standout feature, offering views over the neighborhood and a relaxing place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Rooms typically range from $45 CAD for a dorm bed to $200 CAD per night for private rooms. Check your dates and book it on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Montreal’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of Montreal’s best areas and hotels, have a look at our where to stay guide here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
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Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Montreal. It gives you just enough time to dive into the stunning old city, explore the modern sights, and eat, eat, eat! This is definitely a city you’ll want to come back to – I know we are already eager to get back!
Be sure to check out our other Canada blogs as you plan your next adventure! As a Canadian myself, I have lots of guides and resources to help figure out exactly where to visit. Here are a few more blogs to inspire your travels – cheers!
The 3 BEST Niagara Falls Tours from Montreal
10 Best Things to do in Montreal, Quebec
How to Spend THREE Days in Toronto: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.

