Looking for an itinerary for visiting Montreal in two days? In this article, you’ll find an express itinerary for discovering the beauty of Montreal! Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with your family, this itinerary is ideal. This guide will take you to the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods, viewpoints and restaurants.
Day 1: Discover Downtown and Old Montreal
Morning: Stroll in the Chinatown district
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Monville’s Monème restaurant. Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, this modern hotel offers comfort and the ideal location for a two-day visit. Enjoy their selection of fresh, local dishes to refuel your energy.
Next, head to Montreal’s historic Chinese Quarter, just a 5-minute walk from Hôtel Monville. Stroll the lively streets, discover the many boutiques and soak up the authentic atmosphere of this cosmopolitan neighborhood.
Afternoon: Exploring downtown and Old Montreal
After a morning immersed in Montreal’s Asian culture, you’re just ten minutes from the Quartier des Spectacles. Make your way to Place des Arts. This iconic downtown landmark is the place for festivals! In fact, it’s home to some of Montreal’s most famous festivals: Les Francopholies, the Jazz Festival and many more. From here, you can walk along rue Sainte-Catherine for a spot of shopping.
Once you’ve finished shopping, you’ll head for Montreal’s most historic and touristy district, Old Montreal. With its cobblestone streets and British architecture, you’ll think you’re in Europe! You’ll discover a host of little souvenir stores, and lovely terraces where you can enjoy a coffee, an ice cream or a crêpe. Don’t miss the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, a must-see in Old Montreal.
Stroll through the Old Port of Montreal, along the St. Lawrence River for a breath of fresh air and admire the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Parc Jean-Drapeau across the river. For the more adventurous, you can try out the Montréal Zipline, the Ferris Wheel or the Tour du Port de Montréal.
Evening: Unique culinary experience at Monème
Return to Hôtel Monville to enjoy the last rays of sunshine on the rooftop terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of downtown Montreal.
Then enjoy the Monème experience, starting with one of the bar & restaurant’s tasty creative cocktails, followed by a tasting of new chef Cédric Deslandes’ new menu. The restaurant offers generous French-inspired cuisine using fresh, local produce. What’s more, the homemade desserts are exquisite.
Day 2: Walk on Plateau Mont-royal and Mount Royal
Morning: Mount Royal ascent
To get your second day in Montreal off to a good start, enjoy a hearty brunch at one of the Plateau Mont-Royal’s renowned restaurants. Nothing says Montreal like brunch! L’Antipode is one of the most popular brunch spots, and for good reason! This restaurant offers cappuccinos as beautiful as they are gourmet, and succulent brunch plates.
After enjoying your brunch, head for Mount Royal. This iconic mountain offers magnificent hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city. Stop at the Kondiaronk and Camillien-Houde lookouts to admire the city and the St. Lawrence River.
Afternoon: Stroll around the Plateau Mont-Royal
For lunch, stop by one of the Plateau Mont-Royal’s most famous restaurants and sample the local cuisine. Bagel St-Viateur is a must on Montroyal Avenue.
Afterwards, explore the lively, colorful streets of Plateau Mont-Royal. You’ll be able to admire the beautiful murals that adorn the façades of the buildings, discover the small local boutiques that make this neighborhood famous, and stroll through the green alleyways.
If you still have some energy left, get away from the center and visit the Olympic Park and the Montreal Botanical Garden, which boasts over 22,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses and some 20 thematic gardens.
Evening: Time to relax
For dinner, try one of the excellent restaurants close to Hôtel Monville, such as Tiradito or Chifa.
To round off this express getaway to Montreal, there’s nothing better than a relaxing evening at the Bota Bota spa-on-water, located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, in Montreal’s Old Port. This experience will allow you to recharge your batteries after two days of exploration and admire the sunset.
On this two-day itinerary, you’ll discover the best of Montreal, from historic neighborhoods to iconic attractions. Whether you’re a lover of culture, gastronomy or the great outdoors, this dynamic city is sure to seduce you with its diversity and unique charm.
Article by Naomi Dupont – Travel Blogger.