Things to do in Montreal

Best Things to do in Montreal

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Montreal? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 267 activities in Montreal, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 398, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Montreal in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Montreal

About Montreal

Montreal is a city where French charm meets North American energy. The cobbled streets of Old Montreal take you back in time, while districts like Plateau Mont-Royal buzz with cafés, murals, and nightlife. You’ll notice church steeples rising against the skyline and leafy parks tucked between tall towers.

You won’t run short of things to do in Montreal. The Museum of Fine Arts is a regular stop, and Sainte-Catherine Street is where most people head for shopping. Jean-Talon Market is better if you want food that locals actually eat. In summer, festivals spill into the streets, while in winter, you’ll find skating rinks in parks and a quieter Old Montreal covered in snow.

Whether you’re here in summer for festivals or winter for snowy streets, Montreal stays lively and welcoming all year round.

Unique Experiences

Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl

An intriguing blend of local lore and nightlife, this crawl winds through historic venues while a storyteller introduces you to ghostly tales. It’s one of the more atmospheric things to do in Montreal while mixing history, suspense, and lined-up drinks.

• Where: Starts in Old Montreal, visits several haunted pubs
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,100 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours 30 minutes; starts at 3:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round; evening tours in fall or winter feel especially fitting

The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour

This graffiti and mural walk lets you wander through streets turned open-air galleries, with a local guide explaining the stories behind the artwork. It’s one of the most colourful activities and a unique way to see parts of the city you’d likely miss otherwise, among your things to do in Montreal.

• Where: Downtown and Plateau Mont-Royal
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,500 per person
• Timing: Approximately 2 hours; tour starts at 10:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn when walking is most comfortable

Explore the Underground City with a Local Comedian

If you want an activity that’s both clever and practical, check out this indoor tour through Montreal’s Underground City led by a comedian. You’ll learn quirky city secrets, dodge the cold in winter, and enjoy a genuinely different take on things to do in Montreal.

• Where: Begins near city centre, stretches along Underground City passages
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,500 per person
• Timing: About 1 hours and 30 minutes; slots available at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
• When to Visit: Fall and winter, keeping you warm while staying curious

Top Attractions

Mount Royal Park

Climbing or strolling through Mount Royal Park is one of those classic things to do in Montreal. From the lookout, you’ll see the skyline and St. Lawrence River spread out below. It’s one of the most loved Montreal tourist attractions, especially if you enjoy open spaces in the middle of the city.

• Where: West of downtown, centred around Mount Royal
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: Open daily, 6:00 AM to midnight
• When to Visit: All year; autumn for colourful leaves, winter for skating and snowshoeing

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal)

With cobbled lanes, historic buildings, and lively squares, Old Montreal feels like a step into the past. Street performers and waterfront walks make it a lively stop and one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Montreal. If you’re making a list of things to do in Montreal, this district is always on it.

• Where: East of downtown along the Old Port
• Pricing: Free to wander; paid entry for some museums and basilicas
• Timing: Streets open all day; shops usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: Summer for outdoor cafés, December for Christmas markets

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts offers collections from classical to contemporary, with everything from painting to design. It’s a calmer stop among things to do in Montreal, and a cultural highlight that balances the city’s livelier corners.

• Where: Sherbrooke Street West, Golden Square Mile
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,100 per person (general admission)
• Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays; closed Mondays
• When to Visit: Year-round; quieter on weekday mornings

Sightseeing Tours

Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary

This comfortable coach ride sweeps you through the city’s main highlights like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Old Montreal, Mount Royal Park, and even the Olympic Stadium. If you're looking for a quick orientation, this tour hits many things to do in Montreal in under four hours.

• Where: Hotel pickup, through downtown, Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and more
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,700 per person
• Timing: About 3 hours 30 minutes; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: All year, but ideal for clear midday sightseeing

Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

Exploring Old Montreal on foot with a private guide is the kind of experience that makes the city’s history feel alive. From cobbled streets and Notre-Dame Basilica to hidden courtyards, you see the old quarter at an easy pace and with plenty of stories along the way.

• Where: Central Old Montreal, starting near Place d’Armes.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 14,000 per group (up to 15 people).
• Timing: Tours usually begin at 10:00 AM, lasting around 2 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from May to October when the weather is pleasant for walking.

Day Trips

Quebec City & Montmorency Falls

If you're planning things to do in Montreal, this one plugs you into broader Quebec culture with historic streets of Old Quebec and the dramatic Montmorency Falls. It’s a full-day combo that balances history, nature, and sightseeing.

• Where: Depart from Montreal. Explore Montmorency Falls and Old Quebec
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,300 per person
• Timing: About 14 hours total; starts at 7:00 AM
• When to Visit: All year, though fall foliage and summer sunshine are highlights

Private 8-Hour Tour to Ottawa from Montreal

This full-day trip lets you explore Canada’s capital without the stress of planning. From Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal to museums and markets, it’s a comfortable way to see a different side of the country in one go.

• Where: Departs from Montreal, covering major sights in Ottawa.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 80,000 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 8:00 AM, returning by evening; total of 9 hours (approx).
• When to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for walking the capital’s landmarks, while autumn brings colourful scenery.

Boat Tours

Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Drinks

Cruise the Old Port and waterfront in an electric boat, quiet, green, informative, and with drinks available onboard. It’s a relaxed activity that beautifully complements a list of things to do in Montreal if you're after a scenic pause.

• Where: Le Petit Navire, Montreal, Canada
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,300 per person
• Timing: About 45 minutes; slots available from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, afternoons offer the best light

Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal

Take in Montreal’s skyline and landmarks from the water, like Biosphere, Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Olympic Stadium, all from an open-air cruise. It’s a neat visual cap on a day of things to do in Montreal, blending architecture, history, and the river breeze.

• Where: Departs from Old Port, along St. Lawrence River
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,900 per person
• Timing: About 1 hour; departs at 6:30 PM
• When to Visit: All year, though clear hydration-inclined skies make for the best views

Getting Around

Metro: The metro is the fastest way to move between the main neighbourhoods. It links downtown, Old Montreal, and areas like the Olympic Park, so it’s a solid option if you’re fitting in several things to do in Montreal in a day.

Buses: Buses are good for places the metro doesn’t reach, like the botanical gardens or Parc Jean-Drapeau. They take longer, but they’re cheap and useful for reaching some of the bigger Montreal tourist attractions outside the centre.

Cycling: In summer, the bike paths along the Lachine Canal and through downtown are popular. It’s practical and doubles up as one of the more scenic things to do in Montreal when the weather’s right.

Walking: Neighbourhoods like Mile End, Plateau, and Old Montreal are best on foot and the streets are packed with cafés, murals, and shops, so walking feels less like transport and more like part of the visit.

Taxis: You’ll spot them easily near hotels, stations, and in the centre. They cost more than public transport, but if it’s late or you’re carrying shopping, they’re often the simplest option.

Car hire: Inside Montreal you won’t need a car because the metro, buses, and walking do the job. Renting only makes sense if you’re heading out for day trips beyond the city.

Traveller Tips

• Dress right: Winters are cold and long, while summers get hot and humid. If you’re planning outdoor things to do in Montreal in March, bring layers and waterproof shoes.
• Markets for breaks: Jean-Talon and Atwater markets are good for fresh snacks, pastries, and coffee. They slot naturally into a day of sightseeing.
• Start early: Big spots like Mount Royal or Notre-Dame Basilica are quieter before 10 AM, which makes them easier to enjoy without crowds.
• Evenings out: Streets like St. Denis and Crescent are where you’ll find bars, terraces, and music if you’re looking for fun things to do in Montreal after dark.
• Use French when you can: A simple “bonjour” or “merci” is always appreciated and adds to the experience of being here.