tips on what to do in montreal

Best Things to Do in Montreal

Montreal's museums, historic sites, shopping districts and nightclubs provide plenty of entertainment. For a taste of historic Montreal, spend a day exploring the 18th-century buildings of Vieux-montreal, which now house small museums and souvenir shops. This city is also a great destination for families, with attractions like the Montreal biodome and La Ronde Amusement park. If you are visiting during the winter, escape the cold by heading down to the shopping malls and museums of the Underground City.

Tips on What To Do in Montreal

Experts say cosmopolitan Montreal's key things to do will mostly appeal to history buffs, shopaholics or night owls.

Historic Attractions

A day in Vieux-montreal 

should be on the top of any amateur historian's list of things to do. Sitting on the site of the original city, this neighborhood maintains its historic identity, featuring numerous buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The highlight of this district is the Basilique Notre-Dame, designed in 1824 and a favorite of architecture aficionados. While here, take a stroll along theVieux-Port-de-Montréal (Old Montreal Port), where you can climb the steps up the historic Clock Tower for beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River.

Museums

While wandering around 

Vieux-montreal

 , take some time to check out the Musee d'archeologie et d'Histoire Pointe-à-Callière, which showcases artifacts from all eras of the city's history. According to experts, another must-see museum is the Stewart Museum at the Fort, which offers live demonstrations of battles fought between the French and the British on Ile Ste-Hélène. Downtown Montreal is home to two spectacular art museums recommended by recent visitors, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to classical works of art, or the Musée d'Art Contemporain, which exhibits works by today's artists.

Sports & Leisure

If you are looking to spend time outside, both experts and travelers recommend heading to Parc du Mont-Royal in the center of the city. Often compared to New York City's Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal offers plenty of hiking and biking paths, as well as spectacular views of the city. Those who have visited the city also recommend the Montreal Botanical Gardens, which is beautifully decorated with Chinese lanterns. Those interested in boating can head to the Vieux-Port-de-Montréal (Old Montreal Port) in Vieux- Montréal, where boat rentals are available.

Attractions for Kids

Montreal is a great family destination because it is home to attractions that offer something for every age. Experts suggest the La Ronde Amusement Park, located on Ile Ste-Hélène. Another popular kid-friendly attraction is the traveler-recommended Montréal Biodôme, located near Parc Maisoneuve in the northern part of the city. Montréal Biodôme is home to four different ecosystems, allowing kids to experience different types of climates. No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you can take advantage of Montreal's indoor ice skating rink, Atrium Le 1000, located a few blocks from McGill University.

Shopping

Shopaholics will not leave this city disappointed. Montreal is a major commercial hub, offering everything from designer clothing to specialty goods, such as fur and leather. The city is home to numerous shopping districts, the most popular being the boulevard St-Laurent, which runs north to south from Downtown to Plateau Mont-Royal. However, the Mile End neighborhood has become increasingly populated by designer boutiques, and the Village's rue Ste-Catherine -- which is a pedestrian-only street during the summer -- offers its fair share of stores. If you wish to avoid the cold winter weather, the Underground City is home to more than 1,000 stores.

Nightlife

If there is one thing which makes Montreal famous, it's the nightlife scene. Montrealers are active night owls, with most bars and clubs remaining open until 3 a.m. Most of the city's nightlife hotspots are concentrated along rue St-Denis in Downtown Montreal; however, rue Crescent and the Village also offer their fair share of bars and clubs (the Village especially caters to a gay and lesbian clientele). Live music is also popular in this city, with many bars bringing in performers on any given night.

                                MONTREAL