4 days in Montreal itinerary
Four-day balanced Montreal itinerary mixing major sights with neighborhoods, markets, good local meals, relaxed breaks and realistic transfers. Walkable days with optional metro rides; paced to avoid rush and enjoy Montreal's culinary and cultural scene.
Highlights
- Old Montreal & Notre-Dame Basilica
- Mount Royal lookout and park
- Jean-Talon & Atwater markets
- Mile End bagels and Plateau cafés
- Biodome & Botanical Garden
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, Old Montreal orientation, light museum visit and relaxed dinner in Old Port.
Hotel check-in
Arrive and check in; drop bags and freshen up before exploring Old Montreal.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask front desk for a map of Old Montreal and nearest metro station.
- If you arrive early, request luggage hold to start exploring right away.
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica (short visit)
Guided or self-guided visit to the ornate basilica; plan for photos and a quick audio tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the next available guided tour or audio-tour times at the entrance.
- Respect service times; photography rules may vary inside.
Pointe-à-Callière (archaeology & history)
Explore Montreal's history at the city archaeology and history museum in Old Montreal.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets on arrival; exhibits are compact but rich—good if you want history without a long museum day.
- Allow extra time if there is a special exhibition.
Coffee & pastry break at Olive & Gourmando
Relax with a well-regarded local café and pastry in Old Montreal—great for people-watching and a breather.
Tips from local experts:
- Popular spot; if there's a line, try the terrace tables.
- Their sandwiches and pastries are good for a light snack to tide you over.
Dinner at Modavie (jazz bistro)
Classic bistro with live music most nights — relaxed sit-down dinner in Old Montreal.
Tips from local experts:
- Reservations recommended for evenings, especially on weekends.
- Ask your server about the nightly jazz schedule if you want live music during dinner.
Evening stroll along the Old Port
Walk the waterfront, take in the lights and harbor views; easy pace after dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- The Old Port is pleasant at dusk; bring a light jacket as it can be breezy by the water.
- If you prefer, rent a Vélo (bike) or simply enjoy the promenade on foot.
Day 2
Mount Royal viewpoint, bagels and markets, then Plateau & Mile End exploring with a standout dinner.
Breakfast: St-Viateur Bagel (bagel & coffee)
Classic Montreal bagel experience in Mile End — grab a fresh bagel and coffee.
Tips from local experts:
- Bagels are baked all day; try a sesame or poppy seed bagel fresh out of the oven.
- Order to-go if there's a line and find a nearby bench to eat like a local.
Mount Royal walk to Kondiaronk Belvedere
Easy-to-moderate walk up Mount Royal to the Kondiaronk lookout for panoramic views of the city skyline.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes; sections are paved but can be steep in spots.
- Best light for photos is morning or golden hour — bring water in warm weather.
Coffee break at Café Olimpico (Mile End)
Local favourite for a strong espresso and a relaxed pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Small café with great espresso — perfect for recharging before market time.
- Try standing at the counter if you want a quick turnaround.
Explore Marché Jean-Talon (lunch & tasting)
Browse vendors and assemble a market lunch from local cheeses, charcuterie, and produce in Little Italy.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash and small bills for some vendors; many accept cards but smaller stalls may be cash-only.
- Try local Quebec cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit and a prepared-food stall.
Stroll Little Italy & relax
Walk off lunch in Little Italy: bakery windows, specialty food shops and quiet residential streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Check out local pastry shops and Italian grocery stores on St. Lawrence Boulevard.
- If you like coffee culture, there are several small cafés worth popping into.
Mile End & Plateau wandering (shops & street art)
Explore indie shops, record stores, murals and the neighborhood atmosphere of Mile End and Plateau.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for local boutiques on Saint-Viateur and Fairmount; the area is great for unique finds.
- Keep an eye out for murals and street art surrounding Saint-Laurent and nearby side streets.
Dinner at Damas (Syrian cuisine)
A top choice for vibrant, regional Middle Eastern dishes — reserve in advance for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Reservations recommended; let them know of dietary needs ahead of time.
- Try a sharing-style selection to taste several mezza and grilled dishes.
Day 3
Museum morning, iconic smoked-meat lunch, Saint-Laurent shopping and evening in Little Burgundy/Atwater area.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (start of day)
Large collection spanning historic to contemporary works; plan 1.5–2 hours for main highlights.
Tips from local experts:
- Check for free galleries or special exhibitions; the complex is large so focus on preferred sections.
- Cloakroom available for large bags.
Lunch: Schwartz's Deli (smoked meat classic)
Experience Montreal smoked meat — a casual, iconic deli. Expect a short wait at peak times.
Tips from local experts:
- Lines move steadily; order at the counter if necessary and enjoy a classic smoked meat sandwich.
- Bring cash and card—both are accepted; consider splitting a sandwich if portions are large.
Saint-Laurent Boulevard shopping & street food
Walk the ‘Main’ for boutiques, galleries, and snack stops; great for browsing local fashion and vintage shops.
Tips from local experts:
- Give yourself time to poke into side streets for vintage stores and local designers.
- Street-level galleries and independent shops are concentrated between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal.
Atwater Market & Little Burgundy (late afternoon)
Markets, specialty food shops and the Lachine Canal nearby — a good relaxed stroll and snack stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Try cheese shops and prepared-food stalls; the market is great for local specialties.
- If you have time, walk a short stretch of the Lachine Canal for a different riverside view.
Afternoon coffee break at Café Saint-Henri
Local roastery café ideal for a mid-afternoon pause and good coffee.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a single-origin pour-over if available.
- Seating can be limited; consider takeaway if short on time.
Dinner: Au Pied de Cochon (Quebecois specialty)
Renowned Quebecois cuisine — rich, hearty plates best shared. Book well in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a heavy, indulgent meal — consider sharing several dishes.
- Reservations strongly recommended; check menu for seasonal items.
Day 4
Biodome and Botanical Garden morning, relaxed late lunch and an elevated final viewpoint; finish with transfer time.
Breakfast at Café Parvis
Bright café with light breakfast options and good coffee to start the last day.
Tips from local experts:
- Popular for brunch — arrive early to avoid queues.
- Their pastry selection pairs well with coffee if you want a light start.
Biodome de Montréal (wildlife ecosystems)
Explore several ecosystems recreated indoors — great for families and nature lovers.
Tips from local experts:
- Purchase timed-entry tickets if possible to avoid lines.
- Plan to spend time at the tropical and sub-Antarctic sections — they're immersive.
Montreal Botanical Garden (relaxed walk)
Adjacently located to the Biodome, the gardens are ideal for a relaxed stroll among themed plant collections.
Tips from local experts:
- If short on time, choose one or two themed gardens (e.g., Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden).
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths cover a large area.
Late lunch at La Banquise (classic poutine)
Try a famous Montreal poutine spot with many variations — casual and open late.
Tips from local experts:
- Poutine portions are generous; consider sharing if sampling multiple varieties.
- Open late—good choice if your schedule varies on departure day.
Visit Oratoire Saint-Joseph (final viewpoint)
A calm, high-elevation basilica with panoramic views of the city — peaceful way to end the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- The site includes stairs; there's also a small museum and gift shop.
- Great sunset viewpoint if your schedule allows an earlier visit in the evening.
Transfer: Metro or ride to central station / onward travel
Allow time for a relaxed transfer back to your hotel or to the train/airport connection; plan buffer time for traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- If heading to the airport, allow extra time for security and traffic; the 747 bus or REM (depending on your terminal) are options.
- Use Berri-UQAM or Place-des-Arts metro for quick downtown connections.
