Montreal is one of the most idyllic cities to visit in North America. Often described as Canada’s cultural capital, it centers around commerce, design, culture, art, tourism, and cuisine, to name a few.
There are dozens of tourist attractions to visit if you decide to go to Montreal for a quick weekend getaway. Check out our article below for some inspiration if you only have two days to visit the city.
Things to Remember
It’s easy to get around Montreal as the city has a fully functional bus and metro system. However, if you decide to rent a vehicle from a company, you could save a lot of traveling time, believe those at Globe Car & Truck Rental.
Another thing to note is that you can easily spend six hours taking in the gorgeous scenery, but you should try to remain disciplined. Otherwise, the day can pass you by in an instant. In short, to avoid missing out on anything, try to stick to your itinerary.
Day 1
On your first day, begin your morning with breakfast at one of Montreal’s iconic restaurants. We recommend heading to Bistro Le Valois and trying their incredible crepes, served in generous portions.
Then, make your way to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, where you can expect to spend around two to three hours. Your admission ticket also allows you access to the Insectarium, which is one of the most prominent insect museums in Canada.
The next stop is the Montreal Tower Observatory, which boasts astonishing views of the city. Experience the breathtaking scenery of Montreal from 500 feet above the ground in every direction.
At this point, you can take a quick pit stop for a midday meal in Old Montreal. After lunch, it’s the ideal time to explore. Put on your walking shoes and get lost in the beautiful cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.
Next, you can head over to the Notre-Dame Basilica, one of the oldest churches in Canada. You can take the sights in by yourself, or you can participate in a guided tour. Then, make your way to the final destination of the day: Place Jacques-Cartier. Here, you can wander around the stalls and immerse yourself in the city’s culture before finishing off the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
As always, begin your morning with an exquisite breakfast at one of Montreal’s famous spots. For your second day, we recommend visiting Olive et Gourmando, a well-known restaurant in Old Montreal.
After breakfast, head over to the Old Port of Montreal, one of Canada’s most significant waterways. Naturally, if you visit during the warmer seasons, there’s a lot more to do. Here are some of the activities you can do at the Old Port:
- Rent a pedal boat
- Relax at Clock Tower Beach
- Take a cruise on Le Bateau-Mouche
- Ride the zipline
- Visit the Bota Bota spa
- Enjoy the view on the La Grande Roue de Montreal
In the afternoon, take some time for lunch in the city. Then, travel to Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. This is one of the largest churches in Canada, and it also boasts a massive dome. To finish off your visit, make a dinner reservation at LOV restaurant to celebrate the end of a successful trip.
Closing Thoughts
It can seem overwhelming to visit a city in two days, but it’s definitely possible. To make the most of your short stay, #use our two-day Montreal itinerary as inspiration.
