Montréal is North America’s most European-feeling city—born as Ville-Marie in 1642, shaped by river trade and the fur economy, and today animated by festivals, cafés, markets, and design. You’ll hear French first, but bilingual locals glide between languages with ease. From cobblestones in Old Montréal to the murals of the Plateau and Mile End, the city rewards wandering—and eating along the way.

The skyline tells its own story: Olympic-era modernism, the gilded dome of St. Joseph’s Oratory, and Expo 67’s futuristic legacy. The St. Lawrence River is Montréal’s stage—cruises, bike paths, and the revitalized Old Port anchor the city’s outdoor life. Food-wise, this is a culinary capital: bagels fired in wood ovens, poutine dressed a dozen ways, Syrian feasts, refined Québécois kitchens, and natural-wine temples.

Practical notes: the local currency is CAD, tip 15–20% in restaurants, and Montréal’s STM metro is clean and efficient (consider a 3-day or 7-day pass). Winters are crisp; summers are festival-season bliss. Dress in layers in spring and fall, and bring comfy shoes—this 7-day Montréal itinerary makes room for both marquee sights and neighborhood gems.

Montréal

Montréal blends centuries of history with an of-the-moment creative scene. Explore Old Montréal’s 18th-century facades, then pivot to cutting-edge galleries, indie cafés, and innovative kitchens. Mountain meets river here: hike up Mount Royal in the morning, and toast sunset by the water in the Old Port.

• Top sights: Notre-Dame Basilica (and the AURA night show), Mount Royal’s Kondiaronk Belvedere, Old Port, Jean-Talon and Atwater markets, Botanical Garden & Biodôme, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Habitat 67 viewpoint, Quartier des Spectacles.
• Neighborhood flavor: Mile End for bagels and murals; Plateau for cafés and wine bars; Griffintown and Saint-Henri for canalside dining; Downtown for museums and shopping; Old Montréal for romance and river walks.
• Dining snapshot: From smoked meat at Schwartz’s to vegetable-forward plates at Le Vin Papillon, pizza at Elena, Syrian excellence at Damas, and sweets at Olive et Gourmando—Montréal eats well.
• Fun facts: The island has more than 450 km of bike paths; Expo 67 transformed the city’s global profile; and two rival bagel legends—St-Viateur and Fairmount—keep the wood-fired flame alive.

Where to stay (by vibe): Old Montréal for historic hotels and river views; Downtown for easy transit and museums; Plateau/Mile End for cafés and nightlife; Griffintown/Saint-Henri for modern lofts near the Lachine Canal.

• Hotels (all budgets): Browse options on Hotels.com.
• Apartments/lofts: Find family-sized stays and stylish condos on VRBO.

Getting to Montréal (YUL): From major US/Canada cities, nonstop flights are typically 1–5 hours and ~$150–$450 roundtrip; from Europe, 6–8 hours and ~$450–$900 depending on season. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. If you’re starting in Europe and prefer European OTA tools, you can also search via Omio (Flights). STM’s 747 bus links YUL to downtown; taxis and app-based rides are plentiful.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In, and First Taste of Old Montréal

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a short stroll through Old Montréal’s cobblestones—Place d’Armes, Rue Saint-Paul, and the Old Port. For a stylish caffeine fix, pause at Crew Collective & Café inside a 1920s banking hall; linger under marble arches with an espresso and a pastry.

Evening: Step into the blue-lit splendor of Notre-Dame Basilica (consider the AURA night show if running). Dinner ideas nearby: Le Club Chasse et Pêche (refined Québécois; rich sauces, game, and impeccable service), Modavie (bistro classics with live jazz), or Un Po’ Di Piu (Italian aperitivo, spritzes, and small plates). Nightcap at The Coldroom (a beloved speakeasy just off Place Jacques-Cartier) or sip a Québec cider along the waterfront.

Day 2: Old Montréal Deep Dive + St. Lawrence River

Morning: Start with breakfast at Olive et Gourmando (legendary sandwiches—try the “Poached Egg on Your Face”) or Tommy Café (Viennese vibes, excellent croissants). Then join a guided walk to unlock layers of history:

The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour by Guidatour — certified local guides share architecture, trading posts, and hidden courtyards. Book here: The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour by Guidatour.

Afternoon: Explore Pointe-à-Callière (Montréal’s archaeology and history museum) and the promenade by the Old Port. Then see the city from the water:

Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise — pass the Biosphere, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Olympic Stadium with engaging commentary. Book here: Montreal History Guided Sightseeing Cruise.

Evening: Head to Chinatown for dinner. Try Mai Xiang Yuan for hand-pinched dumplings (pan-fried leek and egg are a favorite) or Nouilles de Lan Zhou for hand-pulled noodles. For cocktails, Le Mal Nécessaire mixes tiki fun with local spirits; if you crave dessert, stroll to a nearby patisserie for seasonal treats.

Day 3: Mount Royal, Mile End Bagels, and Plateau Wine Bars

Morning: Hike or taxi up Mount Royal for citywide views at Kondiaronk Belvedere. On the way down, café-hop: Café Olimpico (Mile End institution since 1970) for cappuccino, then compare bagels at St-Viateur and Fairmount—both wood-fired, subtly sweet, and best still warm. Admire the murals along Boulevard Saint-Laurent and the colorful row houses around Square Saint-Louis.

Afternoon: Eat your way through Mile End with a local-led tasting walk:

Montreal Walking Food Tour with 8+ Tastings by Secret Food Tours — classic-to-contemporary bites, bagels, smoked meat, sweets, and stories that connect it all. Book here: Montreal Walking Food Tour with 8+ Tastings by Secret Food Tours.

Evening: Reserve a table in the Plateau or Little Burgundy. Top picks: Le Vin Papillon (vegetable-forward sharing plates; chalkboard menus and superb natural wines), Mon Lapin (market-driven, intimate; book well ahead), or Damas (sumptuous Syrian—mezze, lamb, and pistachio pastries). For a casual pint, Dieu du Ciel! pours some of Québec’s most loved craft beers.

Day 4: Markets, Gardens, and the Lachine Canal

Morning: Breakfast at the Jean-Talon Market—espresso from Café Saint-Henri, a still-warm croissant, and seasonal fruit. Wander produce aisles, Québec cheeses, and maple goods. Consider a quick hop to the Botanical Garden and Biodôme to meet tropical birds, penguins, and curated plant worlds under one roof.

Afternoon: Make for the Lachine Canal. Rent a bike or kayak near Atwater Market; in summer, the canal path is one of the city’s most scenic rides. Snack stops: Havre aux Glaces (artisanal ice cream) and Atwater’s bakery counters for flaky kouign-amann.

Evening: Dine in Saint-Henri or Griffintown. Elena (neo-Neapolitan pizza, bright salads, and a vinyl soundtrack), Foxy (wood-fired Québécois with smoky depth), or Tuck Shop (short, seasonal menu, big flavors). Nightcap at Burgundy Lion for a proper whisky or at September Surf for a chilled glass of wine.

Day 5: Full-Day Québec City and Montmorency Falls (Day Trip)

Let a coach handle logistics so you can soak in the history and river vistas. Expect a 12–13 hour day with a scenic drive (about 2.5–3 hours each way), Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara), and guided highlights around UNESCO-listed Old Québec.

Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal — classic landmarks, Place Royale, the Citadel area, and free time to wander cobbled streets. Book here: Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal.

Lunch ideas in Old Québec: La Bûche (hearty Québécois comfort), Chez Boulay (boreal cuisine with northern herbs and berries), or Paillard for a quick baguette and macarons. Return to Montréal in the evening—grab a late snack near your hotel.

Day 6: Museums, Downtown, and Quartier des Spectacles

Morning: Brunch at L’Avenue (playful plates; the bacon-wrapped asparagus is a local favorite) or Arthurs Nosh Bar (Jew-ish deli: latkes, schnitzel, and honey cake). Explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the McCord Stewart Museum to trace Montréal’s design and Indigenous histories. Stroll McGill’s campus greens.

Afternoon: Duck into the Underground City (RÉSO) for boutiques and weather-proof walking, then amble along Sainte-Catherine Street. If you’re traveling with kids—or you love quirky science—consider the Museum of Illusions for brain-bending photo ops; otherwise, linger over coffee at Café Myriade and pastry at Pâtisserie Rhubarbe.

Evening: Dinner in Little Burgundy: Joe Beef (the city’s icon—rich, creative plates), Liverpool House (sister spot; convivial), or Vinette at Elena for seafood and spritzes. If it’s hockey season, catch a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre; if not, the Quartier des Spectacles is alive with performances and light installations year-round.

Day 7: Last Tastes and Souvenirs

Morning: Stretch your legs along the Old Port boardwalk or take a final saunter through the Plateau’s colorful streets. Breakfast run: bagel-and-lox sandwich from St-Viateur, or a sit-down at Larrys for soft-scrambled eggs and excellent sourdough. Pick up edible souvenirs—maple syrup, local cheeses, or artisan chocolate—at Jean-Talon or Atwater Market.

Afternoon (departure): Squeeze in a quick poutine at La Banquise (24/7, countless variations) or a smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s to go. Head to YUL with an extra 30–45 minutes if you’re checking market goodies, and start plotting your return.

Getting around: STM passes are great value (24-hour, 3-day, and weekly options). BIXI bike-share docks are everywhere from April–November. Taxis and rideshares are reliable; walking is often the most scenic choice in core neighborhoods.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: Bota Bota spa on the river, the Biosphere museum on Île Sainte-Hélène, or a sunset picnic on Parc Outremont’s lawns.

Trip logistics recap: Search flights to/from Montréal on Trip.com, Kiwi.com, or (for Europe-based routes) Omio (Flights). Book stays via Hotels.com or VRBO. For the Québec City day trip, we’ve linked a coach tour above; DIY by car takes ~3 hours each way; VIA Rail trains are ~3–3.5 hours.

Seven days in Montréal lets you savor its rhythm: river breezes, market aromas, and the glow of café windows on cool evenings. With this itinerary you’ll trace the city’s past, taste its present, and collect the kind of small, perfect moments that make Montréal unforgettable.