Montreal blends European elegance with North American creativity. Founded in 1642 on the St. Lawrence River, its cobbled streets, grand basilicas, and iconic bagels coexist with boundary-pushing cuisine and a mural scene that turns entire blocks into open-air galleries.

Couples come for the romance—lantern-lit lanes in Old Montreal, sunset views from Mount Royal, and canal-side strolls along the Lachine. Coffee culture thrives in Mile End and the Plateau, where third-wave cafés and neighborhood bakeries set the pace for slow mornings and golden-hour photo walks.

French and English are widely spoken; tipping is customary (15–20%). The STM Métro and buses are affordable and simple to use (a 1-day pass is about $11 CAD). Winters are magical and brisk; summers brim with festivals, patios, and bike paths—either way, pack good walking shoes and plan for microclimates by the river.

Montréal

Montreal is a city of districts, each with its own mood. Old Montreal’s 18th-century stone facades and the Notre-Dame Basilica offer cinematic backdrops; the Plateau and Mile End are your canvas for color-drenched staircases, café patios, and street art. Food-wise, think smoked meat, bagels from wood-fired ovens, and late-night poutine.

Top highlights for couples and photographers:

• Old Montreal: cobblestones, historic squares, and riverside sunsets.
• Mount Royal: the Kondiaronk Belvedere for sweeping skyline views.
• Mile End & Plateau: cafés, murals, and the city’s best bagels.
• Lachine Canal & Atwater Market: waterside paths, picnic supplies, and golden-hour light.

Stay near Old Montreal for atmospheric nights or the Plateau/Mile End for cafés and budget eats. Search deals: Montreal rentals on VRBO or Montreal hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting in: YUL (Montréal–Trudeau) handles most flights. From the U.S. Northeast (NYC/BOS), flights are ~1–2 hours; Toronto is ~1 hour; many direct options from Europe. Compare fares on Trip.com flights and, if you’re coming to or from Europe, Omio flights. Budget roundtrips often land in the $150–350 USD range from the U.S. Northeast and $100–200 USD from Toronto (season-dependent). From YUL, the STM 747 airport bus (~$11 CAD) includes 24 hours of transit; taxis/rideshares to downtown run about $45–50 CAD.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Montreal Stroll, and Cozy First Night

Afternoon: Arrive, check in, and stretch your legs in Old Montreal. Duck into Crew Collective & Café, set inside a 1920s bank hall—high ceilings, marble, and excellent cappuccinos make an elegant first stop for photos and caffeine. Wander Place d’Armes and along Rue Saint-Paul for stone facades and horse-drawn carriages at golden hour.

Evening: Dinner options in the Old Port: Stash Café (Pierogi, borscht, candlelit, wallet-friendly), BEVO Bar + Pizzeria (wood-fired pies; share a salad and a margherita to keep costs low), or Taverne Gaspar (hearty mains, good value). Cap the night with a riverside walk; frame the illuminated La Grande Roue from the quay for romantic photos.

Day 2: Old Montreal History + Spa-by-the-River

Morning: Fuel up at Olive et Gourmando (the “poached egg on your face” sandwich is a local classic—split one to stay on budget). Then join a small-group history walk:

Explore Old Montreal Small Group Walking Tour by MTL Detours
A local-led, story-rich 2-hour introduction to the district’s architecture, plazas, and hidden details—perfect for orientation and photography.

Afternoon: Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica interiors (blue-gold nave and starry ceiling). Snack ideas: Le Petit Dep (artisanal sandwiches and maple sweets) or grab buttery kouign-amann from a nearby pâtisserie and picnic on the Old Port steps.

Evening: Unwind at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau (thermal circuit passes often from ~$55–95 CAD; time-slot dependent). For dinner, try Modavie on Saint-Paul (live jazz most nights; split a charcuterie and a pasta for a romantic, budget-friendly meal). If you prefer casual, NYK’S near Place des Arts offers affordable bistro plates before a moonlit stroll through the Quartier des Spectacles.

Day 3: Mile End Coffee, Bagels, and Street Art

Morning: Taste-test the city’s bagel rivalry: St-Viateur Bagel vs Fairmount Bagel (both hand-rolled, sesame-forward, wood-fired). Grab an espresso at Café Olimpico (a neighborhood institution) or Dispatch (sleek, modern roastery). Photograph the Plateau’s painted staircases and balconies—especially around Rue Roy and Rue Drolet.

Afternoon: Dive into the mural scene with a street art walk:

The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour by Spade & Palacio
Learn how festivals and local crews turned entire blocks into an open-air museum—fantastic for urban photography.

Lunch near Parc La Fontaine or in Little Italy: Ma Poule Mouillée (Portuguese chicken, generous portions; share a half-chicken platter) or graze at Jean-Talon Market (produce tastings, oysters in season, and coffee at Café Saint-Henri).

Evening: For classic late-night comfort, La Banquise dishes dozens of poutine styles (order a “regular” to avoid overbuying). Beer lovers: Dieu du Ciel! rotates innovative brews; non-drinkers will love the atmosphere and house sodas. If you want one splurge-y shared-plates date night, Damas (Syrian) is exceptional—sit at the bar, share mezze, and keep cocktails to one.

Day 4: Mount Royal Views + Night Lights

Morning: See the city from its namesake mountain in a memorable way:

Fat eBike Ride on Mount Royal
Glide up to the belvederes on grippy fat-tire e-bikes—great fun in any season and a gift for photographers.

Afternoon: Linger at Kondiaronk Belvedere for postcard skyline shots, then head to Atwater Market for picnic supplies (cheese, berries, baguette). If it’s warm, bike the Lachine Canal path with BIXI (dock-to-dock rentals; seasonal April–November); in cooler months, explore Little Burgundy’s consignment shops and cafés.

Evening: Experience the city under the lights with a guided night panorama that includes the ferris wheel:

Montreal Premium Driving Night Tour with La Grand Roue Ride
A relaxed, romantic way to see top landmarks after dark plus a ride on La Grande Roue for sparkling skyline views.

Pre- or post-tour dining: Satay Brothers (Little Burgundy; Southeast Asian, lively, affordable), Foiegwa (updated French classics; share mains), or cocktails at Atwater Cocktail Club (dimly lit, date-perfect—arrive early for budget-friendly choices).

Day 5: Gardens, Markets, and Departure

Morning: Head to the Botanical Garden (serene greenhouses year-round; outdoor gardens spring–fall) or the nearby Biodôme for immersive ecosystems—both offer soft light for photography. Coffee options: Café Myriade (downtown) or September Surf (Verdun) if you fancy a quick metro ride with riverside views.

Afternoon: Grab a last bite at L’Avenue (brunch—go early to avoid lines) or Lola Rosa (vegetarian-friendly, budget-savvy). Pick up edible souvenirs—maple products or bagels—and head to YUL. The STM 747 bus remains the best-value airport transfer (~$11 CAD with 24-hour transit coverage); taxis are about $45–50 CAD. Check fares or last-minute changes on Trip.com or, if heading to Europe, Omio.

Where to Stay (Budget-Conscious, Romantic Vibe)

• Old Montreal: stone streets, easy access to the river and basilica; midweek rates can dip in shoulder season. Browse Hotels.com for 2.5–3.5-star deals.
• Plateau/Mile End: café culture at your doorstep, lower dining costs, and quick métro access. Look for entire apartments or studios on VRBO to save with kitchens.
• Downtown/Quartier des Spectacles: central, transit-rich, festival energy. Compare bundles and promo rates on Hotels.com.

How to Get Around (Save While You Go)

• STM passes: single tickets for short hops; day passes (~$11 CAD) are great on museum or market days.
• BIXI bikes: docked bikes across the core (seasonal). Combine with métro to cut transit time and costs.
• Winter tips: Pack microspikes or grippy footwear; the city salts well, but canalside paths can be slick. The e-bike and walking tours operate seasonally/adapt routes for conditions.

Suggested Activities Recap (Viator)

• Explore Old Montreal Small Group Walking Tour by MTL Detours
• The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour by Spade & Palacio
• Fat eBike Ride on Mount Royal
• Montreal Premium Driving Night Tour with La Grand Roue Ride

Five days in Montreal will leave you with slow mornings in soulful cafés, afternoon discoveries in markets and mural-lined streets, and camera rolls filled with river reflections and mountaintop sunsets. It’s a romantic city that rewards curiosity—and a smart budget—with generous flavors, warm neighborhoods, and scenes you’ll want to revisit.