How Many Days in Montréal? 1 to 4 Day Itineraries
Three days is enough for Old Montréal, Mount Royal, the Plateau and Mile End. Day-by-day itineraries for 1 to 4 days, with closing days and what changes with the season.
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Three days is the number most visitors end up happy with. It’s enough for Old Montréal and the river, Mount Royal and downtown, and a day among the Plateau, Mile End and Jean-Talon, with room to eat well. Two days covers the old city and the mountain, and four adds the Olympic Park gardens or a day trip. Montréal’s best parts are outdoors, so the plans below also say what changes with the season.
One day in Montréal
One day is Old Montréal. Start at Notre-Dame Basilica on Place d’Armes, then walk down to Pointe-à-Callière, which is closed on Mondays. Take in the Old Port of Montréal, where the visitor information page gives 6 a.m. to midnight, and wander Place Jacques-Cartier and Rue Saint-Paul. Finish at the Bonsecours Market. The Old Montréal neighbourhood page lists more stops.
You’ll skip the mountain and the neighbourhoods to the north. It’s still a full day, and the things to do in Montréal guide has the longer list.
Two days in Montréal
Two days adds Mount Royal and downtown. The second day starts on Mount Royal, where the park is open 6:00 to midnight, and then drops to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where only the special exhibition is open on Wednesday evenings. The Underground City links many downtown buildings and follows the hours of each, which helps on cold days. See the downtown and Quartier des spectacles page for more.
That’s the best fit for a short first visit, with the old city on one day and the modern one on the other.
Three days in Montréal
A third day goes north to the neighbourhoods. Avenue du Mont-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Laurent run through the Plateau, with Rue Duluth for restaurants, and Mile End and Rue Bernard have the bagel shops. Marché Jean-Talon closes the day, with indoor and outdoor stalls that set their own pace and thin out in winter. The Old Montréal vs Plateau guide compares the two areas if you’re choosing a base.
Four days or more
A fourth day gets you to the east of the city, or out of town. The Montreal Botanical Garden takes half a day, and its hours change by season and week on the Space for Life calendar, which also covers the Biodôme and the Insectarium. The Olympic Park Tower is closed for renovation and is set to reopen in spring 2027, depending on the building schedule. Parc Jean-Drapeau is a half-day trip, though much of it is seasonal. La Ronde was closed when last checked, so look at its calendar, and the beach at Plage Jean-Doré is a summer attraction.
For a day trip out of the city, the best day trips from Montréal compares them, and there are guides to Québec City, Ottawa, Mont-Tremblant and the Eastern Townships.
Closing days and seasons to plan around
Pointe-à-Callière is closed on Mondays. The Écomusée du fier monde and the PHI Centre are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the Redpath Museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays and statutory holidays. The Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from 15 May to 15 October, and from 16 October to 14 May Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays. Winter changes the city more than any other season. The winter festivals guide and the Christmas markets guide cover the cold months, and the weather by month guide shows what to pack.
Check the dates before you choose
Events lists what’s on by date, and this weekend shows the next few days. If you’re flying in, the airport to downtown guide covers the 747 bus. Where to stay in Montréal compares the areas, and the map shows every place with its nearest métro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Montréal?
Three days for a first visit. That covers Old Montréal, Mount Royal and downtown, and the Plateau, Mile End and Jean-Talon. Two days gets the old city and the mountain, and four adds the Olympic Park gardens or a day trip.
Is 2 days in Montréal enough?
Yes, for the highlights. Spend one day in Old Montréal and one on Mount Royal and downtown.
Is 3 days in Montréal enough?
Yes, for most first visits. It leaves time for the Plateau, Mile End and the markets.
What is closed on Mondays in Montréal?
Pointe-à-Callière, the Écomusée du fier monde, the PHI Centre, the Redpath Museum and the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum in winter. The Old Port, the parks and the markets stay open.
Is Montréal worth visiting in winter?
The Underground City keeps part of downtown walkable indoors, and the winter festivals start in mid-January. See the winter festivals guide for dates.
How do I get from the airport to downtown?
Take the 747 bus, which runs 24 hours. The airport to downtown guide has the fares and stops.
Places in this guide
Photos show the actual places, licensed under Creative Commons and credited to their photographers.
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