Old Montréal, Montréal
Photo: Alexandre Breveglieri / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Neighbourhood guide

Old Montréal

Cobblestones, a basilica and the river, all within a few blocks

Old Montréal is the oldest part of the city, set between Rue Saint-Antoine and the Old Port along the Saint Lawrence. Notre-Dame Basilica, Pointe-à-Callière and Bonsecours Market are all within about ten minutes of each other on foot. Most visitors do it in half a day, though a museum and a meal stretch it to a full one.

Start at Place d'Armes, where the Metro station lets you out in front of Notre-Dame Basilica. The daytime visit is self-guided and starts at $16 for adults plus tax, and the AURA light show in the evening starts at $37. From there Rue Saint-Paul runs east toward Place Jacques-Cartier, the sloping square with the Nelson column, and on to Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. The chapel visit is free, and the tower and museum add a ticket.

Pointe-à-Callière sits over the city's earliest settlement and is the best museum stop in the district. Adult admission is $30 with taxes, and it's closed Mondays. Château Ramezay is open daily at $14.99 for adults. Down at the water, the Old Port has the Science Centre, the Grande Roue and the Clock Tower, and the site is open from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Getting there

The Orange line has three useful stations. Place-d'Armes is closest to the basilica and Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Champ-de-Mars is closest to Bonsecours Market, the chapel and Château Ramezay, and Square-Victoria-OACI is the closest to Pointe-à-Callière and Bota Bota. The district is a pedestrian priority zone, so plan to walk.

20 places
Place-d'Armes (Orange line) · Place-d'Armes or Square-Victoria-OACI (Orange line) stations
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See Old Montréal on the interactive map

What to see

Give the basilica, Pointe-à-Callière and Château Ramezay each an hour or so and keep the rest of the time for walking. Place d'Armes is the easiest place to begin, and the forecourt in front of the basilica is pedestrian-only. Bonsecours Market has Quebec design boutiques that are open 10:00 to 18:00 most days and until 19:00 Thursday to Saturday.

With children, the Montréal Science Centre is on the waterfront at 2 Rue de la Commune Ouest. Adult tickets to the interactive exhibitions are $37.

Where to eat and drink

Olive et Gourmando on Rue Saint-Paul Ouest is the usual breakfast stop. A boutique next door sells baked goods and is open 10:00 to 17:00. The restaurants around Place Jacques-Cartier and Bonsecours Market put out terrasses from about May to October. They're lively and a little pricey, and a short walk inland usually finds quieter, cheaper places.

Good to know

Greet people with a quick "Bonjour, hi" and let them choose the language. Tipping 15 to 20 percent is standard in restaurants. Many museums close on Mondays, and some attractions shorten their hours from late October. The Clock Tower's opening date is listed as undetermined, so check before you plan the climb.

Nearby neighbourhoods

Chinatown, Montréal Chinatown Dumplings, dim sum and bakery buns on a few short blocks 13 places · under 1 km away The Village, Montréal The Village Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, drag cabaret and a big public library 12 places · 1.4 km away Downtown and Quartier des spectacles, Montréal Downtown and Quartier des spectacles Museums on Sherbrooke, festivals at Place des Arts and a city under the streets 24 places · 1.4 km away Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal Parc Jean-Drapeau Two islands in the St. Lawrence with a beach, a casino and a race track 9 places · 1.9 km away

The best of Old Montréal

Pointe-à-Callière
Best museum Pointe-à-Callière One $30 adult ticket covers the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Tickets are sold until 60 minutes before closing, and Monday is closed.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Best church Notre-Dame Basilica Open 9:00 to 16:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:30 to 16:00 Sunday for the daytime visit. Masses are in French.
Best breakfast Olive et Gourmando No reservations at the Saint-Paul Ouest restaurant, so expect a line at weekend lunch.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Best view over the river La Grande Roue de Montréal Open daily from 10:00 to 23:00, with adult tickets at $29.50 plus taxes.
Bota Bota
Best place to unwind Bota Bota A spa on a converted ferry in the Old Port, for ages 18 and over. Go to the boat at De la Commune and McGill, not the street address.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Best chapel Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Free to enter with a voluntary contribution. A guided visit adds the tower, at $13 for adults.

Things to do in Old Montréal

Twin towers and stone facade of Notre-Dame Basilica rising above Place d'Armes in Old Montréal
Church Notre-Dame Basilica The main Catholic basilica of Old Montréal, facing Place d'Armes. The daytime visit is self-guided, with about 24 points of interest in the nave and panels in French and English.
Pointe-à-Callière museum tower and building in Old Montréal, seen from the square.
Museum Pointe-à-Callière Montréal's archaeology and history museum, built over the remains of the city's earliest settlement. The permanent and temporary exhibitions are covered by one ticket.
Silver dome and neoclassical facade of Bonsecours Market on Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montréal
Market Bonsecours Market A 19th-century domed market building on Rue Saint-Paul, now housing boutiques, exhibitions and restaurants. The shops are mainly Quebec design and craft.
Twin-towered stone facade of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel with gilded Virgin statue, Old Montréal
Church Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel A chapel on Rue Saint-Paul Est that's linked to the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum next door. The guided visit covers the chapel, a stone vault, the tower and an archaeological site.
Marina and waterfront of the Old Port of Montréal with the Grande Roue in the distance
Park Old Port of Montreal The riverside waterfront along the Saint Lawrence at the foot of Old Montréal, with quays, promenades and the Clock Tower. The site is open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
White Clock Tower on the Quai de l'Horloge at the Old Port of Montréal
Landmark · Free Old Port Clock Tower A clock tower at the eastern end of the Old Port with 192 steps up to a view of the river and the city. The Old Port's own page lists admission as free.
Long stone facade of Château Ramezay with red shutters and garden path, Old Montréal
Museum Château Ramezay A museum of Montréal and Quebec history on Notre-Dame Street East. It has a Governor's Garden at the back.
Glass front of the Montréal Science Centre on the Old Port waterfront
Museum Montreal Science Centre A science and technology centre in the Old Port, with interactive exhibitions.
La Grande Roue de Montréal Ferris wheel standing beside the Old Port basin
Viewpoint La Grande Roue de Montréal A Ferris wheel on the Old Port waterfront that's open every day of the year. It gives views of the river and Old Montréal.
Bota Bota floating spa boat moored in the Old Port with the Silo No. 5 grain elevator behind
Landmark Bota Bota A spa on a converted ferry moored in the Old Port, with a water circuit, massages and treatments. Access is reserved for people 18 and over.
Place Jacques-Cartier square at dusk with Nelson's Column and historic buildings, Old Montréal
Landmark Place Jacques-Cartier A sloping public square in Old Montréal with the Nelson column, shops and restaurants around it. The city is still bound by an 1803 deed that requires it to stay a public market, which is why a small flower kiosk remains.
Maisonneuve Monument in Place d'Armes at night with Notre-Dame Basilica beside it
Landmark Place d'Armes A historic square in front of Notre-Dame Basilica. The city notes the basilica forecourt is now pedestrian-only.
Cobbled Rue Saint-Paul lined with old stone buildings in Old Montréal
Neighbourhood Rue Saint-Paul One of the main streets of Old Montréal, running parallel to the river and part of the district's pedestrian priority zone.
Cafe Olive et Gourmando A bakery-café and restaurant at 351 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, with a separate boutique next door at number 355. It doesn't take reservations at this location.
Museum PHI Centre A contemporary art and immersive media centre spread over three buildings in Old Montréal, all within a five-minute walk of each other. PHI presents art exhibitions and events.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, home of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, on a street in Old Montréal
Museum Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum A museum and archaeological site beside Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, covering more than 2,400 years of history. The belvedere above the chapel looks over the Old Port, the historic district and downtown.
Front facade and clock tower of Montréal City Hall, the Second Empire building in Old Montréal
Landmark · Free Montreal City Hall The seat of Montréal's municipal government, on Notre-Dame Street East. A museum area inside can be explored on your own during opening hours.
Wide lawn of Champ-de-Mars in Montréal with the city hall and courthouse buildings behind
Park Champ-de-Mars A historic park behind City Hall, once used for military drills. It's now a place to sit downtown, next to the Champ-de-Mars metro station.
Park Place Royale A historic square in Old Montréal, listed by the city as a historic park. Pointe-à-Callière museum stands on the same square.
Fountain in Place Vauquelin with the Montréal city hall building behind it in Old Montréal
Park Place Vauquelin A small historic park next to Montréal's City Hall.

What's on in Old Montréal

Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.

  • Place Jacques-Cartier Market Market

    Every day. Next: Fri 13 Nov · Place Jacques-Cartier

    A neighbourhood market in Old Montréal. It runs as a sugar shack from December to April, with maple taffy on snow, hot maple cider and maple waffles, and sells maple products, fruit and ice cream in summer.

    Free entry · Mon to Fri 09:00 to 22:00, Sat and Sun 09:00 to 12:00 · Map · Source: Marchés publics de Montréal · Marché Place Jacques-Cartier

  • Jazz brunch at Gaspar Concert

    Every Saturday and Sunday. Next: Sat 14 Nov · Gaspar

    A weekend brunch with a live jazz duo in the Old Montréal brasserie.

    See venue · Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 to 14:00 · Map · Source: Gaspar · Brunch et jazz live chez Gaspar

  • Château Ramezay Tells the American Revolution in Quebec Exhibition

    On now, until 28 Mar 2027 · Château Ramezay

    An exhibition at Château Ramezay on the American Revolution in Quebec.

    Map · Source: SDC Vieux-Montréal · Le Château Ramezay raconte la Révolution américaine au Québec

  • Panorama Expérience: Eaux Vives Exhibition

    On now, until 31 Dec · Old Port of Montreal

    A Panorama Expérience titled Eaux Vives, listed as a cultural activity in the Old Port of Montreal.

    Map · Source: SDC Vieux-Montréal · Panorama Expérience : Eaux Vives

  • Meeting Your Ancestors: Genealogy Week Activities

    Sun 22 Nov · Château Ramezay

    A genealogy discovery day at Château Ramezay where researchers and volunteers of the Société généalogique canadienne-française help visitors begin exploring their family history.

    Free · 10:00 to 16:00 · Map · Source: Château Ramezay, Musée et site historique de Montréal · À la rencontre de vos ancêtres! - La semaine de la généalogie

  • Old Port Craft Market Market

    6 dates from 27 Nov to 6 Dec · Vieux-Port de Montréal

    A craft market in the Old Port of Montréal.

    Map · Source: SDC Vieux-Montréal · Marché artisanal du Vieux-Port de Montréal

  • Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet: Live in Concert Concert

    Sat 28 Nov · Centaur Theatre

    The film soundtrack performed live by Sarah Segal-Lazar and The Butcher Hearts with special guests, for one night.

    $20 to $30 · 20:00 · Map · Source: Centaur Theatre · Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo + Juliet: Live in Concert

  • Holiday Market at Fonderie Darling Market

    28 to 29 Nov · Fonderie Darling

    A holiday market held at the Fonderie Darling arts centre.

    Map · Source: SDC Vieux-Montréal · Marché des Fêtes à la Fonderie Darling

  • Salon du Jeu de Montréal 2026 Festival

    28 to 29 Nov · Marché Bonsecours

    Board game fair at Marché Bonsecours on 28 and 29 November 2026, Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.

    Sat 10:00 to 18:00, Sun 10:00 to 17:00 · Map · Source: Salon du Jeu de Montréal

  • First Thursday 5 to 7 at the Old Montreal galleries Exhibition

    First Thursday of the month, October to April. Next: Thu 3 Dec · Galleries on rue Saint-Paul Ouest

    Nine art galleries between boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue McGill open their doors to the public on the first Thursday of each month, October 2026 to April 2027 (Carre d'artistes, Corno x Beauchamp, Galeries Beauchamp, L'Original, Galerie Roccia, Galerie Blanche, Vallee Art Contemporain, Galerie Impact and Galerie Veilor).

    First Thursday of the month, 17:00 to 19:00 · Map · Source: SDC Vieux-Montréal · 1er jeudi 5 à 7 : les galeries du Vieux-Montréal vous ouvrent leurs portes

Show all 11 events

  • The Words & Music Show: Home for the Holidays Theatre and shows

    Sat 12 Dec · Centaur Theatre

    A show of music by Sarah Segal-Lazar and six true stories about the holidays, presented with Confabulation at Centaur Theatre.

    19:30 · Map · Source: Quebec Writers' Federation (QWF) calendar

All 11 local events in Old Montréal

Live music in Old Montréal

What's on in Old Montréal this week

From the blog

Downtown Montréal skyline and the Saint Lawrence River seen from Mount Royal Things to Do in Montréal: Old Montréal, Mount Royal and Markets Read Colourful Plateau Mont-Royal row houses with outdoor staircases on a Montréal street Old Montréal vs the Plateau: Which Is the Better Base in Montréal? Read Cobbled Old Montréal street running toward the silver dome of Bonsecours Market Where to Stay in Old Montréal: Is Vieux-Montréal a Good Base? Read

Stay in Old Montréal

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See hotels near Old Montréal on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam Montréal earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.