Old Montreal Travel Guide

Montreal

Notre Dame Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal

Once surrounded by ramparts, this historic area within Montreal city now shines as one of the oldest and best preserved urban centres in North America.

Nestled between the banks of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal Downtown is the original fortified town of Old Montreal. Although the walls have disappeared years ago, the cobblestone streets and architecture spanning three centuries make Old Montreal feel more like an old European city than a New World capital.

Visit the birthplace of the city at Pointe-à-Callière and wander the narrow, twisting Rue Saint-Paul, the city’s oldest surviving street. Just opposite Montreal City Hall, join Benjamin Franklin on the guest list at the Château Ramezay. Built as the governor’s residence in the 18th century, today the mansion serves as a museum dedicated to Montreal’s history. Just a block away at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, see the foundation of the city’s first stone chapel, which was built in the 17th century.

The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History traces the city’s past back to its days as a 17th-century fur-trading post and beyond. Examine artefacts of local Amerindian people dating back thousands of years. Many of the exhibits are innovatively displayed underground in their original dig sites.

The culinary arts play a central role in Old Montreal’s history too. Dine at the Cabaret du Roy in Bonsecours Market to experience traditional cuisine alongside colonial characters brought to life by local actors. Old Montreal is also a hotbed of contemporary culture. Watch a show at the Centaur Theatre or the latest in local contemporary art at DHC/ART.

To get the most from your visit, join a walking, Segway or bicycle tour. Self-guided maps and guides are available from the visitor centre and museums. For the quintessential Montreal experience, take a ride in a horse-drawn calèche after dark, when Old Montreal's finest buildings are beautifully illuminated with specially designed lighting.

Old Montreal is easily accessible via buses, metros, ferry and Underground City walkways. For drivers, street parking is nearly impossible, but paid garages are available.

Most museums in Old Montreal charge admission. During the summer months, museums are open daily, but during the offseason, they are closed part of the week, so a little preplanning is advised.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Montreal

Hotel Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d'Armes

4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is ฿6,448 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
฿6,448
฿7,673 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,368 reviews)
"I’ve stayed a couple of times and recommend to others. Hotel and restaurant are both very good. I’ll be back again."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Hotel Place d'Armes
Le Westin Montréal

Le Westin Montréal

4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is ฿6,442 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
฿6,442
฿7,666 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,145 reviews)
"The room was immaculate and beds very comfortable."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Le Westin Montréal
InterContinental Montreal by IHG

InterContinental Montreal by IHG

4.5 out of 5
360 Saint Antoine Street Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is ฿5,911 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
฿5,911
฿7,034 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

InterContinental Montreal by IHG
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal

3.5 out of 5
300 Rue du Saint-Sacrement, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿6,065 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
฿6,065
฿7,217 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,056 reviews)
"Beautiful and tasteful property with spacious and thoughtful interior design providing comfortable accomodations. Unit has fully equiped kitchen as well as washer and dryer. Centrally located in the historic district and nearby Waterfront; all within walking distance. An excellent choice for our ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal
LHotel Montreal

LHotel Montreal

4 out of 5
262 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿7,897 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
฿7,897
฿9,397 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,199 reviews)
"Lovely hotel. Friendly and professional welcome. Close to port area and old town."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

LHotel Montreal
Hotel Saint-Sulpice

Hotel Saint-Sulpice

4 out of 5
414 Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, QC
The price is ฿7,876 per night from 18 Sept to 19 Sept
฿7,876
฿9,494 total
18 Sept - 19 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,655 reviews)
"Great location and very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Hotel Saint-Sulpice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Montreal

Default Image

Chinatown

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chinatown, you might enjoy attractions like The Underground City and Saint Laurent Boulevard. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Place d'Armes Station to see more of the city.

Chinatown
Default Image

International District

If you're spending time in International District, check out sights like World Trade Center Montreal or The Underground City and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Square Victoria Station or Place d'Armes Station.

International District
Default Image

Ville-Marie

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Ville-Marie. Top attractions like Old Port of Montreal and Notre Dame Basilica are major draws. Catch the metro at Champ-de-Mars Station or Jean-Drapeau Station to see more of the city.

Ville-Marie
Latin Quarter featuring a city, street scenes and signage

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(13 area reviews)

Cosy cafes, live music and vibrant jazz clubs are just a few top things to explore in Quartier des Spectacles. A visit to Complexe Desjardins or Place des Arts might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Place des Arts Station or Saint Laurent Station to get around town.

Quartier des Spectacles
Downtown Montreal showing a monument, outdoor art and a city

Downtown Montreal

4/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Montreal. Check out top attractions like Bell Centre and McCord Stewart Museum, and jump on the metro at McGill Station or Peel Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Montreal
Gay Village featuring outdoor eating, café scenes and street scenes

The Village

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Visitors often come to The Village for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Sainte-Catherine Street and L'atelier de sculpture du Village. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Beaudry Station.

The Village


Old Montreal Travel Guide