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 Rp3.177.139 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp3.177.139
Rp3.780.767 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,312 reviews)
"Room was well appointed, clean, and comfortable. Convenient location for walking and exploring the area. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. We had trouble accessing the hotel due to police closing streets around the hotel; for a peaceful gathering in the square in support of Palestine/Gaza. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hotel Place d'Armes
Le Westin Montréal

Le Westin Montréal

4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is Rp2.803.293 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
Rp2.803.293
Rp3.335.893 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,138 reviews)
"Close to old montreal"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Le Westin Montréal
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
The price is Rp2.579.558 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
Rp2.579.558
Rp3.069.651 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (997 reviews)
"If was great stay. Bit challenging to find with Google maps, but overall a great hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal
Hotel Saint-Sulpice

Hotel Saint-Sulpice

4 out of 5
414 Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, QC
The price is Rp3.646.415 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp3.646.415
Rp4.395.678 total
1 Sept - 2 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! (1,635 reviews)
"Amazing hotel"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Saint-Sulpice
LHotel Montreal

LHotel Montreal

4 out of 5
262 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is Rp2.929.312 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.929.312
Rp3.485.855 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,141 reviews)
"The area was lovely! The hotel is next to a brunch place that always had a line. The bed was very hard; my husband loved it, I hated it. Also, we found some old popcorn and gummy rings under the bed from previous guests."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

LHotel Montreal
Hotel William Gray

Hotel William Gray

4.5 out of 5
421 Rue St-Vincent, Vieux, Montreal, QC
The price is Rp4.564.558 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
Rp4.564.558
Rp5.431.784 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,819 reviews)
"Above all we want to rave about the staff! Every single person we encountered from the moment we arrived was warm, friendly and professional. Everyone went above and beyond, also the location can't get any better! We felt so welcomed. The restaurants were exceptional, and room was clean and lovely. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hotel William Gray
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

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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
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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
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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 Christ Church Cathedral, 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