48 HOURS IN MONTREAL

Montreal, located in the Canadian province of Quebec, was my first foray into Canada. As someone who lived as close to our northern neighbors as Indiana, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I’d never been before. And while Banff, Alberta has been on my list for years, I hadn’t put much thought towards Quebec, other than noting that French is spoken there and that many of the Quebecoise consider themselves set apart entirely from the rest of Canada, to the point of discussing succession and Celine Dion’s accent. But how is one to maximize a few days north of the border? Keep reading to plan the perfect 48 hours in Montreal.

 

However, when I was asked to travel to Montreal for Nick’s season of The Bachelor, I was beyond ecstatic to go and asked to extend my trip a few days afterwards to explore. Needless to say, Montreal is the perfect place for a week-long getaway, but if you’re crunched for time, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled my dream 48-hour, or 2-day, itinerary to help you maximize your weekend in this incredible little city full of old-world European charm and delicious comfort cuisine. Ready…set…poutine!

DAY 1

9:00pm – Once your flight lands, drop everything at your hotel or AirBnB and make your way to the Old Town for a drink and an appetizer before hitting the hay. I recommend the adorable Barroco, with its candlelit, intimate interior, and delicious cocktails. If you’re taking a last-minute trip or didn’t think ahead to reserve dinner spots, download the app, DINR, to get same-day reservations at the hottest restaurants in Montreal. This app was a serious lifesaver when we decided to extend our trip to explore.

10:30pm – Head home to get some rest! We’re starting early tomorrow.

DAY 2

9:00am – Start your first day off early and take advantage of the lack of hangover (hopefully). Head over to Beauty’s Luncheonette to kick off your day at this old-school diner. Order the mac and cheese to share, an omelet and some greasy hash browns. Wash it all down with a Bailey’s and coffee or a screw driver. That’s right. An old-school diner that serves alcohol. Your prayers have been answered. Get here early as lines regularly make it out the door

 

10:15am – Hop in a ride share vehicle, or your rental car (if you have a designated driver), and make the short trek over to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This museum has one building on either side of the street and both are worth a gander. With everything from realistic oil paintings to abstract candelabra hanging sculptures, this art museum is somewhere I could easily spend a few hours, but alas, we’re in a bit of a time crunch.

Photo by Victoria Luna

 

1:00pm –  Head to the Chalet du Mont Royal viewpoint. Mont Royal is a beautiful hill and nature park in the heart of the city with a cemetery and an unparalleled view of the entire city. This is the perfect place to get your bearings before diving in headfirst.

If you have extra time, a walk about is well worth it, especially in the fall, as the foliage is quite lovely. If you’re looking for the greatest hits, head straight to the Mont Royal Chalet and park in the nearest lot. It’s a nice 5-minute walk out to an open pavilion, where you’ll see the entire city below. You’ll probably need to reclaim a piece of the railing from the other selfie-taking tourists, but remember to take a moment to actually soak it all in.

Photo by Victoria Luna

 

2:00pm – Make your way back down the hill and off to lunch. This time, it is legendary smoked meat sandwiches on rye bread at Schwartz’s Deli, or the Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen in Le Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood.  This deli has been around since 1928 and is famous for its meat seasoned by 10-days of curing and their 80+ year old brick smoke-house. This place is not for vegetarian friends, but is an absolute must from any locals you talk to. Write a profession of sandwich love on a napkin and pin it on the back wall before you go.

Vegetarians should check out Lola Rosa, a vegetarian restaurant, or Café Chat, where you can sip espresso while stroking a cat.

3:00pm – While in Le Plateau Mont Royal, take the time to explore the streets, shop, and admire the street art. This hipster neighborhood has great vintage shopping and coffee galore to match its colorful exteriors. Some of the best murals are south of Rue Prince Arthur, on the east side of Saint Laurent, on the sides of various buildings. There is also tons of fun architecture in bright colors. It’s an Instagram paradise.

 

4:00pm – Make your way to the area around Rue Saint Denis, Rue Saint Herbert, and Rue Prince Arthur in the Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood and scope the famous spiral staircases. These houses, apartment complexes, and duplexes sport stunning multi-story spiral staircases of varying colors right on the street front. Probably not ideal for getting your groceries upstairs, but beautiful nonetheless.

5:00pm – Head back to the hotel or your AirBnB to freshen up for dinner and a night out on the town. Don’t forget a jacket for nighttime, as it gets quite chilly.

 

7:00pm – Make your way to beautiful Vieux, or Old, Town for your first glimpse of the heart of the city. Arriving during the dusky hour, you’ll find the local scene just beginning to pick up and it will give you a good idea of where you’re headed tomorrow! Wander the streets, such as Rue Saint-Paul, as the stores close and the restaurants come to life.

 

7:45pm – Head into Le Bremner, a stunning, rustic and simplistic, basement restaurant in Old Town for your 8:00pm dinner reservation. In the dim candlelight, enjoy the clinking of glasses and twinkle of laughter, while you share gastropub plates, such as the cauliflower cacio e pepe, delicious fried chicken, and the creamy risotto. This place gets quite busy, so make a reservation.

10:00pm – After a long dinner and some deep red wines (or something else, if you fancy), you’re ready to hit the town. Sarah B’s Absinthe Bar is the perfect place to start the night. Located inside the InterContinental Montreal, it’s elegant enough that you don’t want to go here once you’re blotto, but it does have beautiful absinthe dispensers and lush décor at the ready, so it’s a fun place to kick things off. Watch the piercing emerald absinthe drip over the sugar cubes and into your glasses and toast to all things Canada!

 

11:00pm – Now you’re ready for the real party…even if you’re not into drinking, Montreal has a fun nighttime scene, full of candlelit leather booths, visually stunning cocktails (think things on fire), and friendly people, so make an effort to at least hit up one spot. Recommended nearby haunts include SUWU and Soubois. The Burgundy Lion is a few minutes further away (about 10 by car), but its notoriety and newly renovated terrace make it worth the trek.

12:30am – If you’re a little tipsy and needing a late-night snack, head to the Montreal Pool Room, which is open until 4am every night, and grab a plastic lunch room tray with some delicious and greasy poutine, a dish that French Canada is famous for, which includes cheese curds and gravy over French fries. If that doesn’t soak up the absinthe, I don’t know what will!

 

1:00am – Hit the hay! We’ve got another early one tomorrow.

DAY 3

8:30am – Wake up early to embrace all the waking hours of your last day in Montreal! Head out to Little Italy and stop by St-Viateur Bagels for well, a bagel, hot out of the oven. Get there early for a bigger selection and bring cash.

8:45am – Walk down the street a stone’s throw to Olimpico Café and grab a cappuccino or latte from the bar. Take your bagel and your coffee out to the patio and enjoy some people watching with your quick breakfast.

9:30am – Once you’ve finished eating, stroll the streets for some shopping and a look at more iconic architecture in the area. Continue down Rue Saint Viateur E on foot and pop into the boutiques.  Give Avenue Laurier O a peruse if you’re still in the mood to shop. Visit the Jean-Talon Market for rows of beautiful, fresh produce, picnic ingredients, and delectable crepes. It opens at 6am every day. Stroll past Madonna Della Difesa Church and maybe grab a donut at Trou de Beigne.

 

12:00pm – Hop in a car and drive to L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal. Walk past rows of beautiful hedges and flower beds, and up the dozens of stairs to the Oratory. Once in, you can explore via escalator or continue walking to the top for a beautiful view of Montreal and the grounds below.

 

1:00pm – Stop in a nearby supermarket to pick up some charcuterie, cheese, nuts, fruit, sandwiches, and wine and head to Parc la Fontaine for a picnic. While drinking in public is illegal in Montreal, the one exception to this rule is that you are permitted to drink beer and wine in public parks, so long as it is accompanied by a proper meal. Now that’s a rule I can get behind. One more thing to know about this rule is that technically you are required to consume your alcoholic beverages in an area of the park that has picnic tables. If you’re willing to risk it, you should be fine in just about any area of the park, but to play it safe, the law stipulates the use of picnic tables when consuming said alcoholic beverages. Because French Canadians are classy like that.

 

2:15pm – Post-picnic, with that extra pep in your step, it’s time to finally explore Vieux Montreal! Head into the Old Town and make a stop at Montreal City Hall if you are visiting on a weekday. Guided tours of this historic building are free – 99. Afterwards, take your time ambling through Place Jacques-Cartier and consider sitting on one of the many patios for a coffee or a drink.

 

 

3:15pm – Don’t miss this next stop as it is an absolute must-see. Head strait to Basilique Notre Dame before they close at 4:30pm (note that they close at 4pm on the weekends). Your entrance fee includes a guided tour, or you can choose to walk yourself around and take in this stunning interiors, which twinkle like a saturated night sky.

 

 

Photo by Victoria Luna

 

4:00pm – Walk down the waterfront and consider popping into the beautiful Bonsecours Market, which is open until 6pm, to see what the vendors have to offer. Next, we are off to walk the famous Rue Saint Paul and pop into artist’s galleries and boutique shops alike. Rue Saint Paul also boasts some beautiful architecture and Lysanne Pepin, so be sure to take your time here. Head out to Crescent Street if you’d like to get some high-end shopping in. Otherwise, head on to your next stop.

6:30pm – Head to Le Serpent, L’Original, or Joe Beef for your early dinner reservation at 6:45pm. Le Serpent is reminiscent of a romantic Italian joint in Soho and is perfect for pasta and candlelight handholding. Joe Beef is world renowned for everything from its seafood to – you guessed it – its beef. Make a reservation as soon as you know you’re headed to Montreal if this is up your alley and let the wait staff guide you through the ever-changing menu. Opt for L’Original if elk burger, sumptuous beef tartare and a dimly lit cabin are more your vibe.

8:00pm – Grab an early night cap or one more round before the airport at one of Montreal’s notable bars. Try Le Lab for flaming cocktails, such as the Camp Fire #3, which comes with marshmallows to roast over it. Hit up Big Bar in Japan for a sophisticated 1940s Parisian feel and a classic cocktail at the endless wraparound bar, complete with glamorously outfitted wait staff.

Interested in a cocktail without the cocktail attire? Try Sparrow for mixology that is equally as grand in flavors with a little less pomp and circumstance. If beer is more your speed, try Le Terminal. And if you’re feeling a club vibe, hit up Bleu Nuit, whose all white interior is bathed in deep magenta lights to rival any Miami hotspot.

9:00pm – Head back to the airport, stay out, or grab one more night of sleep in belle Montreal. You’ve just had the weekend of a lifetime!

Photo by Victoria Luna

Still not ready to book a weekend in Montreal? Check out 15 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Montreal to see more.