Montreal is a city with history. It has a very long and beautiful French past (it was one of the first cities in Canada) making it one of Canada’s most historic places. With countless museums and galleries, the second largest botanical garden in the world, and parks scattered all over the city, there is plenty to keep you busy. In addition, the Old Town harks back to medieval Europe and the French-inspired cuisine and eclectic nightlife (especially the jazz clubs) leave little to dislike about this city. I first came here when I was 18 because it was the closest place to where I lived that allowed me to drink. Subsequent visits as an adult have only made me appreciate the city on a deeper level and it remains one of my favorite in North America. Use this guide to help you plan your next trip to Montreal!

Montreal
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Montreal

1. Walk around Old Montreal

2. Place des Armes

3. Mont Royal

4. The Biodome

5. The Museum of Fine Arts
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Visit the Jardin Bontanique
Montreal houses the second largest botanical garden in the world. Opened in 1931, it offers something for the history buff as well and showcases ten greenhouses — a beautiful day for an inexpensive price.
2. Jean-Talon Market
The city’s largest market hosts hundreds of stalls in the middle of Little Italy. The square is surrounded by shops and small specialized grocers. It is a great place to have lunch or at least grab fresh food for later.
3. Take a half-day bike tour
For about 70 CAD, you can take a three-hour, guided bike tour around the city to all the major sites. It’s a different way to explore this wonderful town and see much of the city in one day.
4. Parc La Fontaine
Whether you want to play beach volleyball, tennis, or just have a picnic while people-watching, this park has a little bit of it all and offers a very cheap afternoon. It also hosts a number of free performances.
5. Le Plateau
This area combines scenic residential streets with hip shopping and dining. It’s the up and coming area of the city and is quite trendy.
6. Take a boat ride
There are 45-minute tours of the harbor available, as well as 90-minute tours of the Lachine Canal. Boat tours are limited to 30 passengers, which makes for an even more enjoyable experience.
7. St. Joesph Oratory
Second in height only to that of St. Peter’s in Rome, this dome is an impressive sight and beauty. It is one of the most visited shrines in all of Canada with an incredible view from the basilica.
8. Go ice skating
In the old port, you will find the only outdoor skating arena. Bear the cold of the outdoors for a few laps around the massive rink, a figure skating class or even a nightly concert.