Things to do
Each place shows its métro stop, how many stops it is from Berri-UQAM, and my honest take. Filter by what you're in the mood for.
Cobblestone streets, 18th- and 19th-century stone buildings and a long waterfront promenade. Walk down Rue Saint-Paul to the silver dome of Bonsecours Market, then out to the quays.
Tip: Go before 10 a.m. for empty streets and soft light.
An urban beach at the east end of the Old Port: real sand, blue umbrellas and Adirondack chairs facing the marina. No swimming, just sun and a view of the river.
Tip: Summer only. Grab a spot early on hot weekends.
A deep-blue, gold-starred Gothic Revival interior that stops people in the doorway. Entry is ticketed, and the evening light show is the big draw.
Tip: Book timed tickets ahead in summer.
Martin says Walk around the whole area too. Worth it.
Québec's national library, directly connected to the station. Warm wood, green glass and free Wi-Fi: the best place to wait out rain or cold.
Tip: Enter from inside the métro without going outside.
The city's festival district. In summer the squares fill with free outdoor concerts; in winter, light installations and outdoor parties take over.
Tip: Most festival shows here are free: just show up.
Rows of colourful triplexes with curling outdoor staircases, cafés, bookshops and Parc La Fontaine. This is where Montrealers actually live.
Tip: Walk Avenue du Mont-Royal east to west, then drift south on Saint-Denis.
Martin says Walk Rue Mont-Royal starting near Saint-Denis, especially when it's car-free in summer. Bars and terraces all over.
The mountain park the city is named after. The Kondiaronk lookout by the Chalet gives the classic skyline view over downtown and the river.
Tip: On summer Sundays, the Tam-Tams drum circle gathers at the George-Étienne Cartier monument. Fun if you happen to be there.
Martin says Beautiful view, nice walk. Do the whole park, not just the lookout.
Less touristy than the Plateau: cafés, street art and the bagel rivals, St-Viateur and Fairmount, a few blocks apart. Montréal bagels are smaller, sweeter and wood-fired.
Tip: Buy one sesame from each and decide for yourself.
Martin says St-Viateur is my favourite. Cash only.
One of North America's largest open-air markets: Québec strawberries, cheeses, maple everything and food stalls. Little Italy is next door.
Tip: Come hungry, and come on a weekday morning.
Martin says OK if you have time.
The 1976 Olympic Stadium with its leaning tower, plus the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium and Planetarium, all within walking distance.
Tip: A combined ticket covers several museums in one day.
Martin says Skip the Botanical Garden if you only have two days.
Parkland in the middle of the St. Lawrence, one stop from the hub: the Biosphère dome, a summer beach, the Grand Prix circuit and La Ronde.
Tip: Rent a BIXI and ride the circuit loop.
One of the largest LGBTQ+ villages in North America, right next to the hub. In summer, Rue Sainte-Catherine goes car-free with terraces down the middle.
Tip: Walk there from Berri-UQAM in ten minutes.
A flat waterside path for walking and biking, lined with old factories turned lofts. Pick up a picnic at Atwater Market first.
Tip: Best on a sunny afternoon, by bike.
Martin says Beautiful on a BIXI. Atwater Market is fun if you have time.
Five connected pavilions on Sherbrooke Street, from old masters to Québec and Indigenous art, plus a design gallery where a Smart car sits next to antique chairs.
Tip: Perfect for a cold or rainy afternoon.
A scaled-down copy of St. Peter's in Rome, with its green copper dome squeezed between glass office towers. One of the best contrasts in the city.
Tip: Free to enter; step inside for five quiet minutes.
Canada's largest church, high on the northwest slope of Mount Royal, with a huge copper dome and a wide view over the west of the city.
Tip: By métro: orange line to Snowdon, blue line one stop, then walk up Queen Mary Road.
Martin says A bit hard to get to without a car.
The city's casino fills the former France and Québec pavilions of Expo 67 on Île Notre-Dame, with restaurants, shows and a view back at downtown.
Tip: From Jean-Drapeau métro, take the casino bus. 18+ only.
A big amusement park on Île Sainte-Hélène with serious roller coasters, open in the warm months. In summer it also hosts the international fireworks competition.
Tip: Allow a full day. Walk about 20 minutes from the métro through the park.
Nothing matches that filter.
Not every famous spot is worth your limited time. Here's where I'd send you, where I'd go only if you have time, and what I'd skip.
Nightlife: there are bars and cafés all over. The Plateau and Mile End are the easiest bets. See my picks on the Eat & drink page. Eat & drink →
Food tours in the Plateau, bike tours along the canal, and day trips to Québec City. Free cancellation on most.
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