Old Montreal Travel Guide

Montreal
Old Montreal
Once surrounded by ramparts, this historic area within Montreal city now shines as one of the oldest and best preserved urban centers 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 artifacts 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 center 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

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
3.5 out of 5
445 Rue St-Jean Baptiste, Montreal, QC
The price is £103 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£103
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"parking was a hassle. Not a lot of spots in the garage. Also the breakfast area had way too much rush and they run out of bacon yogurt milk etc. and it was not replenished soon enough. Like we found out they had items once we were done because they had run out when we were in line to get it. Apart ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
Hotel Place d'Armes
Hotel Place d'Armes
4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £176 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
£176
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,373 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Place d'Armes
Hyatt Centric Montréal
Hyatt Centric Montréal
3.5 out of 5
621 rue Notre Dame Est, Montreal, QC
The price is £141 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£141
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star property in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (394 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hyatt Centric Montréal
Le Westin Montréal
Le Westin Montréal
4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is £159 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
£159
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Great pool area"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Le Westin Montréal
Hotel William Gray
Hotel William Gray
4.5 out of 5
421 Rue St-Vincent, Vieux, Montreal, QC
The price is £215 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£215
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Clean and friendly."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Hotel William Gray
Hotel Nelligan
Hotel Nelligan
4.5 out of 5
106 Saint-Paul Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is £145 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£145
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,439 reviews)
"Awesome room overlooking Montreal! Close walk to the old port."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Nelligan
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

Mount Royal Park showing a skyscraper, a city and views

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 The Underground City, and jump on the metro at Peel Station or McGill 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
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts which includes art and interior views

Golden Square Mile

Visitors to Golden Square Mile love its popular shops, and you can check out Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and The Underground City. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Peel Station.

Golden Square Mile
Default Image

Little Burgundy

If you're spending time in Little Burgundy, check out sights like Saint-Paul Street or Saint Jacques Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Georges Vanier Station or Griffintown-Bernard-Landry Station.

Little Burgundy

More to explore for Old Montreal


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