Old Montreal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Notre Dame Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal

Visit this historic Montreal district to explore a wealth of cultural treasures including archaeological sites, ancient churches, museums, theatres and more.

Sitting snugly between the downtown area of Montreal and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, Old Montreal is one of the oldest urban areas in North America. Originally established as a 17th-century French fur-trading post, Old Montreal has a rich cultural heritage with remarkable archaeological and historical sites around every corner. This historic district is also overflowing with first-class museums, excellent art galleries and top-notch eateries serving a delicious selection of local and international cuisine – so there's something for everyone!

Easily explored on foot, Old Montreal is bursting with European charm. Although the original stone ramparts are long gone, the architecture and narrow cobblestone streets ensure the historic feel of this part of the city is as strong as ever. To quickly get to grips with your surroundings and discover the many secrets of this part of the city, avail of one of the guided or self-guided tours. Choose a traditional walking tour, take in the sights on a bicycle tour or zip through the quaint streets on a Segway.

Take your time to soak up the atmosphere along the delightful Rue Saint-Paul. This paved street is the oldest in the city and is home to the Bonsecours Market as well as a range of gorgeous artisan boutiques.

If you’re into history and archaeology, you've struck gold in Old Montreal. See where it all began at the Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. Perched on top of the city’s birthplace, this archaeological museum imaginatively charts the history of the city through original excavation sites. Showcasing a selection of artifacts from the indigenous Amerindian peoples, this is a must on any cultural to-do list.

Continue the theme by examining a wealth of Montreal treasures at the impressive Château Ramezay before making the short walk to the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum to see the foundations of the city’s first stone chapel.

Examine the edgy artwork at the contemporary DHC/ART and then head straight to Cabaret du Roy in the Bonsecours Market for the most exquisite local cuisine. After dinner, catch a show at the Centaur Theatre before wrapping up your night in true Montreal style with a horse-drawn calèche ride through the glittering city streets. Magical!


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Montreal Hotel Deals

Hotel Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d'Armes

4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is AU$362 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$362
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,271 reviews)
"I was not happy that we had to wait 20 minutes for our car to arrive. We intentionally got up early for drive home."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hotel Place d'Armes
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 AU$294 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$294
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (968 reviews)
"Great location and spacious room. Rooftop terrace was nice added bonus. Loved the contactless check-in. Parking was initially challenging to locate but fine once we asked for help. Room got a lot of street noise at night despite being on the 6th floor and in a quieter section of old town. Overall, ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal
Le Westin Montréal

Le Westin Montréal

4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is AU$291 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$291
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,149 reviews)
"I always choose this hotel when I stay in Montreal. It's location is perfect"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Le Westin Montréal
Hotel Saint-Sulpice

Hotel Saint-Sulpice

4 out of 5
414 Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, QC
The price is AU$421 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$421
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,609 reviews)
"The hotel was fantastic. The only issue we had was that the cleaning crew never showed up. It wasn’t a huge deal, but we were running low on toiletries and it would have been nice to have more."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Hotel Saint-Sulpice
LHotel Montreal

LHotel Montreal

4 out of 5
262 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$356 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$356
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,109 reviews)
"Short & Sweet ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Quiet, convenient location and hands down the best croissants we’ve ever had. A perfect stay!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

LHotel Montreal
Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan

4.5 out of 5
106 Saint-Paul Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is AU$464 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$464
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,911 reviews)
"Nice clean room Walking in old Mtl very convenient"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

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

Default Image

Chinatown

4/5(3 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Ville-Marie

3/5(2 area reviews)

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 which includes street scenes, a city and signage

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(9 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 square or plaza, outdoor art and art

Downtown Montreal

4/5(58 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 lifestyle and street scenes

The Village

4/5(5 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: