10  things to do in  Montréal: must‑see attractions for first‑time visitors

Welcome to Montréal!

To enjoy the best the city has to offer during your stay, please don't think of yourself as a tourist, but as one of us. Whether you're here for a few days, a few weeks or a few years, we're counting on you to enjoy Montréal in a spirit of respect, responsibility and celebration!

1. Climb Mount Royal (the lookout)

Mount Royal Park is Montréal’s most famous green space. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park), this "mountain" offers the city's most iconic skyline view. Reach the summit lookout by walking the forest trails or taking a guided tour.  In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find washrooms and a small canteen for sandwiches, snacks, espresso-based drinks, and other refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.

• Pro Tip: 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park, so stay tuned for special commemorative events and official celebrations throughout the year.

2. Shop on Sainte-Catherine Street

As one of the longest commercial strips in Canada (11 kilometres), Sainte-Catherine Street is the city's premier shopping artery. It features global brands like Zara and UNIQLO alongside legendary local retailers and shopping centres:

• Simons: A beloved Québec department store.
• M0851: High-end Montréal-made leather goods.
• Complexe Desjardins: A hub of shops and fountains celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
• Centre Eaton de Montréal: a premier fashion destination with close to 125 boutiques.
• Place Montréal Trust: More fantastic retail options, plus a 30-foot interior fountain.

3. Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine

Montréal’s joie de vivre is best experienced through its food. To eat like a local, prioritize these hearty staples:

• Smoked Meat: Visit the world-famous Schwartz’s Deli.
• Bagels: Try Fairmount Bagel Bakery or St-Viateur Bagel; their bagels are boiled in honey water for a unique sweetness.
• Poutine: Head to La Banquise for the ultimate version of this fries-and-curds classic.
• Bonus! Pair your meal with a local drink, such as Rise kombucha or 1642 Cola.

4. Step back in time in Old Montréal

No first-time visit is complete without the cobblestone charm of Vieux-Montréal. Explore architecture dating back to 1685 and visit the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica . Afterward, head to Place Jacques-Cartier to enjoy street performers from a lively outdoor terrace.

5. Ascend to Saint Joseph’s Oratory

A true architectural masterpiece, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites. It features a dome 97 meters high—second only to Saint Peter’s in Rome—and houses a prestigious Rudolf von Beckerath organ. 

• Access: Visitors can take the metro to Côte-des-Neiges and walk the grand staircase for panoramic northern views of the city.

6. Explore the "Underground City" (RÉSO)

Beneath the street level lies RÉSO, a 32-kilometre network of pedestrian walkways. This climate-controlled system connects 10 major hotels, several shopping malls (such as Complexe Desjardins and Place Montréal Trust), and the convention centre. It is a fascinating "sub-urban" world that keeps the city moving during the winter months. Grab a PDF map and get started on a truly “sub” urban adventure.

7. Visit the public markets (Jean-Talon and Atwater)

To taste the flavours of rural Québec within the city, visit a public market. Marché Jean-Talon in Little Italy is the largest and most diverse. For an Art Deco aesthetic and specialty delicatessens, head to Marché Atwater near the Lachine Canal. 

Wherever you go, be sure to sample seasonal treats such as maple syrup in the spring, strawberries in the summer, and Macintosh apples in the autumn.

8. Discover The Plateau neighbourhood

Famous for its colorful houses and spiral outdoor staircases, The Plateau is the creative heart of Montréal. Walk along Mont-Royal Avenue, grab a pastry at Kouign Amann Bakery, or picnic in Parc La Fontaine. This neighbourhood is the perfect place to experience the city's French-speaking culture and artistic flair.

9. Head east to the Olympic District (Espace pour la vie)

Montréal’s east-side neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to a handful of awesome attractions — all within walking distance to each other.

• Olympic Stadium: The iconic site of the 1976 Summer Games. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of these Olympics, with special historical exhibits planned. Learn about the history of the Montréal event.
• Biodôme: Explore five distinct ecosystems and over 250 animal species.
• Botanical Garden: One of the world's greatest, famous for its autumn Chinese Lantern festival.

10. Immerse yourself in art and history

Montréal is a global hub for creativity. First-time visitors should prioritize these cultural institutions:

• Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA): The city’s premier stop for classic and decorative arts.
• Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC): Canada’s leader in modern and multimedia art.
• Pointe-à-Callière: An archaeology and history complex built over the city’s birthplace, where you can walk through underground ruins.
• Society for Arts and Technology [SAT]: dedicated to the development of digital culture. 
• Phi: showcases cutting-edge art in all its glorious forms — check out the event schedule for a listing of live performances. 
• McCord Stewart Museum: sheds light on Montréal by championing the city’s history, diversity and creativity.