Published 12th Dec. 2025
Written by Holly Catton
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A Franco-Canadian melting pot, rich in both history and contemporary culture, it’s no wonder Montreal is regarded as the cultural capital of Quebec. From its Gothic architecture and elevated vistas to its vibrant nightlife and hearty cuisine, there are ample ways to sink your teeth into the city’s culture. While you’ll certainly need more than 24 hours to do so, spending one day here is a great way to whet your appetite for future trips. So, read on to get the lowdown on how to make the most of 24 hours in Montreal…
A local (and appropriately hip) tradition for breakfasting in Montreal is a long, leisurely brunch spanning from 10am to as late as 2pm. But, if you’re anything like us, you’ll likely want to make the most of your fleeting time in the city. So, we recommend rising early and heading off to Jean-Talon Market in time for its 8am opening. Dating back to 1933, it’s one of Montreal’s oldest public markets and the perfect place to grab a coffee, graze on something sweet and observe the city waking up.
Image by Olivier Romano
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hop on the metro to Mont Royal. The station is named after the mountain which looms nearby, but don’t worry, scaling this natural wonder on an almost empty stomach is not our next recommendation for your 24 hours in Montreal. Instead, slip into one of the many cosy brunch spots dotted around the laid-back Plateau area (L’Avenue is one of our favourite spots).
After filling up (nothing beats a heaped pile of pancakes), now is the perfect time to conquer Mont Royal. Whether by foot, bike, or bus (the 711 Parc-de-Mont-Royal shuttle takes you right up to the summit), make for the Kondiaronk lookout for 360-degree views of the city – a great way to situate yourself for the rest of the day.
While here, don’t forget to appreciate the beauty of the Chalet Du Mont Royal which sits just a few feet away and dates back to 1932. Then, check out some of the architectural gems nestled in the lower swathes of the park, such as the Mont Royal Cross, an 130ft-high structure honouring Sieur de Maisonneuve, the city’s founder. If you have time, head over to the opposite side of the park to catch a glimpse of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a national shrine which is well worth the walk.
Image by Olivier Romano
Having spent the high point of the day at the high point of the city, descend back into its urban plateaus and hop back on the metro to Champ-de-Mars on the fringes of Old Montreal. Around the lively town square of Place Jacques-Cartier you’ll find a plethora of food options to tide you over until dinnertime.
Partake in some quintessentially Canadian poutine or engage your inner Francophile with a sugar dusted crepe (or for a real taste of the city’s blended culture, try both). And if you’re travelling in the middle of August, don’t miss the Montreal Street Food Festival, which takes place at the Old Port and has stalls from more than 40 local eateries.
Before leaving the square, take a break from the cold (or the warmth if you’re in the city during its milder summer months) and dip into the Bonsecours Market, a two-story domed hall lined with charming boutiques and craft shops.
Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity here, you’ll be a short walk from some of Montreal’s most emblematic sites. To make the most of your time head over to the Notre-Dame Basilica via Montreal City Hall. This way, you’ll be able to take in the grandeur of one while prioritising entry into the other.
Image by Eric Bouchard / Getty Images
With evening setting in, it’s time for another change of scene, and what better way to inject your day with a late boost of energy than to head over to the Quartier des Spectacles (literally translated as the Entertainment District)?
The Place-des-Arts metro station propels you right into the centre of Place des Arts, a major performing arts centre buzzing with life. If you’re in Montreal in winter, the whole place will be lit up as part of Montreal en Lumiere, the city’s light festival. If you’re there in summer, events run from 7pm onwards, so you’ll have plenty of time to take a walk around the shops or grab a drink upon arrival.
It wouldn’t be a culturally French city without an emphasis on dinner, so for the final meal of the day, extract every ounce of flavour the city has to offer by dining in one of its fantastic French restaurants. The Quartier des Spectacles has a bounty of great options, including Bouillion Bilk, an elegant fine-dining spot complete with tantalising tasting menus.
Image by Olivier Romano
If the thought of saying goodbye to Montreal at this juncture saddens you, then you’re in luck, because the city’s energetic nightlife is perfect for extending your evening into the early hours. Boulevard Saint Laurent is the epicentre of this vibrant scene, with a multitude of cosy bars and pulsing live music spots, and we can’t think of a better way to spend the final stretch of your 24 hours in Montreal.
Header image by Olivier Romano
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