Montreal
June 18 - 20, 2025 (3D2N): The perfect long weekend getaway from NYC. I have visited Montréal numerous times, but its mix of European charm and modern energy makes every visit feel fresh. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for the fifth time, the city offers something new - art, food, neighborhoods, or festivals. Given its proximity to Quebec City (QC), one can tag on this picturesque escape while visiting Montréal.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1 (Old Montréal & Downtown)
Morning arrival in YUL (via Delta)
Check-in @ Le Dauphin Montreal Centre-Ville* (via Bus 747; ~1 hour, see tips below)
Old Montréal:
Coffee @ Le Petit Dep (try the coffee smoothie) or Lunch @ Crew Collective Café (in a stunning bank building)
Stroll along Old Port:
Bonsecours Market (a historic building with artisan boutiques)
Visit art galleries such as Galerie d’Art Bauchamp
View of Habitat 67 from Grand Quai du Port de Montréal
Walk through the InterContinental for the beautiful interior view of Berlin Wall
Explore Rue Sainte-Catherine for shopping and street performers
Cocktails @ Atwater Cocktail Club (5-7 pm happy hour)
Dinner @ Foxy* (known for charcoal-grilled dishes)
Nightcaps @ The Coldroom*
Day 2 (Mount Royal & Mile End)
Breakfast @ hotel
Hike up Mount Royal via the stairs at Rue Peel Steps (~15 mins)
View from Kondiaronk Belvedere (beautiful city view)
Walk through Mile End (a neighborhood known for murals, bagels, and indie shops)
St‑Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel (both are cash only)
Coffee @ Café Club Social*
Stroll on St‑Viateur/Clark
Browse vintage shops on Saint‑Laurent
Lunch @ Kitano Shokudo* (11:30-1:30 pm) or Onigiri Shop Mile End*
Cocktails @ Big in Japan Bar* (opens at 5 pm)
Dinner @ Joe Beef
Nightcaps @ Bar Leonor*
Day 3
Breakfast @ hotel
Ile Notre Dame:
Drive your car on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (racetrack used for the famous F1)
Depart for Quebec City (~3.5hr drive; rental via Hertz)
Other points of interest:
Lunch @ Schwartz* (order the fatty fat or medium fat), Wilensky's Light Lunch Inc.
Fine dining @ Monarque, Le Club Chasse et Pêche
Dinner @ Les Deux Gamins, Place Carmin, Daldongnae Korean BBQ - MTL Bishop, Liverpool House, Escondite (various locations), Damas
Seafood @ Jellyfish Montréal, Ferreira Café
Poutine @ Gibeau Orange Julep
Spa @ Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
Cocktails @ Cloakroom Bar, Milky Way Cocktail Bar
During winter or rainy days, visit the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, go karting, or go to the Underground City.
Tips:
The 747 bus to/from the airport is super easy if you aren’t traveling with a large suitcase. Do get a 1-day (CAD 11) or 3-day (CAD 21.25) unlimited transit pass as it covers the airport ride and all metro/bus travel.
All the speakeasies in Montréal are walk-in only. Be sure to show up early if you have a large group.
French is the official language, but most people speak English; a few polite French phrases go a long way.
Montréal is best explored on foot, especially in neighborhoods like Plateau, Mile End, and Old Montréal.
Make dining reservations, especially for popular spots in summer. BYOB (Apportez votre vin) restaurants are common and worth seeking out.
