Welcome to Montreal, Quebec! Let’s explore the city in just 24 hours!

We start things off in the historic Old Montreal. We walked around and explored the old cobblestone streets, the main square (Place Jacques-Cartier) all while being surround by so many beautiful, historic buildings. We also headed down to the Old Port of Montreal which seems to be somewhat newly developed with a Ferris wheel, lots of water activities and vendors. We stopped at one food truck called Felix and Norton for a cookie (which came highly recommended).

Old Montreal

We’re kicking things off in Old Montreal — easily one of the most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods in all of Canada. With its cobblestone streets, European-style architecture, and open plazas, this part of the city feels like you’ve been transported straight to France (with a side of maple syrup). If you want to experience a little bit of Europe in Canada, this is the place for you.

We wandered around Place Jacques-Cartier, the heart of the area, surrounded by historic buildings and buzzing with patios and street performers. While it’s definitely a tourist hotspot — with its fair share of souvenir shops and upscale restaurants — it’s still a must-see.

Old Port of Montreal

From there, we made our way to the Old Port of Montreal, where the vibe gets a little more playful. There’s a giant Ferris wheel (La Grande Roue de Montréal) that looks like it belongs in London, paddle boats on the water, and even a pirate-themed obstacle course if you’re feeling adventurous. The area is lively and fun, especially in summer. We couldn’t resist grabbing a cookie from Félix & Norton, and yes — the hype is real. Crunchy on the outside, gooey in the middle. Pure cookie bliss.

Notre-Dame Basilica & Café Stop

Our next stop was the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, arguably the most iconic church in Canada. While it was closed during our visit (thanks, pandemic), we’ve toured it before — and trust us, the interior is jaw-dropping. Think deep blue ceilings, intricate wood carvings, and dazzling stained glass. If it’s open, it’s 100% worth a visit.

Just around the corner, we grabbed coffee at Tommy Café, one of our go-to spots in the city. Their Iced Americano hit the spot and gave us the fuel we needed to keep exploring.

St. James United Church & Rue Ste. Catherine

We wandered toward downtown, along Rue Sainte-Catherine, and stumbled across something unexpected — a full-on beach setup in front of St. James United Church, complete with real sand and lounge chairs. This kind of quirky public space is what makes Montreal so unique.

In summer, many streets are closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian-only areas with art installations, food stands, and seating. It’s such a welcome change compared to cities that feel built for cars instead of people. Montreal encourages you to slow down, take a seat, and enjoy the moment.

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Climbing Mont-Royal

Next, we made our way to the Peel Street Steps to climb Mont-Royal — the hill (or mountain, depending on your cardio level) that the city is named after. There are winding trails that take longer, but we opted for the more direct route: 400 stairs straight up.

Thankfully, there are benches along the way to catch your breath and take in the green space. And once you make it to the lookout point, it’s all worth it. The panoramic view of Montreal is breathtaking — a perfect mix of cityscape, water, and endless skyline. It really puts into perspective just how big (and beautiful) this city is.

*Breakfast sandwich at St. Viateur Bagels*

The Plateau & St-Viateur Bagels

To wrap up the day, we headed to The Plateau, one of Montreal’s coolest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Think street art, indie boutiques, buzzing cafés, and a distinctly local vibe. We strolled along Mont-Royal Avenue, which is packed with color, character, and great eats.

Of course, no trip to Montreal is complete without trying one of its famous bagels. We stopped by St-Viateur Bagel, a true institution. We grabbed a classic sesame bagel loaded with egg, tomato, lettuce, bacon, and mayo. It smelled amazing — and tasted even better. If you’re only in town for a day, make sure this is on your list.

Final Thoughts

One day in Montreal is just enough to get a taste — but we guarantee you’ll want to come back for more. From historic streets to delicious eats, breathtaking views to unexpected surprises, it’s a city that knows how to charm.

Before You Go:

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