Old Montreal things to do: Attractions, Restaurants, Museums and… a Few Secret Places!
Old Montreal things to do | April 2024. It’s easy to think Old Montreal is all about the past… cobblestone everywhere, narrow streets, old buildings and layers of history. They all work together to transport you in time to Montreal’s European roots, but, today’s artists and designers have taken this historic canvas and turned it into a playground for the modern imagination. Full of delicious restaurants, museums and so much more – take a look at our list below for suggestions on what to do while you visit Old Montreal.
1. Experience the unique Oasis Immersion | Root for nature Expo is currently happening
“Root for Nature: spotlight on the work “We are all interconnected” ????” – Oasis Immersion
Unleash your inner explorer at Oasis Immersion in Old Montreal. This innovative experience isn’t your typical museum; it’s a vibrant space that ignites your curiosity and sparks a sense of optimism. Their current exhibition, “Root for Nature,” takes you on a stunning multi-sensory journey through the heart of nature.
Step into a world of vibrant colours and captivating sounds. Imagine being transported to bustling rainforests or serene underwater landscapes, all without a VR headset. The program aims to inspire you to take a stand for biodiversity and the preservation of our planet. Through interactive elements and captivating visuals, “Root for Nature” encourages a powerful connection with the natural world.
Duration : 80 minutes | 25$-25$ | Book online here
Let someone else be the guide on a Old Montreal Food Tour
2. The Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour
It’s no secret that Old Montreal is a gem to be discovered. The Old Port, the European architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the list goes on… but what is kind of new is its foodie scene. The Old Montreal Food Tour takes you on a journey to many of them, highlighting Quebec culture and history as it does. What better way to enjoy the magic of winter than warm up and eat food, and then pop back out to discover the winter land for just a little bit, and then warm up with even more food!? The tour even features some warm soup broth during these cold months.
–> Check out the Old Montreal Food Tour
• Enjoy Montreal classics like smoked meat poutine, salmon bagels, craft beer and more
• Benefit from local certified guide’s knowledge
• Use promo code 48 hours in advance : EARLYBIRD for a 20% discount
• Experience Montreal’s essential sights including Place d’Armes, the Old Port and St. Paul Street
Eat your way through the Old Montreal restaurant scene
If you’re really hungry check out these or choose from some of our favourites below. Old Montreal Restaurants | April 2024 | 22 Very Cool places we highly recommend
3. Barroco | Saint-Paul Street
Located in a building dating back to Napoleonic times, Barroco combines the old world charm of your grandmother’s cooking with with the intimate, dimly-lit ambiance characteristic of the most romantic dining establishments. Serving French, Spanish and Italian cuisine in a warm, traditional setting of stone walls and baroque chandeliers, Barroco blends perfectly into the European architecture of Old Montreal.
What truly sets Barroco apart is the seamless blend of an old-world feel with the lively spirit of Montreal’s dining scene. Here, every dinner feels like a celebration, every bite a discovery, and every visit a cherished memory in the making. It’s not just the buzz of conversation that fills the air; it’s a shared energy, a collective joy in discovering culinary delights and savoring moments together.
Price index: $$$ | Address: 312 Rue Saint-Paul O. | Phone number: (514) 544-5800
4. Crew Collective & Cafe | Ancient Bank transformed in a Café & Collective Space
At Crew Collective & Cafe, you can dine, sip coffee and stay a while… you’ll want to in a space like this! Located at the old 20’s era Royal Bank headquarters, this is not your average cafe: it boasts 50 foot vaulted ceilings, seating for 100 and an abundance of additional coworking space for its members. Voted by Forbes as one of the top 5 most beautiful coworking spaces in the world, Crew also operates a fully equipped kitchen to prepare fresh and delicious meals that can be served to you as you work! Maybe you’ll even get to rub shoulders with some of the top freelance designers and developers in Montreal who call this space their office. Make sure you make a reservation, the space is in high demand!
Price index: $$ | Address: 360 Rue Saint-Jacques
5. Modavie | Bistro Français
In the heart of Old Montreal’s historic charm, Modavie Bistro Français has unveiled its stunning renovation, blending timeless allure with modern sophistication. This beloved Saint-Paul Street restaurant, renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and signature lamb dishes, invites diners to experience its refreshed elegance. With a carefully updated interior that respects its rustic roots while introducing contemporary flair, Modavie offers an atmosphere where every meal is a celebration.
The restaurant continues to host live jazz evenings, adding a layer of enchantment to the dining experience against the backdrop of its refined new look. Modavie’s evolution is more than a mere facelift; it’s a rejuvenation of its spirit, promising an unforgettable culinary journey that pays homage to the essence of Old Montreal.
Price index: $$$ | Address: 1 Saint-Paul St W | 514 287-9582
Check out the new Grand Quai and it’s new Tower of observation
6. The Grand Quai and Port of Montreal Tower
The Grand Quay in Old Montreal has undergone a major transformation, and the new Port of Montreal Tower is the crown jewel. Here’s a breakdown:
Grand Quay: Picture a revitalized waterfront with a green roof boasting over 24,000 flowering plants and a spacious wooden terrace. It’s a place to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the scenery, with stunning views of the Old Port, cruise ships gliding down the St. Lawrence River, and the Montreal skyline.
Port of Montreal Tower: Towering 65 meters above the banks of the river, this new observation tower is the star of the show. Imagine panoramic vistas unfolding before you – the bustling port activity, the historic charm of Old Montreal, and the vast expanse of the St. Lawrence River. More than just a view, the tower offers interactive experiences, educational capsules about Montreal and the port, and even a glass-floored cage for the thrill-seekers.
Combined, the Grand Quay and Port of Montreal Tower create a vibrant destination. It’s a place to relax, explore, learn, and capture breathtaking memories of your Montreal visit.
Honest recommendation: There is a cost of 15$ to get at the top of the Tower. We think it is a bit overpriced for a few minutes view.
Refresh in a Old Montreal Spa
We recently listed this article called Montreal Spas : 12 Beautiful Spas to Visit for 2024. It’s important to take time for yourself, even if it’s just for a few hours. Stress can take a toll on our minds and bodies, luckily Old Montreal is surrounded by spas in and around the city.
7. Bota Bota | Floating Montreal Spa
In the heart of Montreal’s Old Port is a spa that is as beautiful to look at as it is relaxing. Bota Bota is unique: it’s an old converted boat that’s anchored on the St-Lawrence river. Bota Bota offers spectacular views of Montreal’s historic port and allows you to be surround by the soothing flow of the river. Its many floors offer different services, from eucalyptus steam baths, saunas, outdoor whirlpools, a gourmet restaurant and a garden. Follow their water circuit that begins in a hot sauna, followed by a dip in a cold pool, and finish it off in a relaxation area or enjoy the view from their whirlpool. It’s walking distance from Square Victoria metro which makes this spa the ultimate relaxation haven without ever having to leave the city.
75-120$ for 2+ hours
8. Scandinave Spa | Old Montreal Spa
This Scandinavian spa in the heart of Old Montreal believes in the relaxation power of baths and water therapy. They focus on three key aspects: body warming, rinse stations, and relaxation areas. Warm up in their eucalyptus steam bath, their sauna, and hot baths. They’re also proud of their ‘eco spa’ philosophy: they compost, recycle heat to warm their water jet bath, and use natural ingredients for their cleaning products. Top off your spa experience with a relaxing massage, and let the day melt away.
Get cultured at an art gallery
Montreal is known as a city full of artists. Mingle with them, and discover works from around the world, at these galleries that just might make you fall in love.
8. Discover new horizons at the Phi Centre / Until April 29th Colored: The Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin
Until 28th of April. Colored: The Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin is an immersive experience adapted from a biographical essay, written by Tania de Montaigne, that traces the story of Claudette Colvin and her journey from struggle to abandonment.
Colored is an augmented reality experience that transports you to the United States, to Montgomery in Alabama on March 2, 1955. In a setting specially designed for the experience, the emblematic scenes from the life of Claudette Colvin are replayed before you during her fight for civil rights. Whether you are alone or accompanied, you’ll be able to join your peers in a collective experience.
The Phi Centre is home to exciting innovation that blends art, music, film and technology to become a hub for creating and sharing innovative ideas. They present immersive exhibitions that are like nothing you’ve seen before. Step into a VR film or feel the vibrations of mind bending audio... The art venue regularly hosts concerts, film screenings and other events, so there’s always something new to discover. You can even dance the night away, express yourself, and have your imagination expanded all at the same time.
8. Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain / New Free Exhibition starting on May 3rd
Rajni Perera and Marigold Santos: Efflorescence/The Way We Wake.
This art exhibition showcases works by Rajni Perera and Marigold Santos, both exploring themes of identity and transformation through a history of migration. The centerpiece is a collaborative sculpture, “Efflorescence/The Way We Wake,” featuring a powerful, multi-bodied figure adorned with symbolic embellishments. This large-scale work exemplifies the artists’ shared experiences and artistic approaches, while the full exhibition highlights their individual practices that center around female power and cultural heritage.
https://phi.ca/en/events/rajni-perera-marigold-santos/
Pay tribute at one of the area’s breathtaking churches
What is a visit to Old Montreal, a city full of religious history, without stopping by one of its majestic churches? Today’s artists have even given them an all new cultural significance…
9. Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Have you ever heard Leonard Cohen’s song Suzanne? When Cohen sings “And the sun pours down like honey/On our lady of the harbour,” he’s talking about the Montreal sun shining down on Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel’s rooftop statue, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. You can come get a firsthand experience of Suzanne’s shenanigans, take an audio tour of the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum and connect with Montreal’s past on the archeological site.
10. Notre Dame Basilica and Places d’Armes
Well revered as one of the most magnificent and famous churches in Old Montreal, the Notre Dame Basilica, built in 1656, it is the city’s oldest Catholic church. Now, playing throughout 2021, Aura makes the church even more stunning. Projecting lights throughout the building using state of the art technology, the light show highlights the spectacular architecture in ways you’ve never seen it before and takes the audience on a sumptuous multimedia journey.
basiliquenotredame.ca / aurabasiliquemontreal.com
Browse the shops for Old Montreal local artisanal goods
You’ll find shops selling everything from fine art to souvenirs as you wander around the streets of Old Montreal, but there’s one place to go if you want to be at the heart of all the retail…
11. Marche Bonsecours
The grand and historic building of Marche Bonsecours is home year round to countless boutiques, galleries and restaurants. You’ll be able to find work from local craftspeople, and definitely something to take home for your loved ones if you’re from out of town. If you are from here, there’s always something new to find even in your own community!
Make a pit stop at the best Old Montreal local cafés
Perk up with a hot cup of coffee and hide away from the elements at these darling café spots, nestled into the beautiful architecture of the area.
12. Olive et Gourmando | An institution in Old Montreal
Olive et Gourmando, the place where sandwiches feel like gourmet fair, without actually being all that fancy. They’re just downright scrumptious and made with equal parts love and quality ingredients. Locals and visitors alike flock to this spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch, every day of the week. It’s one of the more… in and out options of the Old Montreal restaurants, letting you enjoy top notch food in a more casual atmosphere. Beware, week-ends get awfully crowded!
Price index: $ | Address: 351 St-Paul W
13. Le Petit Dep – Old Montréal
There are plenty of dépanneurs (convenience stores) all around Montreal, but this one’s unique. Le Petit Dep is a charming little boutique full of local goods. You can get their homemade salads, sandwiches and soups, bring home a jar of local syrups, honeys, oils and more, snack on quality local cookies, chocolates, and pastries, cool off with an ice cream from Les Givrées, and have a coffee or beer from a local microbrery.
14. Indulge in Old Montreal’s best bakeries at Chez Potier
Chez Potier Patisserie is a gourmet market and patisserie located in the heart of Old Montreal. Founded by pastry chef Olivier Potier, the shop is known for its high-quality ingredients, exquisite pastries, and intimate atmosphere.
The lemon tart at Chez Potier is a true masterpiece. Simply the best in Montreal! The tart shell is made with a blend of almond and hazelnut flour, giving it a rich and nutty flavor. The filling is made with fresh lemon juice and zest, and it’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. The tart is topped with a beautiful meringue swirl, which adds a touch of sweetness and lightness.
The Carré Doré is Chez Potier’s signature dessert. It’s a six-person cake made with a crunchy almond and peanut praline base, a milk chocolate mousse, and a salted caramel heart. The cake is topped with a thin layer of chocolate ganache and a sprinkling of gold leaf. The Carré Doré is a truly decadent dessert, and it’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
In addition to the lemon tart and the Carré Doré, Chez Potier offers a wide variety of other pastries, including croissants, tarts, cakes, and chocolates. The shop also offers a selection of coffee and tea, making it the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or a leisurely afternoon tea.
630 Wellington | chezpotier.com | 438-792-5182
Take in some Old Montreal iconic views
The views never stop in this beautiful area, but we’re sure you wont want to miss these vantage points and favourite photo opportunities.
16. Terrasse Nelligan | Rooftop terrasse in Old Montreal
Perched atop the historic streets of Old Montreal, Terrasse Nelligan offers a rooftop getaway where the views are breathtaking. This chic, open-air terrace serves up an enticing blend of expertly crafted cocktails and seasonal dishes, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River and the city’s iconic architecture. It’s a vibrant spot for soaking in the sun or enjoying a sunset, making every visit a memorable escape into Montreal’s charming urban oasis.
Five stories up the Nelligan Hotel, this rooftop terrace beckons to patrons with the delicious scent of meat and fresh fish cooking on the outdoor grill, and keeps it fresh with some delicious summery drinks.
Price index: $$ | 106, rue Saint-Paul Ouest | Book ahead online |
17. Habitat 67
Designed for Expo 67, Habitat 67 is an architectural marvel. Originally designed to introduce the outdoor space and multilevel environments that come with suburban homes to affordable urban housing, it is made of 354 identical, prefabricated concrete forms. While the demand to live in the stunning property drove prices up, taking in its weirdness, scale, and vision of the future are all free from the banks of Old Port.
Explore Old Montreal with the whole family
Visiting galleries, restaurants and churches all day can become a bit tiresome for the young and young at heart, but these recommendations will give your sightseeing a much needed sense of adventure.
For more kid-friendly activities around the city, here’s 17+ Amazing Things to do in Montreal with Kids year round.
18. La Grande Roue de Montréal / Way to expensive
You can hop aboard one of the enclosed gondolas of the 60 meter tall observation wheel and take in breathtaking views of the city, the river and the mountains! As the lights twinkle in the evening it’s particularly magical, making it a perfect experience for capping off a long day of fun, no matter what the weather.
Honest opinion: 35$ for 15 minutes is too expensive! We recommend avoiding the Grande Roue
Expand your mind at these Old Montreal museums and Discovery Centers
In a location full of history, it’s no surprise there’s lots to learn! You can also choose from these 11+ Montreal Museums to Visit while exploring the rest of the city.
19. Montreal Science Centre
The Montreal Science Centre is another exciting family-friendly adventure. With hands-on exhibits that let you explore the environment, biology, culture and technology in all new ways. There’s also IMAX 3D movie theatre screening breathtaking nature documentaries. No matter what your age is, you’re sure to learn something new – a day at the Science Centre is never dull!
Calling all curious minds! Dive into Explore – Life – Sized Science, an interactive science exhibit where you become the scientist! Play with motion, air, light, water, and more. Build bridges, power things with your body, and even compose music with code. It’s a fun-filled exploration of science for all ages! montrealsciencecentre.com
20. Pointe-à-Callière Museum / Pirates Exhibition
It’s a museum about Montreal‘s history and archeology, but Pointe-à-Callière is far from boring. They’ve got a wide range of exhibitions: from the beginnings of Montreal, to local pirates (perfect for kids), contemporary culture, a hands on archeological adventure – and so much more to discover! pacmusee.qc.ca
Ahoy there, mateys! Set sail for adventure at Pointe-à-Callière’s new pirate exhibit! This interactive experience lets kids (ages 5-12) become privateers like Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville. Climb aboard the D’Iberville, learn pirate life (food, battles, hygiene!), and even chase virtual rats. Play a naval battle game, meet famous pirates, and transform your face with a pirate photo booth! Filled with ship models, tools, and treasures, this exhibit is a must-see for little buccaneers! Check out this permanent exhibition here
21. Chateau Ramezay
Chateau Ramezay is a historic site and museum that’ll allow you to get in contact with the city’s past on a more personal level. The building itself is full of history, from its inception in 1705 as a residence for then Governor of Montréal, Claude de Ramezay, to its occupation during the American Revolution. Now, the builiding has spent its last 120 years of as a museum, so they know what they’re doing. Come by and step on into the past.
Shop a little, or a lot (Old Montreal shopping)
Full of designer boutiques, even hitting the mall can be a cultural and artistic event here in Old Montreal.
22. Rooney
Rooney, a clothing and accessory boutique, seeks to provide its patrons with the best of the latest trends, from both well known and independent up-and-coming designers. That means a more intimate shopping experience: the items you take home aren’t just another consumer good, they’re a quality product with a story. Come shop here worry-free, Rooney’s collection promises to be right on fashion’s cutting edge.
23. Michel Brisson
This high end men’s clothing store could actually double as an art gallery. That’s because the collections you’ll find at Michel Brisson are so meticulously chosen that just perusing through the items transports you into the minds and worlds of some of the best international designers.
24. Denis Gagnon
Denis Gagnon clothing is an architectural marvel in itself. His designs are at the forefront of fashion, stemming not from trends but from his imagination. Taking a precise and delicate approach to leather, famously Gagnon’s favourite material, the clothes may not be in the average shopper’s price range. They are instead works of art, hanging on racks in the minimalist boutique (along with the clothes of a few other designers) the way paintings hang on the walls of a gallery.
There’s even more to discover, but you’ll have to check out the store to explore the rest!
Private Old Montreal Evening Food & Drink Tour
The Old Montreal Evening Food Tour is the best way to experience, taste, and learn about Old Montreal. The tour stops at 3 different tasting locations. Between the food tastings, your knowledgeable guide takes you to famous Montreal landmarks and dives into the history of the area. Spend time learning about Old Montreal while tickling your tastebuds with the Old Montreal evening Food Tour. You can book this exclusive tour directly online every Tuesday and Wednesday at 6pm.
Discover the rest of this wonderful city!
As incredible as Old Montreal is, the rest of the city is also vibrant, buzzing with life and full of amazing things to discover… check out our other neighbourhood guides for the Plateau, Mile End, Mile Ex and Little Italy to continue your Montreal adventure!
