Old Montreal
Old Montreal
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Old Montreal is a historic neighborhood in Canada with a charming Parisian flair. Be transported back in time as you wander down the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning architecture. Check out the Bonsecours Market for some unique shopping, stroll along St. Paul Street, and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal to admire the incredible stained glass windows. You can also head to the old port for a Ferris wheel ride, zipline, or cruise. Take a walking tour to learn more about its history or a ghost tour to explore the neighborhood after dark. Visit in the winter to see the beautiful holiday decorations. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Old Montreal

The area

Neighborhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
  • Place-d'Armes • 4 min walk
  • Square-Victoria-OACI • 9 min walk
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See what travelers are saying

  • TRLWI
    Minneapolis, Minnesota31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Educational and Enjoyable Day Well Spent!
    Our tour guide was Sarah M and she did an outstanding job of informing us of the history, culture, and architecture of OLD Montreal. She is bilingual and spoke fluent French and English. She reminded us of a college professor as she had so much information about the area but yet, made it a very enjoyable and educational experience. We had for for both the Eastern and Western Tours. She was able to blend details with entertainment making it a very enjoyable experience. I strongly recommend that you consider taking both walking tours if you want to be immersed in history and culture of Montreal.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 20, 2023
  • RG02
    Swindon, United Kingdom304 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting Old Montreal
    Starting at the basilica we spent about 90 minutes walking around the old city area. We visited the old bank with beautiful ceilings, it’s now a cafe, a 30 minute wait for a good coffee but filtered available immediately.We then went down towards the port area where the Old Custom House is situate. The ‘Whisperers’ bronze statue on our route made us smile, then it was back to the starting point.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 12, 2023
  • TERRAvelista
    London, United Kingdom18,505 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great area reminding me of some historic places in Europe
    Cute cobblestone streets reminding me of so many European cities, following the same architecture one finds in many places scattered across Europe with lots of coffee shops, small restaurants, places to visit and shops, the latter having rather high prices, if you are used to very high quality items you can purchase online from all over the world at a fraction of their cost here. Nevertheless, this is a great area to walk, just have comfortable shoes and a drink on hand in a warm day. My other half booked a hotel located in Sherbrook Avenue which was convenient for walking to this area on a daily basis, visiting nearby Notre Dame and all the other places of interest.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 27, 2023
  • Chloe Thomas
    Russell Springs, Kentucky1,564 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most Time Spent Here
    While in the city, we spent most of our time in Old Montreal. The area is full of sights to see and delicious restaurants to enjoy a meal or two at. You’ll also find lots of hotels, cafes, and stores.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 19, 2023
  • AdamLeaves
    Canberra, Australia520 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An enjoyable historic walk
    I followed a free online walking tour of Old Montreal and very much enjoyed it. I didn't really get a strong French vibe, much more a feeling of Canada as a French/English amalgam. And of course sitting on the Saint Laurence River which is the reason the city grew up there.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 21, 2023
  • Foodange
    Manchester, United Kingdom4,114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wanderers in the Old Town
    We loved wandering the streets of the old town, away from the tall buildings. For us there were a few too many tourist tat places all selling the same stuff, but if you looked hard enough, also individual shops, restaurants and cafés. Rue St Paul was a favourite, which we visited a couple of times.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 1, 2023
  • drew s
    6th of October City, Egypt7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Old Montreal visit, a must see, best in summer months, lively and lots to see and do.
    Love this area of Montreal, a must see and experience. Best in summer, lively and lots to see and do. Fantastic restaurants with many to chose from. Been here many times, but this was my first in November and was very cold and windy, very few people there- wouldn't recommend visiting in November.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 2, 2023
  • TheMahdi
    Boracay, Philippines248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Lomg Beautiful Walk
    Tbe same coment i gave in Rue St Paul which is actually few minites away from this location. The Old Montreal jas a major old street that connects many tourists spots together. So if you can walk long distance i suggeat you to come here and along the way you can Start from Crew Collective Cafe then Notre Dame tjen go to this are then continue to Rue St Paul, can visit Cfe Olympico (for their coffee) and/or have your lunch pizzaat Slice & Soda.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 17, 2023
  • pasowine
    Paso Robles, California5,364 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the highlights of Visiting Montreal
    Such a unique place - definitely has the flavor of Europe to it, despite the tourists! The time to go however is when it isn't as crowded. Easy to stroll around, snack, have a drink, do some shopping. Also take a walking tour and learn some of the history of old Montreal!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 22, 2024
  • SMM
    Montreal, Canada31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must see
    Old Montreal is beautiful, and an absolute must for visitors. We wandered the beautiful stone streets and admired the architecture. There are a number of quaint shops and eateries available, and we stopped for a delicious cheesy crepe (that was served with crisp fresh salad) before exploring Marche Bonecours (a lovely market featuring hand made jewellery and items). Although it was cold when we visited (0 degrees), there are any number of warn cosy cafe to stop in for refreshment. It was a beautiful walk and lovely experience.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

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debrakgrose
Port Perry, Canada123 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Although only a tiny portion of Montreal, the Old Montreal (la Vieux) had plenty of charm and sights to offer. The old section was quiet and friendly, & some buildings were decked out for Christmas by our visit. A lovely area to explore at anytime and even nicer at Christmas. Christmas lights twinkle.

There was a movie being shot on some of the smaller cobbled stone side streets set in the 1930's and 40's. amazing all the work it takes for one part of the movie to look vintage. But Old Montreal was the perfect location to dress up so actors can travel back in time.

Old buildings, cute shops, lots of nice looking restaurants, and all that history. You can certainly spend a day here walking around the streets, Place Jacques Cartier, the river views, and don't miss the Notre Dame Basilica which is one of the world's most beautiful churches.

It's Old World charm at it's finest!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ivo G
Montreal, Canada47 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
The city has put a lot of money into revitalizing this popular tourist area. Games for kids, ferris wheel for city views, loads of good restaurants, etc. Something for everybody. Parking is awful and the city doesn't help, the lots are very expensive.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eriq T
Montreal, Canada6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
One of few remaining really old neighbourhoods in North America is great for walking but the streets and summer crowds don't lend themselves to driving around here. The area is a short walk from downtown. Rent a bike if you really want to zip around.
The shops are touristy, it's a tourist area, so if you're looking for shopping bargains go north on St Laurent and enjoy. The cafes I've been to were all fine, nothing that exciting, but the area's appeal is just to walk around and take in the ancient (by Canadian standards) buildings or hang by the water. There are events by the water all summer, some freer than others. Good to spend time with family or kids without having to spend pay admission or spend large on food. When it's quiet, Old Montreal is enchanting. You can feel some ghostly vibe walking through the squares between the empty streets. It's nice even when it's busy, but it's awesome when you're alone (or together alone) down there.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Crystal S
Overland Park, KS229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
If you're staying in Montreal for the first time I definitely recommend staying in/near this area. We stayed in an area technically called Old Port which is right next to what I think is the official Old Montreal. There's just so many beautiful old buildings here, it's super walkable and has tons of little bars, restaurants, boutiques, etc. It is a little touristy and pricey but it's still totally worth it.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M S
New York City, NY14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Business
This was my first trip to Montreal and I made it a point to go to Old town. I was not disappointed. Notre Dame is beautiful. I attended a mass in advance of a ticket that I had purchased to see the cathedral as I wanted to worship and hear their renowned organist. Amazing... At any rate, it was wonderful both inside and out as there are musicians surrounding the area and a lot of beautiful architecture to see. I had a lot of fun at Chococina, an amazing chocolate store. The owner is personable and I enjoyed every minute of it. Everything he suggested was on point. I then grabbed a chocolate croissant and tea from a nearby cafe and sat in front of the cathedral to listen to Ex Machina, a magnificent cellist. A wonderful day.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roberta L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
There is a great self-guided tour available in Old Montreal. The old buildings are beautiful. We spent 2 and 1/2 days exploring the area and its museums and could have even spent more time there. The Chateau Ramezay was a fascinating little museum, a great bargain, and helped understand Montreal in its early days!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alittlebitofBS
Tustin, CA29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
Did a guided walking tour of Old Quebec this morning; our guide was Sandrine Dubois, dressed in colonial attire. In a very engaging manner she gave 20 of us a very informative history of North America. Learned a lot...
Written October 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AlexYYZ
Toronto, Canada209 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Went over for the weekend; spent a few hours walking around and eating in a couple of restaurants. The area is nice and there a re many shops to drop by. The parking can be tricky but there are a lot of spots in the alleys and side streets to leave your car; you need to pay and take your ticket with you - just remember to use the right number (see picture) and find a machine to pay (there are only a few so you may need to walk a block or two until you find one)
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

IAl
Toronto, Canada280 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
What more can I say about this place that hasn’t been said already. It is beautiful, packed with history of the earliest days of Montreal (from the 1640’s onwards), it’s lively, it’s walkable, it’s scenic, and there’s tons of things to do and see.

Particular areas of note are Rue St.Paul, which is the oldest street in Montreal. Place d’armes which is right by the grand Notre Dame Basilica and is always a lively place day and night (there are often free entertainment acts on this public square). Also, don’t forget to spend a lot of time on the Old Port area, which is packed with summer activities and is immensely walkable and bike-able. And from the Old Port area, head uphill to the historic Place de Jacques Cartier square, les Marches des Bonsecours or the gardens in Chateau Ramezay (the gardens are free to enter).
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Footprints767952
553 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Visited Montreal many times and would always love to walk around in Vieux Montreal cobblestones streets, browsing inside the art galleries, or little shopping for souvenirs, regardless the Quebec winter.

Admired historic architectures, whether be buildings in Parisan, British or in general European style; indeed mosaic, Canadian culture has manifested.

Old Montreal makes distinction and has allure.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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