Montreal 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Explore Downtown Montreal
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Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Olimpico, known for its authentic Italian pastries and coffee.
- Visit the historic Notre-Dame Basilica and marvel at its stunning Gothic Revival architecture.
- Take a stroll along Place Jacques-Cartier, the city’s most iconic square filled with cafes, street performers, and shopping opportunities.
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Afternoon:
- Head to Old Montreal for a taste of history and charm. Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum or simply enjoy the picturesque streets.
- Have lunch at [Au Pied de Cochon](https://au pieddecochon.com/), a popular restaurant known for its hearty Quebecois cuisine, especially their pork dishes.
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Evening:
- Visit the Mount Royal Park and climb to the top of Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montreal at sunset.
- Enjoy dinner at Gibby’s, a classic Montreal steakhouse.
Day 2 - Discover Museums and Art
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Morning:
- Have breakfast at Fifteen Cafe, a cozy café serving delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Visit the McCord Museum to learn about Canadian history and art.
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Afternoon:
- Lunch at Schwartz’s Deli, famous for its smoked meat sandwiches.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (ESPACE) or the Biodôme, a wildlife museum focusing on the ecosystems of the Americas.
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Evening:
- Dinner at Le Vin Papillon, a charming wine bar with a changing menu featuring local ingredients.
- End your day with a comedy show at Just For Laughs’ Hyena’s Comedy Club or a music performance at Le National.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy
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Morning:
- Have breakfast at a local café in Little Italy (Petite Italie).
- Visit the bustling Jean-Talon Market to experience local produce, flowers, and specialty food vendors.
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Afternoon:
- Lunch at one of the Italian restaurants in Little Italy, such as Nanà.
- Explore the area, visit the beautiful St. Viateur Church and enjoy the vibrant street art.
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Evening:
- Return to downtown Montreal and have dinner at Toqué!, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in innovative Quebecois cuisine.
Day 4 - Relax and Enjoy
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Morning:
- Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or try out another local café.
- Visit the Botanical Garden to relax and appreciate nature.
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Afternoon:
- Lunch at Au Kwäntum Inuit Restaurant, where you can try traditional Inuit cuisine.
- Take a stroll along the Lachine Canal or visit the Biosphère Éco-musée.
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Evening:
- Have a farewell dinner at Jatoba, offering modern Japanese cuisine with a local twist.
- Take one last walk around the city or visit a bar, such as Le Saint Sulpice or Bar Le Lab for a nightcap.
Where to Stay:
- For luxury: Ritz-Carlton Montreal
- For mid-range: Hotel Le Germain Montreal
- For budget: HI-Montreal Central Hostel
Transportation:
- Montreal has an extensive public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and the REM, a future train service connecting the city’s airport with downtown.
Things to Know:
- Montrealers are friendly and love to chat, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation!
- The official languages in Montreal are French and English, but you’ll find that many people speak both.
- Always carry small bills as change can be hard to come by.
- Enjoy your stay in Montreal!