3-day Montreal essentials
Old Montreal, Plateau, and bagels in three days.
3 daysFirst-timersBest: May–October
Last updated: 2025-03-15
Day 1 – Old Montreal and port
- Place Jacques-Cartier, Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port
Morning in Old Montreal: Place Jacques-Cartier and Notre-Dame. Afternoon Old Port and Bonsecours Market. Evening dinner in Old Montreal or Plateau.
Tips:
Notre-Dame has a sound-and-light show; book ahead. Old Montreal is very walkable.
Day 2 – Plateau and Mile End
- Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, Jean-Drapeau Park
Morning Plateau: colourful streets and cafes. Afternoon Mile End for bagels (St-Viateur or Fairmount) and boutiques. Optional Jean-Drapeau or Mount Royal. Evening in Plateau or downtown.
Tips:
Mount Royal has great city views. Bagels are a must; go early for fewer lines.
Day 3 – Museums or Mount Royal
- McCord, Pointe-a-Calliere, or Mount Royal
Morning museum (McCord, Pointe-a-Calliere) or Mount Royal hike. Last poutine and departure.
Tips:
Leave time for airport; traffic can be heavy. Montreal-Trudeau is about 30–45 minutes from centre.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you book or buy through our links. We only recommend products and services we believe in.