Old Montreal

Montreal

Notre Dame Basilica featuring religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal

Once surrounded by ramparts, this historic area within Montreal city now shines as one of the oldest and best preserved urban centers in North America. 

Nestled between the banks of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal Downtown is the original fortified town of Old Montreal. Although the walls have disappeared years ago, the cobblestone streets and architecture spanning three centuries make Old Montreal feel more like an old European city than a New World capital.

Visit the birthplace of the city at Pointe-à-Callière and wander the narrow, twisting Rue Saint-Paul, the city’s oldest surviving street. Just opposite Montreal City Hall, join Benjamin Franklin on the guest list at the Château Ramezay. Built as the governor’s residence in the 18th century, today the mansion serves as a museum dedicated to Montreal’s history. Just a block away at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, see the foundation of the city’s first stone chapel, which was built in the 17th century.

The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History traces the city’s past back to its days as a 17th-century fur-trading post and beyond. Examine artifacts of local Amerindian people dating back thousands of years. Many of the exhibits are innovatively displayed underground in their original dig sites.

The culinary arts play a central role in Old Montreal’s history too. Dine at the Cabaret du Roy in Bonsecours Market to experience traditional cuisine alongside colonial characters brought to life by local actors. Old Montreal is also a hotbed of contemporary culture. Watch a show at the Centaur Theatre or the latest in local contemporary art at DHC/ART. 

To get the most from your visit, join a walking, Segway or bicycle tour. Self-guided maps and guides are available from the visitor center and museums. For the quintessential Montreal experience, take a ride in a horse-drawn calèche after dark, when Old Montreal's finest buildings are beautifully illuminated with specially designed lighting.

Old Montreal is easily accessible via buses, metros, ferry and Underground City walkways.  For drivers, street parking is nearly impossible, but paid garages are available. 

Most museums in Old Montreal charge admission. During the summer months, museums are open daily, but during the offseason, they are closed part of the week, so a little preplanning is advised.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Montreal Hotel Deals

Hotel Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d'Armes

4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is CA $271 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $271
CA $323 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,272 reviews)
"Great location, even with nearby construction. Hotel is charming, great character. Very kind staff. Unfortunately, doors, walls and windows aren’t soundproof at all."

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Hotel Place d'Armes
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal

3.5 out of 5
300 Rue du Saint-Sacrement, Montreal, QC
The price is CA $212 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $212
CA $252 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (970 reviews)
"Wonderful location, clean property"

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Apollon Apartments Old Montreal
Le Westin Montréal

Le Westin Montréal

4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
The price is CA $218 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $218
CA $259 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,151 reviews)
"Very responsive staff."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Le Westin Montréal
Hotel Saint-Sulpice

Hotel Saint-Sulpice

4 out of 5
414 Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, QC
Fully refundable
The price is CA $311 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $311
CA $375 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,619 reviews)
"We absolutely loved this hotel-location, quality, everything!!"

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

Hotel Saint-Sulpice
LHotel Montreal

LHotel Montreal

4 out of 5
262 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is CA $247 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $247
CA $294 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,112 reviews)
"The array of artwork and the overall decor were delightfully eclectic. No real food service available, except for pastries for breakfast, but there are numerous restaurants and convenience stores in easy walking distance. The staff was young and very welcoming. A very charming hotel with lots of ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

LHotel Montreal
Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan

4.5 out of 5
106 Saint-Paul Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is CA $348 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $348
CA $414 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,911 reviews)
"Nice clean room Walking in old Mtl very convenient"

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Hotel Nelligan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Montreal

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Chinatown

4/5(357 area reviews)

Take time in Chinatown to visit attractions like The Underground City and Saint Laurent Boulevard. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Place d'Armes Station to see more of the city.

Chinatown
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International District

While you're in International District, take in top sights like World Trade Center Montreal or The Underground City, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Square Victoria Station or Place d'Armes Station.

International District
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Ville-Marie

3.5/5(91 area reviews)

Explore cultural gems like Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Pointe-à-Callière Museum, or stroll through historic Old Montreal and Quartier des Spectacles. Easily accessible via Montreal Metro, enjoy parks like Mount Royal and Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Ville-Marie
Latin Quarter featuring street scenes, a city and signage

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(347 area reviews)

Great live music, charming cafes, and jazz venues are just a few top things to explore in Quartier des Spectacles. A visit to Complexe Desjardins or Place des Arts might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Place des Arts Station or Saint Laurent Station to get around town.

Quartier des Spectacles
Downtown Montreal showing outdoor art, a city and a monument

Downtown Montreal

4.5/5(5,283 area reviews)

Central business district with numerous skyscrapers, Downtown Montreal offers an underground mall, high-end retail stores, and various museums. Enjoy convenient transport options, including Central Station and Montreal Metro.

Downtown Montreal
Gay Village featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and café scenes

The Village

4/5(168 area reviews)

St. Catherine Street transforms into a lively pedestrian mall during summer, offering outdoor terraces at numerous bars and restaurants. Easily accessible via Beaudry and Papineau metro stations, the area boasts vibrant rainbow pillars at Beaudry station's entrance.

The Village


Old Montreal

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