8 reasons why you can visit Montreal on a budget

Have fun in the city for cheap.

Canada’s “city of 100 steeples” blends the magic of European culture with North American dynamism. The French-speaking city is renowned for its hipster cuisine, modern art and amazing museums.

Blooming with parks and traditional French cafes, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to have a good time in this city. If you’re thinking of going travelling in Quebec, then here are eight things to do in Montreal.

Walk along the Old Port of Montreal

Image by Michael Vesia (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Soak up some vibes in Montreal’s colonial quarter by strolling along the the Old Port after dark. Adored by locals and tourists alike, here you’ll find three of the city’s most famous historic attractions: Place d’Armes, Place Royale and Place Jacques-Cartier.

See the Basilique Notre-Dame

Image by Pedro Szekely (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica is arguably the most important religious building in Canada and once hosted Celine Dion's wedding. Its immaculate woodwork, rose ceiling windows, blue vaulted ceilings and an incredible church bell make this a great place to visit.

The church is located in Old Montreal and hosts regular free walking tours and firework displays in its adjacent grounds.

Hike up the Mount Royal

Image by Rob Taylor (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Montreal’s favourite park offers visitors stunning views of the city. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who created New York City's Central Park, Mount Royal has a series of wooded paths that will take you towards the city’s most famous viewing point.

Enjoy the city views at Au Sommet Place Ville Marie

Image by Emile Séguin (Unsplash)

The Au Sommet Place Ville Marie observation gallery is on the 46th floor of the Place Ville Marie building and offers 360-degree views over the city through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Go cycling downtown

Image by William Murphy (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Montreal’s bike hire system, Bixi, has 460 bike stations, and is free on Sundays. Choose a 24-hour pass (C$5), or pay C$2.95 for a single trip.

Sample French-Quebec cuisine in the Old Town

Image for Farah Khan (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Montreal is a huge foodie destination where you can enjoy some of the best French cuisine outside of France. In the Old Port of Montreal you can dine cheaply in the city’s street cafes and bistro restaurants in the colonial quarter.

Eat poutine after dark

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If you’re running low on cash, then you can always eat cheap in Montreal. Quebec fast food outlets sell smoked meat sandwiches and poutine, which comprises of French fries, curds, cheese and gravy.

Sleep in the city centre for peanuts

Find out more where you can stay here and save a fortune on your next trip to Montreal: