Old Montreal

Montreal

Notre Dame Basilica featuring religious elements, 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 centres 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 artefacts 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 centre 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


Top hotels in Old Montreal

Hotel Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d'Armes

4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is €200 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€200
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,295 reviews)
"Great place overall, perfect stay for the rest I needed"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 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 €149 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€149
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (990 reviews)
"Great hotel but do keep in mind it’s a contactless experience. The app still has a few bugs ( ex no check out button that they tell you to use) address to building is on front wall not the building which is confusing. Unit, roof top terrace, location, condition are all 5 star."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 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 €162 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€162
5 Sept - 6 Sept
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! (1,147 reviews)
"Was close"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Le Westin Montréal
Hotel Saint-Sulpice

Hotel Saint-Sulpice

4 out of 5
414 Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, QC
The price is €232 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
€232
20 Aug - 21 Aug
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! (1,631 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Great location. Parking is very limited."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Saint-Sulpice
LHotel Montreal

LHotel Montreal

4 out of 5
262 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is €184 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€184
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,137 reviews)
"Great location, close to many wonderful cafes, eateries, and the Notredame"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

LHotel Montreal
Hotel William Gray

Hotel William Gray

4.5 out of 5
421 Rue St-Vincent, Vieux, Montreal, QC
The price is €298 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€298
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,813 reviews)
"This property was great. The staff were very helpful, friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend this hotel. It is very central to everything in Old Montreal."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Hotel William Gray
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

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chinatown, you might enjoy attractions like The Underground City and Saint Laurent Boulevard. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Place d'Armes Station to see more of the city.

Chinatown
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International District

If you're spending time in International District, check out sights like World Trade Center Montreal or The Underground City and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Square Victoria Station or Place d'Armes Station.

International District
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Ville-Marie

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Ville-Marie. Top attractions like Old Port of Montreal and Notre Dame Basilica are major draws. Catch the metro at Champ-de-Mars Station or Jean-Drapeau Station to see more of the city.

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

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(13 area reviews)

Cosy cafes, live music and vibrant jazz clubs 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 featuring a monument, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza

Downtown Montreal

4/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Montreal. Check out top attractions like Bell Centre and Christ Church Cathedral, and jump on the metro at McGill Station or Peel Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Montreal
Gay Village which includes café lifestyle, outdoor eating and street scenes

The Village

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Visitors often come to The Village for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Sainte-Catherine Street and L'atelier de sculpture du Village. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Beaudry Station.

The Village

Old Montreal

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