Things to do in Montreal

Montreal packs a lot into one city, from island parks and casinos to rooftop dining and speakeasy bars.

Neighborhoods

Montreal packs a lot into one city, from island parks and casinos to rooftop dining and speakeasy bars. The food scene alone spans Portuguese grills, French bistros, and Turkish kitchens, often within a short walk of each other. For a weekend or a longer stay, the mix of old-town charm and modern energy keeps things interesting.

Start outdoors at Parc Jean-Drapeau, a two-island park with attractions and museums that works well for families and dogs. For a different kind of night, Casino de Montréal sits on the same Expo 67 site with river views and live shows. Food-wise, Ma Poule Mouillée serves casual Portuguese chicken sandwiches, while Le Pois Penché offers classic French bistro fare on a busy terrace. Cocktail lovers can try Bootlegger's speakeasy vibe or Bar Le Mal Nécessaire's tiki-style drinks. Shopping ranges from the Place Vertu mall to Place Ville Marie, and Lufa Farms gives a glimpse of urban farming. Walking tours with MTL Detours help connect the neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions about Montreal

What are the best outdoor spots in Montreal?▾

Parc Jean-Drapeau is the main outdoor draw—two islands with attractions, green space, and museums. It's also dog-friendly and good for kids. If you want a farm visit, Lufa Farms operates urban greenhouses, though it's more of a behind-the-scenes look at local growing than a traditional pick-your-own farm.

Where can I find good Portuguese food in Montreal?▾

Ma Poule Mouillée is the go-to for casual Portuguese fare. It's a counter-service grill known for its chicken and other meat sandwiches, and it serves lunch, dinner, and dessert. Expect a laid-back spot rather than a fancy sit-down meal.

What are some good options for a night out?▾

Casino de Montréal is a full evening destination with gambling, restaurants, and live shows. For drinks, Bootlegger Cocktail Bar & Cuisine has a speakeasy feel with live music, while Bar Le Mal Nécessaire brings a tiki-style, 1970s vibe with DJ sets and outdoor seating.

Are there good places for breakfast or brunch?▾

Eggspectation - Maisonneuve is a solid breakfast chain with a long egg-focused menu and also serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. For something with more of a local feel, Pigeon Café & Bar covers breakfast through dinner with outdoor seating and a full drink list.

What shopping options are there in Montreal?▾

Place Vertu is an indoor mall with clothing, accessories, housewares, and a food court. Place Ville Marie is more of a retail concourse with trendy women's apparel. For beauty products, SEPHORA carries upmarket makeup and skincare. There's also a Walmart Supercentre if you need everyday items.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Montreal

M pour Montreal presente Mzrabelle, XLOWW & Vago
Thu, Nov 19

M pour Montreal presente Mzrabelle, XLOWW & Vago

at Le Belmont
4483 Boul. Saint-Laurent
Montreal, QC
Shopping MallPhoto of Place Vertu — Shopping Mall

Place Vertu

Indoor shopping centre offering stores with clothing, accessories & housewares, plus a food court.

Montreal, QC|4
MISS MONIQUEHENRI BERGMANN – STRIKE BLIND
Sat, Nov 14

MISS MONIQUEHENRI BERGMANN – STRIKE BLIND

at New City Gas
950 rue Ottawa
Montreal, QC
Kasango – Rim SDL & Ensø
Fri, Nov 6

Kasango – Rim SDL & Ensø

at New City Gas
950 rue Ottawa
Montreal, QC
5 à 7 musicaux avec l'UQAM
Fri, Nov 20

5 à 7 musicaux avec l'UQAM

at Salon urbain
175 Sainte-Catherine St
Montreal, QC
Free
Portuguese RestaurantPhoto of Ma Poule Mouillée — Portuguese Restaurant

Ma Poule Mouillée

Casual counter-serve Portuguese grill known for its chicken & other meat sandwiches.

Montreal, QC|5
MALIVE – Ekho b2b Mezz
Fri, Nov 20

MALIVE – Ekho b2b Mezz

at New City Gas
950 rue Ottawa
Montreal, QC
Shopping MallPhoto of Place Ville Marie — Shopping Mall

Place Ville Marie

Clothing retailer offering trendy apparel, swimwear & accessories for women.

Montreal, QC|4
CAMELPHATVOLKODER – EKHO B2B VALENTINO
Sat, Nov 7

CAMELPHATVOLKODER – EKHO B2B VALENTINO

at New City Gas
950 rue Ottawa
Montreal, QC
Viens nous rejoindre par King Melrose
Thu, Nov 12

Viens nous rejoindre par King Melrose

at Centre culturel et communautaire Henri-Lemieux
7644 Rue Édouard
Montreal, QC
ParkPhoto of Parc Jean-Drapeau — Park

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Park made up of 2 islands that are home to multiple attractions, venues & museums.

Montreal, QC|5
SUPER PLAGE (lancement)
Wed, Nov 11

SUPER PLAGE (lancement)

at Le Belmont
4483 Saint-Laurent Blvd
Montreal, QC
CasinoPhoto of Casino de Montréal — Casino

Casino de Montréal

Contemporary gambling complex in modernist Expo 67 site, plus river views, restaurants & live shows.

Montreal, QC|4
La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles de Chris Lavis et Maciek Szczerbowski
Sat, Nov 14

La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles de Chris Lavis et Maciek Szczerbowski

at Centre culturel et communautaire Henri-Lemieux
7644 Rue Édouard
Montreal, QC
Amusement CenterPhoto of Prison Island Montréal — Amusement Center

Prison Island Montréal

Montreal, QC|5
MRG Live presents SIX60
Sat, Nov 7

MRG Live presents SIX60

at Le Belmont
4483 Saint-Laurent Blvd
Montreal, QC
Je ne suis qu'une chanson, hommage à Ginette Reno
Thu, Nov 19

Je ne suis qu'une chanson, hommage à Ginette Reno

at Centre culturel et communautaire Henri-Lemieux
7644 Rue Édouard
Montreal, QC
M pour Montréal présente Mzrabelle, XLOWW & Vago
Thu, Nov 19

M pour Montréal présente Mzrabelle, XLOWW & Vago

at Le Belmont
4483 Saint-Laurent Blvd
Montreal, QC
5 à 7 musicaux avec l'UQAM
Thu, Nov 19

5 à 7 musicaux avec l'UQAM

at Salon urbain
175 Sainte-Catherine St
Montreal, QC
Free
Flow, le chat qui n’avait plus peur de l’eau de Gints Zilbalodis
Sat, Nov 14

Flow, le chat qui n’avait plus peur de l’eau de Gints Zilbalodis

at Centre culturel et communautaire Henri-Lemieux
7644 Rue Édouard
Montreal, QC
Kids