Montreal Travel Guide: Essential Travel Tips and Information

Essential Travel Information for a Trip to Montreal

Renowned for its lively culture and rich history, Montreal presents a special fusion of European elegance and North American contemporary flair. Whether wandering the picturesque cobblestone streets of Old Montreal or taking in the breathtaking sights from Mount Royal, there is an abundance of experiences for all to relish. Continue your exploration at Notre-Dame Basilica, a magnificent 19th-century church renowned for its exquisite interior and beautiful stained-glass windows. For a more contemporary art experience, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, home to impressive collections of renowned artwork and rotating exhibits featuring some of today's most celebrated artists.

To enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, venture up to Mont Royal for a leisurely walk through the lush green park overlooking the cityscape. Explore the charming neighborhoods, admire the distinctive architecture, and delve into the vibrant arts scene at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Don't miss the chance to visit the Old Port of Montreal, a historic port area that now houses the Science Centre, a large interactive science museum. For a change of scenery, take a stroll through the Jardin Botanique de Montreal, a vast botanical garden teeming with thousands of plants and trees. And no visit to Montreal would be complete without seeing the iconic Olympic Stadium, a stunning sports complex with a distinctive elongated dome that can be seen from all corners of the city.

Getting Around

Montréal is an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city. Like the locals, you can stroll through vibrant areas such as the Old Port, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Plateau-Mont-Royal. The metro system is efficient, clean, and secure. Additionally, the public transit network is straightforward, featuring four lines that connect the downtown area to key tourist attractions, bus stops, and train stations. Métro stations are clearly indicated above ground with blue and white signage, making navigation easy. The system includes four color-coded lines with well-defined routes. For areas not serviced by the metro, public buses provide coverage. The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. To experience Montréal like a local, consider using a BIXI public bike. The city boasts 480 miles of bike paths, excellent bike rental options, guided tours, and a well-known bike festival. Renting a car, utilizing car-sharing services, or even hiring a limousine is convenient in Montréal. If you prefer taxis, they are readily available to hail on the street, at numerous taxi stands, or outside most major hotels. Being an island, Montréal also offers water taxis that connect the Old Port with Parc Jean-Drapeau, Longueuil, and other attractions along the St. Lawrence River.

Hotels and Nightly Rates

When choosing a hotel in Montreal, it is important to consider its location to maximize your experience. It is recommended to select accommodations that provide easy access to key tourist destinations. A notable site to keep in mind is Notre-Dame Basilica, recognized as the first neo-Gothic church in Canada, featuring an interior that is both breathtaking and magnificent. This church is a highlight of any visit to Montreal. Within a one-kilometer radius of this cultural gem, you can find three hotels, such as Hotel Faubourg Montreal, Hotel St-Denis, and Hotel Zero 1, with Hotel Zero 1 being the closest at just 645 meters away. Staying at Hotel Faubourg Montreal, Hotel St-Denis, and Hotel Zero 1 also places you near the Museum of Contemporary Art, which ranks among the top ten most-visited museums in North America. Furthermore, if you choose Chateau Versailles, you will be conveniently located near both the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Mount Royal Park, both of which are within a kilometer.

Establishing a budget is crucial when choosing a place to stay. By setting your financial limits in advance, you can more efficiently locate accommodations that align with your monetary requirements. The hotels featured above are among the most esteemed in Montreal, presenting a variety of competitive nightly prices generally ranging from $155 to $175. For instance, Hotel Faubourg Montreal offers rooms beginning at $155 per night, whereas Chateau Versailles has rates starting at $175 per night. It is crucial to keep in mind that prices can fluctuate significantly based on the season, so it is advisable to secure your reservation in advance, particularly during high travel periods. Find more Super Rated and Excellent Hotels in Montreal, Starting at $ 85.

Super Rated 5 Star Accommodations in Montreal

Montreal features an outstanding selection of luxury five-star hotels, perfect for travelers in search of a lavish getaway, with average nightly rates between $350 and $650. For example, Hotel Birks Montreal has rooms available starting at $400 per night, whereas Four Seasons Hotel Montreal begins at $650 per night. These upscale establishments are crafted to deliver exceptional services and amenities, catering to guests who desire a premium experience. Additionally, there are even more exclusive five-star options, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal, where prices commence at $795 per night. This hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance to explore nearby attractions like Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Dorchester Square and Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World. The hotel staff is proficient in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian and French. Check out the following hotels.

Le Mount Stephen

Le Mount Stephen is located in a luxurious mansion that was formerly owned by Lord George Stephen, and it served as the residence for the prestigious Mount Stephen Club. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.9 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Dorchester Square, Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, Mount Royal Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, World Trade Center Montreal, and Montreal Convention Centre. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Montreal.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Discover the charm of Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Gold Experience, where legendary history, modern luxury, and lively culinary and wellness experiences unite in the center of Montreal. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 3 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, Dorchester Square, Museum of Contemporary Art, Complexe Desjardins, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Notre Dame Basilica, and Old Port. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Montreal.

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

A brief stroll from Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile leads you to renowned sites such as McGill University, Mount Royal Park, and the finest museums in Montreal. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.6 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Dorchester Square, Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, Mount Royal Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Complexe Desjardins. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Montreal.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Situated in the vibrant Golden Square Mile, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal offers an ideal base for discovering the amazing activities and diverse cultural experiences that Montreal has to offer. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.9 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Dorchester Square, Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, and Mount Royal Park. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Montreal.

Hotel Birks Montreal

Situated within the renowned Birks Building, Hotel Birks Montreal provides a luxurious escape, merging sophisticated European charm with attentive, individualized service. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.7 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Museum of Contemporary Art, Dorchester Square, Complexe Desjardins, Cathedral-Basilica of Mary Queen of the World, Montreal Convention Centre, World Trade Center Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Champ de Mars, and Old Port. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Montreal.

Highly Rated Hotels Close to Airport

Numerous highly-rated hotels are located near Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. After a few days of exploring the region, which can be exhausting and require significant time, opting for an overnight stay nearby is a more practical choice than enduring a lengthy taxi ride to the international airport. This option offers a great opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing your travels. BezzieTravel wishes you a wonderful holiday in Montreal. Check out some of the top-rated hotels close to the airport with prices ranging from $165 to $300.

Cheapest FLIGHT

Montreal is served by two main airports: Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX). YUL, located approximately 20 kilometers from downtown, is the primary airport for the city. There are various transportation options to travel from the airports to downtown Montreal. For many travelers, taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service is the most convenient option. If you're seeking cheaper flights and fewer crowds, it's worth considering visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Check out cheapest flight to Montreal before late.