Notre-Dame Basilica
The deep blue vault and the stained glass telling Montreal’s history, on Place d’Armes.
in Old Montreal →Things to do in Old Montreal
The city’s oldest quarter fits in a grid you can cross in twenty minutes — and where you can easily spend two days. Here is what earns the detour, from the river to Place d’Armes.
What to see & do
Pointe-à-Callière
The museum built over the city’s founding site: you walk through the remains, beneath the building.
in Old Montreal →The Old Port and the observation wheel
The riverside promenade, the year-round observation wheel and Clock Tower Beach in summer.
in Old Port →Saint-Paul Street
Montreal’s oldest street: cobblestones, galleries and terrasses.
in Old Montreal →Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
The sailors’ chapel, with a tower looking out over the port.
in Old Montreal →Place Jacques-Cartier
The square sloping toward the river, full of buskers and terrasses in summer.
in Old Montreal →Centre PHI
Contemporary art, virtual reality and immersive installation, on Saint-Pierre Street.
in Old Montreal →The Clock Tower
An internal staircase climbs to the platform at the eastern tip of the Old Port.
in Old Port →Neighbourhoods to explore
Where to eat & explore
Places to check out
Brasserie Sainte-Catherine
Lively downtown brasserie: grills, seafood and a strong cocktail list. Weekend brunch.
421 reviews →
La Table du Plateau
Neighbourhood bistro known for its market-driven cuisine and private-import wine list. Warm room on Mont-Royal Avenue.
312 reviews →
Griffintown Steakhouse
Contemporary steakhouse: dry-aged cuts, a curated wine cellar and a chic industrial room.
288 reviews →
Festivals & events
- Igloofest (winter, at the Old Port)
- Montréal en Lumière
Dates change each year — check each festival’s official website.
See all Montreal events →Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Old Montreal?
Half a day is enough to walk the quarter; a full day if you go inside the basilica and Pointe-à-Callière.
Is Old Montreal worth it in winter?
Yes — the observation wheel and the museums stay open, the Old Port rink runs, and the quarter is far quieter than in summer.
Can you get there by metro?
Yes: the Place-d’Armes, Champ-de-Mars and Square-Victoria–OACI stations all border the quarter.