The 21 Best Things to Do in Old Montreal

Perhaps the most popular spa-day activity in the city is Bota Bota’s water circuit. Rotating exposure between saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and other temperature-controlled environments, the water circuit makes for a rejuvenating and relaxing experience at a relatively affordable price.

If you’d rather not spend your day on a converted barge, Spa William Gray offers a range of massages and other treatments from the comfort of their dim but comforting facilities in the Hotel William Gray; Rainspa has therapeutic massages and a traditional hammam (Turkish bath); and Scandinave Spa provides an escape from the city with thermotherapy and massages.

Dispensa is a quaint Italian grocery-café, with imported goods, a great espresso, and a selection of paninis and treats. Stop by morning or afternoon for a pick-me-up and a flavourful sandwich. If Dispensa is Italian through and through, Micro Espresso is its wholly third-wave counterpart, selling locally roasted coffees. Hectare Café brings Caribbean inspiration, with beans sourced from Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, while Structure Torréfacteurs sources quality, sustainable coffee.

And no overview of Old Montreal’s cafés would be complete without mentioning Crew Café—a tourist attraction at its core, but an undoubtedly beautiful place with expansive, almost cathedral-like ceilings.

Olivier Potier’s Chez Potier is a gourmet grocery store in Old Montreal that offers a range of sweets by Potier and his team (think chocolates, fruit jellies, macarons, croissants, cakes, and other pastries), plus bakery products made by local artisans, ready-to-eat products, and local and imported groceries. Their pastry cases are filled with colourful desserts, while their viennoiseries display caramel-coloured exteriors and perfectly laminated centres.

If you like a trendy treat, head to La Cave à Manger for their “Suprême Croissant” (a filled swirl of laminated dough) alongside their regular roster of croissants and other pastries.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche’s Quebec-sourced seafood and game-forward menu rotates regularly, reflecting the seasons and the kitchen’s consequent sensibilities. One month, diners may find braised piglet risotto with foie gras shavings, or halibut and smoked mussels with fava beans and white wine sauce; the next month, something entirely new will take over. From the same creators is Le Serpent, which serves Italian-inspired brasserie food—crudos, burrata, pastas, and a sirloin steak.

Mix it up with a meal at the Italian-Peruvian fusion restaurant, Capisco, or the Polish, pierogi and kielbasa-filled Stash Café. Discover Chinese-American cuisine with a grill-heavy menu at Oncle Lee Kǎo, or traditional American BBQ at Lattuca. Place Carmin reimagines the French brasserie in their stylish space.

Given its name, Old Montreal has plenty of time-honoured institutions. Of the most well-known and beloved is Da Emma, a Roman restaurant that’s been serving handmade pastas since 1993. Their cozy stone-walled, basement dining room lends itself to a rustic atmosphere, complemented by a series of carne and pesce that rivals dishes in the Eternal City.

Gandhi is an Indian and Halal restaurant in the neighbourhood, with white tablecloths and a wide selection of curries, meats, fish, and vegetarian options. Chez Delmo does seafood right, with a lobster bisque that takes two days to make, and an address on Rue Notre Dame that’s remained unchanged since 1938. Bonaparte executes classic French cuisine in a refined, historic atmosphere. Helena roots Portuguese food in the local produce of Quebec, while Gibbys conquers high-quality seafood and prime cuts of steak.

Old Montreal is a hotspot for fine dining and Michelin guide restaurants, Garde Manger being just one of many culinary destinations the neighbourhood has to offer. With both a 4-6 course chef’s menu and à la carte options, there’s more than one way to experience the restaurant, though with their fresh seafood-oriented menu, it’s hard to leave unsatisfied.

If you’d rather a more hearty, meat-forward meal, try out Monarque or Barroco; for a succinct, contemporary French menu, book a table at Dorsia; enjoy seasonal Italian at Graziella; and the crudo and charcoal grilled fare at Jellyfish.

Clandestino, an Old Montreal speakeasy specializing in Tequila and Mezcal, fosters a moody yet elegant ambience with their glowing red bulb lighting, ornate gold-trimmed bar, and velvet couches. On the drinks side, their bartending team puts out well-crafted cocktails, like the Calsa Verde (mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, tomatillo, lime, jalapeño, pineapple, and herbs) and the Rosé (blanco tequila nitro-infused with strawberry, Lillet Blanc, champagne acid, and lemon bitters).

Also worth visiting: Santos, a supper club with food, cocktails, and regular DJ sets; Negroni Room, a craft cocktail bar specializing in Negronis; Subterra, a listening bar that blends vinyl records with signature drinks; Bord’Elle, a 1920s-themed spot with burlesque performances and aerial shows; and Bowie, a speakeasy and cocktail bar inside a hidden supper club.

At one corner of Old Montreal, rests a cluster of many internationally lauded cocktail bars—just steps away from each other. The Coldroom is housed in a transformed 19th century cold storage warehouse, accessible only after ringing a bell; El Pequeño, Canada’s smallest bar, brings a taste of Cuba to the neighbourhood; and Bisou Bisou celebrates apéritif culture from their vibrant, charming greystone. Each has different draws, but share the same hospitality group and love of craft cocktails.

Plus, just down the street, L’infâme Tittle Tattle serves up inventive new wave cocktails, while customers anonymously disclose secrets in a glass urn.

Shelves filled with bottles of wine and a wraparound bar with a turquoise espresso machine swiftly sum up the ethos of Monopole. A café by day and wine bar by night, open from 8 am to 11 pm, it’s the perfect spot to transition from afternoon to evening. Pore over their curated wine list or try out one of their speciality cocktails, and order a small plate or two while you’re at it.

Buvette Pastek is another swanky spot to enjoy a drink and appetizer. Their apéro menu is focused—spicy salmon crispy rice, chips & dip, fried olives, charcuterie and cheeses—and pairs well with an extensive wine list.

The Notre Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most popular tourist destinations, but for good reason. This heritage site, the first Gothic Revival church in Canada, unites art and religion with stunning stained glass windows and paintings. To enter the basilica, tickets are required, and can be purchased for a variety of experiences. To admire the architecture and atmosphere in its simplest form, book a sightseeing visit. For a more immersive experience, go for the AURA experience which incorporates a sound and light show.

This 1-hour ride on the Saint Lawrence manages to fit a city tour and summer cool-off into one. Strapped in and wearing a life-jacket, you’ll ride Saute Moutons’ custom Jet Boats, which are designed to jump the waves in a thrilling, roller-coaster-like experience. As you ride, catch views of Habitat 67, the Biosphere, and the Victoria and Champlain Bridge. Just don’t forget your bathing suit and a towel to dry off after disembarking.

Old Port is a lush area for Montreal’s art world, with a roster of galleries in addition to PHI, a non-profit contemporary art organization. Their exhibitions rotate, though in general they have several at once, and focus on the intersection of art, technology, and human nature, and PHI’s key tenet of accessibility, creating space for dialogue and discovery.

Some smaller galleries in the area include: Le Cèr, the gallery showcasing Cor Oda and Kit King’s paintings and sculptures; Galerie d’Art Beauchamp, with a selection of works by emerging and established contemporary artists; Galerie d’Art L’Original, which aims to display artistic talent while raising ecological awareness; and L’Affichiste, a vintage poster gallery and shop.

Felix Boutique is part sneaker shop, part espresso bar—perfect for those who love shoes and coffee equally. They have a careful curation of sneakers from international brands and launches, bringing the energy of streetwear to Old Montreal. Also worth visiting is SSENSE’s only boutique location. The Montreal-based, multi-brand retailer, operates on appointment only in their headquarters, delivering a luxurious shopping experience whether or not you decide to purchase something.

On the homeware end, Maison Pépin sells everything from dishes to furniture, while Boutique Bonjour hits all the necessary stops for a gift shop, with an array of paper goods, homeware, jewelry, and more.

Maktaba is a concept bookstore and boutique, run by artists and rooted in representation and culture. They carry a selection of English language books, vinyl records, and merchandise and host a range of programming—from book launches and readings to screenings and cultural events. Explore their collections on Edward Said, Black Power, Femme & Queer writers, Palestine, Indigenous Futures, Poetry, and more.

For a wider selection of titles, check out Librairie Bertrand, an independent and bilingual bookstore that’s been in Old Montreal for more than 70 years.

Centaur Theatre opened in 1969 with a company dedicated to the English international canon, ranging classical to contemporary. It has since become a fixture in the city for English Canadian theatre, reflecting the landscape of Montreal’s home province and its cultural contributions. Their seasons incorporate traditional plays and inventive theatre experiences, with tickets starting around $30 for select performances. Enjoy English classics, like Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, or discover new works by local playwrights.

Named for Émile Nelligan, a famous Québécois poet, Hotel Nelligan has an eye for the detail and artistry integral in luxury hosting. Nestled in a historic building in Old Montreal, this boutique hotel—which underwent a redesign in early 2026—has stylish, renovated rooms, Le Labo bath amenities, and a beautiful rooftop terrasse.

Hotel William Gray, with its modern design and historic architecture, in-house, full-service spa, library, and bar, offers a taste of luxury in Old Montreal, whether you’re staying the night or just enjoying a massage. If historic charm is more your speed, Auberge du Vieux-Port, housed in two buildings from the 19th century, offers rooms with red brick walls and the rustic, European flair of Old Montreal.

Ateliers et Saveurs is a culinary school offering cooking and cocktail workshops, as well as wine tastings. Each class and tasting is led by restaurant industry professionals, passionate about transferring their skills and love of food and drink to their students. Learn a certain cuisine (Mexican, Thai, Japanese) or specific dishes like sushi or tapas; perfect cocktails with a specific liquor, or show range with three cocktails for three countries. Go by yourself, with a friend or partner, or arrange a group event—their Old Montreal location has a capacity of up to 120 people.

Place des Montréalaises is comprised of a series of green spaces over the Ville Marie Expressway—a public space used to unite Montreal’s residents and their land, while simultaneously celebrating the accomplishments of Montreal’s women. A flower meadow inhabits the heart of the square, with each of its 21 garden plots honouring a different woman—from Jeanne Mance to the 14 victims of the École Polytechnique massacre. It’s a pedestrian walkway from the Champ-de-Mars metro station to City Hall, but also a place to pause and admire your surroundings.

Just across the way, on Île Notre-Dame, is Montreal’s only Casino—and the largest in Canada. Housed in two former Expo 67 pavilions, it’s a true feat of architecture and entertainment. The complex offers thousands of casino games, with slot machines and gaming tables taking centre stage. Beyond the expected, they’ve got restaurants, DJ sets and live bands, cabarets, concerts, immersive games, and more. Whether you’re there to try your luck or soak in the spectacle, it’ll be a uniquely Montreal experience.

Clock Tower Beach has many draws: sand, parasols, and a view of the river’s calm flow. The only thing missing is swim access, though misting stations and an attached bar do well alleviating the summer heat. If you don’t have time to visit one of Montreal’s other beaches, Clock Tower makes the perfect escape from the city where you can sunbathe, cloud gaze, or enjoy the coastal breeze. Only five minutes from downtown, and in close proximity to Old Montreal, stop by for a picnic lunch or relaxing hour before heading back into the bustle of cobblestone streets.

Olive et Gourmando’s quaint quarters on the corner of Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre are rarely not busy—a testament to their stronghold on both the locals and tourists roaming Old Montreal. If you manage to secure a table, or grab something to-go, their seasonal menu, incorporating granola, paninis, salads, and ample pastries will satisfy sweet and savoury teeth alike.

Paparmane is for those seeking a more upscale experience, serving 25 premium teas during their afternoon English tea times and a rotating menu with sandwiches, canapés, scones, and sweets. Dandy offers a compromise between the two, with sit-down all-day brunch service, featuring ricotta pancakes, toasts, salads, and more.