by David Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Most European City of North America
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A. About Montreal
Montreal, the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, feels more European than North American.
Old Montreal's cobblestoned streets lined with buildings dating from the 17th through 19th centuries blend into a 21st-century skyline.
You will also find a vibrant dining and club scene that reflects contemporary Montreal's culturally diverse population.
➕ The Good
While Montreal ranks in none of the categories extremely high, it still consistently scores solidly in most of them and is also known for its very friendly locals.
➖ Negative Aspects
There is neither a standout sight nor many sights in total and Montreal is not cheap.
The city is also famous for its harsh winters.
B. Best Things to Do in Montreal in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than ninety sights in Montreal. These sights contribute to a score of 6.55/10 in this most important category:
# Basilique Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Basilica) 6
Dedicated in 1829, this grand Gothic Revival church is best known for its outstanding deep blue interior and its stained-glass windows.
Roman Catholic Basilica Completed: 1672 | Style: Gothic Revival
by David Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Vieux-Montréal 6
Charming Vieux-Montréal with its narrow cobblestone streets is one of North America's oldest urban areas with historic sites and buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
by Joanne Lévesque / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) 5
Inaugurated in 1876 Montreal's largest (2.8 km2 /692 acres) and the most beautiful park boasts wonderful views over the city from its two lookout points.
Other features of the park are a small artificial lake, a snow tube, and toboggan run, cross-country skiing trails, and a sculpture garden.
Park Land Area: 2.8 km2 / 692 acres | Created: 1876
by JustLiza / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Underground City 5
Officially called RÉSO, the Underground City is a multi-level network of 32 kilometers of pedestrian tunnels connecting office towers, hotels, shopping centers, residential and commercial complexes, convention halls, universities, and performing arts venues.
Despite its name, is not a city and most of it is not actually underground.
Series of Interconnected Buildings
by Ancien et moderne / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Botanical Gardens 5
Established in 1931 and often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world, Montreal's Botanical Gardens feature ten large, themed greenhouses as well as outdoor gardens (covered with snow from about November until about April).
Botanical Garden Land Area: 190 acres / 0.76 km2 | Established: 1931
by Thomas1313 / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Museum of Fine Arts 5
Spread across five pavilions Montreal's most prestigious museum houses a fine collection of Canadian and international works.
by Thomas1313 / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Biosphere 5
Housed in a two-thirds sphere constructed for Expo 67, this museum is promoting the environment and its protection.
by Hamidreza / CC BY-SA 3.0
# St. Joseph's Oratory 5
Sitting adjacent to Mont-Royal, this neo-renaissance-style domed basilica is Canada’s largest church.
Roman Catholic Church Consecrated: 1904 | Style: Neo-Renaissance
by Laslovarga / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Plateau Mont-Royal 5
This dynamic borough is considered the nerve center of the Montréal artistic community.
#10 | Place Jacques-Cartier 4
Car-free in summer, this charming cobblestone square overlooked by Nelson's Column is surrounded by historic buildings.
by Chester / CC BY-SA 2.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Montreal
Ottawa 6
Ottawa, Canada's capital, features historic Parliament Hill, national museums, and a rich cultural calendar.
City Distance from Montréal: 203 km
by Saffron Blaze / CC BY-SA 3.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Montreal (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Montreal for at least three entire days:
Basilique Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Basilica) 6
Vieux-Montréal (City District) 6
Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park) 5
Underground City 5
Botanical Gardens 5
Museum of Fine Arts 5
Biosphere (Museum, Modern Building) 5
St. Joseph's Oratory (Church) 5
Plateau Mont-Royal (City District) 5
Place Jacques-Cartier (Square) 4