Old Montreal

Montreal
Old Montreal which includes street scenes and a city
Once surrounded by ramparts, this historic area within Montreal city now shines as one of the oldest and best preserved urban centers in North America. 

Nestled between the banks of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal Downtown is the original fortified town of Old Montreal. Although the walls have disappeared years ago, the cobblestone streets and architecture spanning three centuries make Old Montreal feel more like an old European city than a New World capital.

Visit the birthplace of the city at Pointe-à-Callière and wander the narrow, twisting Rue Saint-Paul, the city’s oldest surviving street. Just opposite Montreal City Hall, join Benjamin Franklin on the guest list at the Château Ramezay. Built as the governor’s residence in the 18th century, today the mansion serves as a museum dedicated to Montreal’s history. Just a block away at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, see the foundation of the city’s first stone chapel, which was built in the 17th century.

The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History traces the city’s past back to its days as a 17th-century fur-trading post and beyond. Examine artifacts of local Amerindian people dating back thousands of years. Many of the exhibits are innovatively displayed underground in their original dig sites.

The culinary arts play a central role in Old Montreal’s history too. Dine at the Cabaret du Roy in Bonsecours Market to experience traditional cuisine alongside colonial characters brought to life by local actors. Old Montreal is also a hotbed of contemporary culture. Watch a show at the Centaur Theatre or the latest in local contemporary art at DHC/ART. 

To get the most from your visit, join a walking, Segway or bicycle tour. Self-guided maps and guides are available from the visitor center and museums. For the quintessential Montreal experience, take a ride in a horse-drawn calèche after dark, when Old Montreal's finest buildings are beautifully illuminated with specially designed lighting.

Old Montreal is easily accessible via buses, metros, ferry and Underground City walkways.  For drivers, street parking is nearly impossible, but paid garages are available. 

Most museums in Old Montreal charge admission. During the summer months, museums are open daily, but during the offseason, they are closed part of the week, so a little preplanning is advised.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Montreal Hotel Deals

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
3.5 out of 5
445 Rue St-Jean Baptiste, Montreal, QC
The price is ¥16,823 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥16,823
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"parking was a hassle. Not a lot of spots in the garage. Also the breakfast area had way too much rush and they run out of bacon yogurt milk etc. and it was not replenished soon enough. Like we found out they had items once we were done because they had run out when we were in line to get it. Apart ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal
Hotel Place d'Armes
Hotel Place d'Armes
4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
The price is ¥27,741 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥27,741
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,369 reviews)
"Excellent staff, restaurant is really good. Booked a superior room this time which was nice enough but prefer the classic room we had on our previous stay. Location is great however light sleepers beware especially at weekends. Our stay was spoilt a little by the noise coming from the bar across ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hotel Place d'Armes
Hyatt Centric Montréal
Hyatt Centric Montréal
3.5 out of 5
621 rue Notre Dame Est, Montreal, QC
The price is ¥22,561 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥22,561
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star property in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (392 reviews)
"none"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hyatt Centric Montréal
Le Westin Montréal
Le Westin Montréal
4 out of 5
270 St. Antoine Ouest, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,399 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥24,399
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Montreal Baby"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Le Westin Montréal
Hotel William Gray
Hotel William Gray
4.5 out of 5
421 Rue St-Vincent, Vieux, Montreal, QC
The price is ¥34,537 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥34,537
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Clean and friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hotel William Gray
Hotel Nelligan
Hotel Nelligan
4.5 out of 5
106 Saint-Paul Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is ¥27,368 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥27,368
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,439 reviews)
"Awesome room overlooking Montreal! Close walk to the old port."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hotel Nelligan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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4.5/5(31 area reviews)

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Old Montreal