Cost per day · Canada
Montreal on $40, $100 or $300 a day
How much does Montreal cost per day? Budget travellers get by on about $40 a day, mid-range trips run around $100, and luxury starts near $300 — accommodation, food, transport and activities included.
That makes Montreal the 38th cheapest of 100 cities for a mid-range trip — see all 100 ranked.
Montreal is North America's most European city — a bilingual metropolis where French joie de vivre meets North American energy. Cobblestone Old Montreal, world-class festivals, poutine at 3am, and a creative arts scene that rivals Brooklyn make it endlessly exciting.
Montreal is one of North America's most affordable big cities. Smoked meat sandwiches cost $10, BYOB restaurants keep dinner cheap, and many of the best festivals (Jazz Fest, Nuit Blanche) are free. The BIXI bike system is excellent and cheap.
✈️ How to Get There
🗺️ What to Do
Canada's tallest observation wheel — climate-controlled cabins over the Old Port, the river, and Habitat 67, in every season including deep winter.
Read guide → Get tickets on Tiqets →The Montreal Art Centre & Museum features a fabulous permanent art collection, displaying an array of 19th century paintings and works on paper by some of the world's most important artists. In addition, there are three historic, Italian, French, and Quebec themed museum galleries. We are located in Griffintown at 1844 William Street, in a historic patrimonial building built in 1879. Our mission is to support, assist and promote locally based visual and performance artists. For our emerging, amateur and hobby artists, we bring our members together in a strong collaborative community. We work diligently to support mutual areas of interests and goals.
Get tickets on Tiqets →Discover the sights and sounds of Montreal made possible only by a scooter rental or tour from Montreal Scooter! Gas scooter rentals by the hour, day, week, or month allow you to efficiently discover Montreal on your own terms. Choose from a fully-equipped Honda Metropolitan, Vespa LX 50, Vespa Primavera 50, Vespa Primavera 150, or Vespa GTS 300. MOMO Design helmets are protective, functional, and stylish. Complimentary bottled water or San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages keep you hydrated and refreshed. Guided city and food tours maximize your time and safety by leaving the route and stops to our friendly guides. Training provided for first time riders. Discover a whole new world on 2 wheels. Check our website for details and all available start times and options!
Get tickets on Tiqets →🏨 Where to Stay
Modern hostel in Chinatown, rooftop terrace with city views
Check prices on Klook →Artsy hostel in Old Montreal, painted murals and cosy common areas
Check prices on Klook →Hostel accommodation with dorm beds and, usually, a few private rooms.
Check prices on Klook →Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Old Montréal & the Port ~$35
Day 2: The Plateau & Mile End ~$30
Day 3: Markets & Canal ~$35
Use BIXI bikes ($6/day) — the city is flat and bikeable. Eat at BYOB restaurants to save on drinks. Schwartz's smoked meat is essential ($12). The Jazz Fest in July has hundreds of free outdoor concerts. Get the STM unlimited metro pass.
Mid-range Montreal opens up excellent restaurants in the Mile End and Plateau, boutique hotels in Old Montreal, and cultural experiences that blend French and English Canadian cultures beautifully.
✈️ How to Get There
🗺️ What to Do
Canada's tallest observation wheel — climate-controlled cabins over the Old Port, the river, and Habitat 67, in every season including deep winter.
Read guide → Get tickets on Tiqets →World-class museum with excellent Canadian and international art
Get tickets on Tiqets →Native Tours believes the perfect city tour is one tailored to your own linkings and needs in order to become a fun and comprehensive excursion that will turn out to be the highlight of your vacation in Montreal.
Get tickets on Tiqets →🏨 Where to Stay
Hotel Nelligan's elegant accommodations pair century-old stone walls with a chic, modern decor. Natural light flows through the 44 rooms, 59 suites and 2 penthouses, while stately furnishings and high-end amenities punctuate the ambiance. The hotel perfectly accommodates groups with its expansive ballroom (fits up to 350) and 4 modern conference spaces. In the lobby, a regal, four-story atrium will house the Nelli Café soon. It will be the perfect place for grabbing a coffee, light meal or glass of wine while adjoining Verses Restaurant offers a market-fresh menu. And for a taste of Montreal's mischievous side, Mechant Boeuf serves up delicious cocktails and great music nightly! Room service is also available. Finally, situated atop the elegant property, Terrasse Nelligan delivers unmatched city views! CITQ 180390
Check prices on Klook →William Gray is a new luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Montreal. Overlooking the Place Jacques-Cartier, the hotel introduces a dynamic and singular experience with its world class hospitality, spectacular views and timeless style. The hotel features: a restaurant, 2 rooftops terraces, a luxury spa (with an outdoor pool) with an array of signature treatments and a thermal circuit, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a green courtyard for lounging, and abundant spaces for small and large events. CITQ 293576
Check prices on Klook →Four-star chain hotel, reliably comfortable rooms and full service without luxury pricing.
Check prices on Klook →Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: History & Heights ~$110
Day 2: Museums & the Plateau ~$120
Day 3: Markets & Mountain ~$110
Stay in Old Montreal for charm or the Plateau for neighbourhood life. Book Joe Beef 4+ weeks ahead. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is excellent. Fairmount Bagels vs St-Viateur is the great Montreal debate — try both.
Luxury Montreal is sophisticated and surprisingly affordable compared to New York or Toronto. The Ritz-Carlton is magnificent, the dining scene has Michelin-quality without the pretension, and the cultural calendar is packed year-round.
✈️ How to Get There
🗺️ What to Do
Canada's tallest observation wheel — climate-controlled cabins over the Old Port, the river, and Habitat 67, in every season including deep winter.
Read guide → Get tickets on Tiqets →Explore Montreal with a professional local guide and true Montrealer! I offer walking tours that make you see, feel and understand Montreal the way I do. An insightful, factual and fun urban experience! I am passionate about storytelling. I share in a didactic way entertaining details to make sure you have a better understanding of the city, its past but also its current inhabitants. For more info, go to mmtour .ca
Get tickets on Tiqets →Exclusive maple syrup experience at a traditional cabane à sucre
Get tickets on Tiqets →🏨 Where to Stay
Inside the historic Birks jewellery building, stunning conversion
Check prices on Klook →Golden Square Mile location, Marcus restaurant, rooftop pool
Check prices on Klook →Five-star international hotel with a full spa, notable restaurants and the service standard the brand implies.
Check prices on Klook →Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Gastronomy & Spa ~$550
Day 2: Art & Wine ~$650
Day 3: River & Culture ~$600
The Ritz-Carlton is Montreal's finest. Book Joe Beef or Toqué! well in advance. The Spa Bota Bota (on a boat) is unique. Winter luxury includes the Igloo Fest and designer hotel packages. The Quartier des Spectacles lights up at night.
About Montreal
Humid continental with dramatic seasons. Bitterly cold, snowy winters (−10°C and below) and hot, humid summers (25–30°C) packed with festivals. Autumn brings spectacular foliage; spring is short.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -9° | -7° | -1° | 7° | 15° | 20° | 23° | 22° | 17° | 10° | 3° | -6° |
| 16d | 13d | 13d | 12d | 13d | 13d | 12d | 11d | 11d | 12d | 14d | 16d |
| low | low | low | mid | mid | high | high | high | mid | mid | low | low |
The STM Métro (four colour-coded lines) is fast, warm in winter and linked to the Underground City (RÉSO). Buses fill the gaps and BIXI bikes cover summer. Downtown and the Plateau are very walkable. Tap an OPUS card or pay by card.
The basilica and the old square, the cobbled main street and the waterfront at the end.
Bagels in Mile End, the smoked meat counter, the square, the park and the mountain the city is named after.
A travel eSIM gets you online the moment you land in Canada — data plans start at $7 — no roaming bill, no queue for a local SIM, and nothing to swap in and out of your phone. Install it before you fly.
Cobbled streets, the Notre-Dame Basilica and the old port. Beautiful and central, if pricey and busy through the summer.
Best for midrangeSpiral staircases, murals, indie cafés and the city's best brunch. The classic Montréal residential picture-book.
Best for midrangeBagel bakeries, vintage shops, Leonard Cohen murals and a Hasidic-meets-hipster mix. The coolest cheap eats in the city.
Best for budgetSkyscrapers, the Underground City, museums and the Quartier des Spectacles where the big festivals take over.
Best for midrangeThe Gay Village, pedestrianised in summer under canopies of coloured balls; bars, terraces and a party atmosphere.
Best for budgetGrand mansions, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the city's most exclusive addresses on the slope of Mount Royal.
Best for luxury- ✓Greet with "Bonjour" — or "Bonjour-Hi" in shops, which signals either language is fine
- ✓Attempt a little French — even a fumbled "merci" is warmly received
- ✓Tip 15–20%, calculated on the pre-tax total
- ✓Bring your own wine to "apportez votre vin" (BYOB) restaurants
- ✓Embrace terrasse season — outdoor dining is sacred from May to October
- ✓Layer up in winter and use the Underground City to stay warm
- ✗Assume everyone prefers English — let locals pick the language
- ✗Dismiss Québec as just "French Canada" — the identity is its own thing
- ✗Skip the tip — it's expected, as across North America
- ✗Expect Toronto-style hustle — Montréal runs at a more relaxed pace
- ✗Jaywalk in front of police — it can be fined
- ✗Underestimate winter — windchill regularly hits −25°C
Travel Insurance for Montreal
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Montreal. Safety is rated Very safe — even in safe destinations, unexpected medical emergencies or trip cancellations can be costly. Make sure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation.
Visa note: Visa-free for many nationalities; visa-exempt air travellers need an eTA. US citizens need neither.. Some countries require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application.
Get travel insurance for Montreal →FAQ: Montreal Travel Questions
Is Montreal safe to visit? ▾
Very safe
When is the best time to visit Montreal? ▾
May – June, September – October Humid continental with dramatic seasons. Bitterly cold, snowy winters (−10°C and below) and hot, humid summers (25–30°C) packed with festivals. Autumn brings spectacular foliage; spring is short.
How much does a trip to Montreal cost per day? ▾
- budget: $40–$70/day
- midrange: $100–$170/day
- luxury: $300–$500/day
- business: $120–$250/day
Do I need a visa to visit Canada? ▾
Visa-free for many nationalities; visa-exempt air travellers need an eTA. US citizens need neither.
How do I get around Montreal? ▾
The STM Métro (four colour-coded lines) is fast, warm in winter and linked to the Underground City (RÉSO). Buses fill the gaps and BIXI bikes cover summer. Downtown and the Plateau are very walkable. Tap an OPUS card or pay by card. Montreal has a metro system. Taxi base fare ~$4. Day pass ~$11.
Is tipping expected in Montreal? ▾
Expected. 15–20% at restaurants and bars (tip on the pre-tax total); round up for taxis.
What currency is used in Canada? ▾
The local currency is CAD (C$), and the official language is French.