Montreal is a great city in the world and also a cosmopolitan destination with an amazing history, excellent neighborhoods to explore and a wonderful waterfront.
Still, you can do a lot of things in Montreal for under $50, here are the best 5 things you can do:
1. Explore the markets place
Explore the markets place
Atwater Market is an amazing spot located just west of downtown. Here you’ll see all types of fun shops selling all sorts of special items; starting from colored macaroons in shades of vivid pink and lime green to sushi and sausages. You’ll also get amazing pastries (try Premiere Moisson for great bread and sandwiches) and wonderful cheeses all over the world.
Located at the end of both Little Burgundy and Saint-Henri, it’s alongside the Lachine Canal, which is a destination in itself. You can reach here driving yourself or taking the transit, but the ideal way is from downtown is to ride a BIXI bike, which you can rent for a half-hour for $2.95.
2. Visit Old Montreal
Visit Old Montreal
You do not have to pay anything wandering about the part of the city, which is one of the great destinations in Canada. Old Montreal is full of trendy clothing stores and many other shops, excellent galleries and many restaurants. Do not miss out visiting Olive et Gourmando for their amazing granola.
Pointe-a-Callière is yet another great cool museum displaying the city’s history and archaeology. Here you’ll find the ruins that date back centuries to the city’s very beginnings, and also the historic artifacts and ongoing exhibitions. Here the entry is $22 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Nearby is one of the best places for croissants in the country, Maison Christian Faure.
3. Visit the Old Port
Visit Old Port
Montreal’s Old Port is also a majestic place along the St. Lawrence River. There’s no charge to wander about and enjoy the scenery but some activities cost a few dollars. The entry is at $22 for adults to visit the exhibitions at the Montreal Science Centre, with discounted prices for teens, children, and seniors. You can also avail of the family packages. In case you are a movie buff, spend $12 to catch a movie at the IMAX Theatre.
You can also enjoy a one-hour boat ride with the folks from Le Bateau-Mouche which is a fun way to get out on the water and explore the city from a different perspective. It’ll cost $26 for adults, and every adult is allowed to bring a child between 6 and 14 for free. For older children pay $13. Kids five and under are free.
Visit the zipline over Bonsecours lagoon, which offers a magnificent view of the port and the St. Lawrence. It’s priced $19.99 for adults and $16.99 for children.
4. Enjoy bagels with a bonus sandwich
Enjoy bagels with a bonus sandwich
Bagels of Montreal are one of the best in the world. These bread products are slightly sweet dipped in honey and water before being cooked in a wood-burning oven. The two best places in the city are Fairmount and St-Viateur, which are only a few blocks apart in the Mile End neighborhood.
5. Watch the culture at the Museum of Fine Arts
Watch the culture at the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is a great place featuring several buildings connected via tunnels, which is quite useful in winter or a rainy day. Here you will find a range of thought-provoking art from all over the world, along with a fine sculpture garden.
You’ll also find a painting by Cree artist Kent Monkman called Trilogy of St. Thomas, displaying a white explorer making off with a native Canadian who’s wearing a headdress of traditional feathers and high heels. Here you’ll also get to see the amazing, 13th-century carvings from Iran and great works from Canada’s renowned Group of Seven. The entry fees will cost $24 for adults 31 and up and $16 for folks from 21 to 30. People 20 and under can get in for free.
