Looking for the best things to do in Montréal in 2 days? From scenic hikes and relaxing spas to cocktails and hidden speakeasies, this guide covers it all.
Montréal is a city that feels effortlessly European yet uniquely its own. You’ll find centuries-old streets, world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of ways to slow down and relax. If you live in New York State like I do, getting to Montréal is pretty easy! It’s such a treat to have a city nearby that offers European charm without the transatlantic flight. I even got to practice my French a bit — though most Canadians here speak English, too, it’s fun to try!
During my recent trip, I discovered some incredible places worth adding to your itinerary (and yes, you should plan a visit). Below you’ll find the highlights from my trip, along with extra recommendations I didn’t get to but were highly recommended by locals and friends who have visited before.
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10 Things to Do in Montreal in 2 Days
Check out the best things to do in Montreal in 2 days:
1. Hike to the Top of Mont Royal
If you want the best view of the city, a hike to Mont Royal is a must on your 2-day Montreal visit. The hike up Mont Royal takes about 30 minutes (with lots of stairs — bring water!), and the panoramic skyline views at the top are absolutely worth it.
I’ll be honest: I thought it would be easy, but those stairs were no joke. I had to stop more than once to catch my breath — and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Just be prepared, pace yourself, and definitely bring water. Despite the challenge, it was a great way to start the day and felt like a mini workout with an incredible reward at the end.
2. Relax at Bota Bota, the Floating Spa
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was Bota Bota, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River inside a converted ferry. The spa features a full water circuit, saunas, and massages. Cameras aren’t allowed in the water areas, which makes it harder to share what it’s like inside, but trust me: you’ll want to experience it for yourself.
A friend recommended Bota Bota to my husband and me, and I’m so glad we took the time to go. It was so good that we immediately wished we had booked a second day! As an American, I found the pricing really reasonable: the water circuit was 75 CAD and my massage was 125 CAD (before discount).
If you’re staying at a participating hotel, you can even get an additional discount — we did, since we stayed at the Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton.
3. Take a River Cruise
Seeing Montréal from the water gives you a whole new perspective. Whether you go at sunset or during the day, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the city’s skyline and explore the river. Croisières AML has a lot of options for river cruises – from brunch to day trip cruises, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway in Montreal.
We did the happy hour cruise and it was the perfect experience before we sat down for a nice dinner. We really enjoyed our experience with this company! There were a lot of drink options which made it fun, and some food and snacks if you wanted a bite to eat.
4. Explore the Biodome
The Montréal Biodome gives you the chance to step into five ecosystems in a single visit — from a lush tropical rainforest to the chilly Arctic. If you love animals and nature, you’ll enjoy seeing the wildlife up close and learning how each ecosystem thrives. It’s an experience that works for all ages.
A Quick Tip: if you’re planning to eat here, the on-site café only serves vegetarian options. Also, the Biodome isn’t quite as large as I expected, and it’s a little out of the way, so keep that in mind when planning your day. That said, I still found it worth the visit and enjoyed the chance to experience such a unique mix of environments under one roof.
5. Wander Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montréal
Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montréal is one of the city’s most charming streets. Lined with cobblestones, boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a true must-see while exploring the city. In the summer, the street comes alive with colorful blooms and outdoor seating, giving it a vibrant, European feel.
On a past trip over 10 years ago, I visited in the fall, and it was just as picturesque — with golden leaves, crisp air, and cozy autumn vibes. No matter the season, Rue Saint-Paul offers that postcard-perfect charm that makes you want to slow down and simply enjoy being there.
Our favorite places we stopped for food and cocktails were Barroco, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, and The Keg Steakhouse + Bar.
6. Tour St. Joseph’s Oratory
St. Joseph’s Oratory is Canada’s largest church and one of Montréal’s most iconic landmarks. Its massive dome — the third largest of its kind in the world — is breathtaking up close, and inside the basilica you’ll find soaring ceilings, intricate details, and a serene, moving atmosphere. Even without taking a guided tour, just walking around the grounds gives you a sense of the history and devotion tied to this site, which has long been an important place of pilgrimage.
Reaching the Oratory does mean tackling quite a few stairs, but that climb is part of what makes the visit special. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer areas and beautifully landscaped terraces that add to the sense of calm.
When you finally reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Montréal that make the effort worthwhile. Whether you come for the faith, the history, or simply the architecture, the Oratory offers a peaceful escape from the city and an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
7. Drinks at Bar George
Bar George was a recommendation from Mark, a bartender at Barroco, and I’m so glad we followed his advice. Earlier that day we had walked past the Le Mount Stephen hotel — a grand old mansion that once belonged to Sir George Stephen — and thought it looked way too fancy to go inside. Thanks to Mark, we learned we could, and I’m glad we went back because it ended up being one of the best stops on our trip.
Inside, the space is gorgeous — it feels historic, elegant, and a little over the top in the best way. My favorite detail was actually the big sweeping staircase with stained glass windows we stood by while waiting in line (pictured below). Even though the setting feels like a historic mansion, Bar George keeps things fun and welcoming.
The menu puts a twist on classic U.K. dishes with some local Québec flair, and the drinks are timeless. It was packed when we went, but we managed to get a table inside (if you know you are going here, it may be better to book a reservation first so you don’t have to wait).
After cocktails, we switched to wine — just a heads-up, the prices are on the higher side and not always listed on the menu. Still, the atmosphere makes it worth it, and whether you’re stopping in for a meal or just a drink, Bar George is a Montréal experience you don’t want to miss.
9. Cocktails at El Pequeño
El Pequeño, a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar, is one of the tiniest bars in Canada. We were told it was actually the smallest bar in the country, but I later found some conflicting information online.
Officially, El Pequeño has a legal size of just 141 square feet, though some sources round it closer to 150 — which would technically make Guelph’s Standing Room Only (about 144 square feet) the true title-holder. Either way, it’s tiny, tropical, and such a fun stop. I don’t usually like rum, but I loved the drink the bartender surprised me with here! The space may be small, but the atmosphere and cocktails pack a punch.
10. Discover a Hidden Speakeasy
It really pays to chat with your bartenders! Another bartender we met at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar told us about The Coldroom — a speakeasy you can access through a black door just outside of El Pequeño (pictured below). You knock on the door and may have to wait a bit, but eventually someone comes to let you in. From there, you head downstairs into a dimly lit space with high tables and a laid-back vibe.
The Coldroom was packed the night we went, so we ended up sharing a table with two locals. It turned into such a fun experience — we got to learn more about the culture, and to our surprise, they paid for our drinks before we even realized it (so if they’re somehow reading this — thank you!). Service was a little slow because of how busy it was, but overall the atmosphere was worth it. If you enjoy hidden, hole-in-the-wall bars with character, this is a spot you’ll want to check out.
Bonus Things to Do in Montreal in 2 Days
If you have more time, or if you’re visiting in a different season, here are a few more spots to add to your list:
- Old Port – waterfront walks, Ferris wheel, and festivals in the summer
- Notre-Dame Basilica – one of the most stunning church interiors in North America
- Olympic Park – home to the stadium and the Montréal Tower (this is near the Biodome)
- Jean-Talon Market – a foodie paradise with fresh produce, pastries, and cheeses
- Underground City (RESO) – 20+ miles of shops and walkways below the city, perfect for winter
- Jardin botanique de Montréal – one of the world’s largest botanical gardens
- Musée de l’Holocauste – moving exhibits on Canada, WWII, and the Holocaust
In Summary: Montréal in 2 Days
Montréal is a city that invites you to slow down, savor, and explore. From panoramic hikes to hidden cocktail bars and peaceful sanctuaries like the Bota Bota spa, every corner has something memorable to offer. I think it’s worth visiting in every season, since the city’s beauty changes so much throughout the year. While two days in Montreal isn’t nearly enough, it’s still worth it for a holiday you’ll remember.
If you have favorite Montréal spots that I missed, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
