Montreal is a beautiful, cultural city with so much to do. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe the entire time. Montreal’s first language is French, and even as a very basic French-speaker, I was able to navigate my way around with no problems. If you only have 24 hours in Montreal, this itinerary may help you decide what to do!
Where to Stay
For this itinerary, I would recommend staying in Old Montreal, or near Old Montreal, so that you are close to the majority of attractions.
Another option for where to stay is along the bus route from the Airport. I stayed at the Hotel Zero 1, which was a 10 minute walk away from Old Montreal and located just outside of the entrance to Chinatown. The reason why I chose this hotel is because the bus stop for the airport is literally right in front of the hotel, and there is a metro stop a block away.
The Hotel Zero 1 was a convenient location for arriving at night and not having to find my way around Montreal in the dark. You get off of the bus, and it’s right there. I was also able to leave my bags with reception after I checked out, and when it was time to pick my bags back up again I didn’t have to carry my luggage really far to get back to the airport.
How to get around Montreal
Getting to and from the Montreal Airport to downtown Montreal is quite easy. There is the 747 bus that goes directly from the airport into Montreal and makes various stops in downtown Montreal. When you arrive at the Montreal, just follow the signs for the 747 bus stop.
It costs $10 for a one-way trip. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at one of the airport Kiosks, or directly on the bus. If you purchase your ticket on the bus, you will need to pay with cash and must have the exact amount.
Instead of buying a bus ticket, another option to consider buying is a 3 day pass to Montreal for $20. Yes, you read that right – purchase a 3 day pass (even if you are staying in Montreal for 24 hours). The 3 day pass includes roundtrip transportation to and from the airport AND public transportation around Montreal, so you are saving money! This can also be purchased at one of the Airport Kiosks when you arrive in Montreal.
Tip: To easily navigate my way around a new city, I use the app Citymappers. It notified me which subway stop to get off, when the buses were coming, and so much more.
What to Do in Montreal for 24 hours
Hike up Mont Royal
The hike up Mont Royal is a very beautiful and peaceful way to start the day. Since I was travelling by myself I wasn’t sure if I should hike through a forest alone, but once I got to the trails it felt perfectly safe. It is a busy park, so very safe!
There is a wide, main trail that you can take up to the top, and small narrow trails off of the main one. The trails are well-marked, and it is quite busy. I walked along the main trail up to the Mont Royal look-off point. The view is well worth the hike!
At the top there is also a café (and bathrooms!). This took 2 hours round trip, but you could easily spend more time here walking around, or eating in the café.
Go to a Museum
There are so many museums located in Montreal, that it can be hard to pick just one. If you have just finished hiking up Mont Royal (whether it be in the winter or summer), warming up in museum could be a good option.
One of the exits from the Mont Royal trail is close to the Museum of Fine Arts in the Downtown area of Montreal. If an Art Museum doesn’t sound appealing, there are more museums located in Old Montreal instead (like the Science Museum, Anthropology museum). Unfortunately, museums aren’t free. Check their websites for entrance fees.
Walk around Old Montreal
Yes, a walking tour in the summer OR winter! I did a free 2.5 hour walking tour with https://www.freemontrealtours.com/ which was great since I didn’t need to try and find all of the main sites on my own, and it saved a lot of time.
The tour was from 3:30- 5:30pm, but there are lots of available tours to fit any schedule. Our guide pointed out good places to eat, and took us through the Underground Mall (which felt like a maze!).
Notre Dame Basilica
Located in Old Montreal is the Notre Dame Basicila. If you do a walking tour of Old Montreal, this is a convenient place to visit next during your 24 hours in Montreal.
During the day, the entrance fee is approximately $6. However, if you visit the Notre Dame in the evening, they have an impressive laser show. It is about 40 minutes long.
Tickets for the laser show sell out quickly, so if this is something you want to do then buy them earlier in the day. The tickets are quite expensive too ($25 at the time of this writing in 2020), so if you still want to see the Notre Dame at another time when the laser show isn’t on, you can go earlier in the day while exploring Old Montreal.
Other Things to Do in Montreal for 24 hours
Go to a festival
Montreal are known for their festivals. Guaranteed whenever you go, there will be a festival to check out. If you are going in the winter, the great thing about Montreal is that they don’t hide from winter, they embrace it.
When I went to Montreal in January, they had a Fete de Nieges Festival at the Parc Jean-Drapeau which had acrobats, ice sculptures and ice skating. It was so much fun to go skating overlooking the skyline of Montreal.
There were 3 other festivals during my stay in Montreal, so before you go check to see if there are any festivals going on that may interest you.
See a Cirque Du Soleil Show
If you are lucky to be in Montreal at the same time they are performing, I would absolutely recommend seeing a Cirque du Soleil show. The music, costumes and the stunts performed were so beautiful and incredible. Located on the Jacque-Cartier Pier in Old Montreal, it is in a convenient location. There are lots of places you can eat at as well before the show. Getting home, even alone, is also very easy since it is in a busy and safe area. I took an Uber back to my hotel.
Biodome
It is a bit further from downtown Montreal (about an hour and a half walk, or a 25 minute car ride), so it would be best to visit if you have a few hours to spare, or an extra day in Montreal. This is a really interesting place to visit, it has a different environments you can experience with their own ecosystems. (like a rainforest). There are animals (like penguins!), and fish. If you have extra time then I would highly recommend checking this place out.
Biosphere
Not to be confused with the Biodome, the Biosphere is the orb shaped building in the Park Jean-Drapeau. It is a museum that covers environmental issues, and has beautiful views of the Montreal skyline.
Do a Food Tour
Montreal is a foodie’s paradise. There are so many incredible places to eat. Montreal offers walking tours of their Mile End district.
Visit the Nordic Spa
What could be better than relaxing along the Montreal River in warm, therapeutic thermal waters? Treat yourself and relax at the spa while visiting Montreal. More information here.
Ride the Ferris Wheel
If it’s a cold day, then head to the Ferris Wheel and see the views from above. Even if you don’t go in the Ferris, walking around the river where the Ferris Wheel and checking out the local food stands can be a good way to spend some time during your 24 hours in Montreal.
Have you visited Montreal? What was your favourite thing to do there, and would you recommend anything else to do? If you haven’t been, what looks the most interesting to you? Let me know in the comments below!
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Montreal has been on my list since forever! Loved every spot you showed. Thank you!
Looks like such a fun city, I would love to visit in winter. Definitely saving this
Hi! I have never been to Montreal, but is sounds great! I would definitely want to see a circus show as I am a big fan. Great post, thanks for the tips!
i will finally be heading back to monstreal at the end of the year, and will absolutely be bearing this guide in mind!
Montreal looks great! It very much reminds me of Europe when looking at the buildings. Citymapper is my favourite app to use too when travelling.