72 hours in Montréal:
Must-see cultural experiences
Although Montréal is centuries older than Canada itself, it feels anything but stuck in the past. Gothic Revival churches and cobblestone streets stand alongside a creative energy that’s unmistakably current: a boundary-pushing arts and culture scene, lively urban parks that double as local gathering spots, plus one of North America’s busiest summer festival calendars.
In a single afternoon, you can wander Old Montréal’s historic lanes, climb Mont-Royal, then catch a show in the Quartier des Spectacles, the city’s entertainment district. There’s far too much to fit into 72 hours, but this itinerary packs in as much of the city’s culture as possible – perfect for a summer long weekend.
Top attractions, unique spas and must-visit museums
Start in Old Montréal, one of the city’s top attractions, where Montréal’s early history remains visible in its stone facades and narrow cobblestone lanes. Step inside the 19th-century Notre-Dame Basilica, known for its deep-blue vaulted ceiling, gilded woodwork and dramatic altar.
Before shifting into museum mode, take a breather. In summer, Plage de l'Horloge has a sandy stretch along the St. Lawrence River with skyline views, while a thermal circuit at Bota Bota – a unique spa set aboard two floating vessels – is a more indulgent reset.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
McCord Stewart Museum
Notre Dame Basilica
Bota Bota
From there, head toward Sherbrooke Street for a pair of the most photo-worthy museums. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts anchors the city’s art scene with major international exhibitions and strong contemporary programming, while the nearby McCord Stewart Museum adds context on Indigenous history, as well as Montréal’s past and present.
After dark, return to the Basilica for Aura, an immersive light experience, or head toward the waterfront to see the Jacques Cartier Bridge illuminated across the river.
Popular park walks, photo-worthy murals and free movies
Montréal is easy to explore on foot – and even easier by bike. A network of protected lanes runs across the city, and with Bixi Montréal, you can pick up a bike in one neighbourhood and drop it off in another without much planning. Rides along the Lachine Canal are particularly memorable.
One of the city’s most popular park walks is Mont-Royal, less a towering mountain and more a wooded hill at the heart of the city. The stroll up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere is steady but manageable, and the panoramic views over the city and the river make the trek worth it. On warm days, the park fills with picnickers, musicians and sunbathers.
From there, follow Saint-Laurent Boulevard into the heart of Montréal’s mural scene. Some of the best murals can be found in neighbourhoods like the Plateau and Mile End, that have transformed into a year-round open-air gallery with bold works covering buildings. Each summer, the Mural Festival adds new pieces to the mix, as international artists repaint enormous walls and block parties keep the street buzzing late into the night.
After dark, look for Cinéma Sous les Étoiles, a free documentary screening series held in parks across the city.
Lachine Canal
Mont-Royal
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival
Montréal Jazz Fest
Free festivals
Montréal’s summer calendar is among the most packed in North America. From May through September, hundreds of free festivals and paid events keep locals and visitors moving between stages, parks and public squares. Take your third day to explore one.
One of the biggest draws is the Montréal International Jazz Festival in June and July, which transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a sprawling outdoor concert venue. Major headliners top the ticketed bill, while dozens of open-air performances spill into the streets.
In early July, Montréal Complètement Cirque brings acrobats and aerialists overhead and Festival International Nuits d’Afrique fills downtown with Caribbean, Latin American and African beats.
Comedy fans circle Just for Laughs in mid-July, while indie and pop crowds make the pilgrimage to Osheaga Music and Arts Festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau, where the 2026 lineup includes Tate McRae, Lorde and Twenty One Pilots. If you’re after Pride that feels a bit more vibrant and community-driven, Festival Brulances in June and Wild Pride in August deliver.
All summer long, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec lights up the night with choreographed fireworks competitions, best viewed from the riverfront or the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Tourism Montréal. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.