Montreal is easily one of my favourite Canadian cities, and one that I happily visit again and again. One of my favourite parts of the city is the oldest, and is fittingly called Old Montreal or Vieux Montréal. I never tire of its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. It’s a little slice of Europe in Canada.
This historic neighbourhood is one of my favourite places to wander on foot. So let me take you on a self-guided walking tour through downtown Old Montreal, sharing the highlights—from iconic landmarks to a few lesser-known corners. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, this route will help you make the most of your time here.
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What Makes Old Montreal Special
Old Montreal—also known as Vieux Montréal—is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, and you’ll find it located along the St. Lawrence River, just a short walk from downtown.
Dating back to the 1600s, this area is where Montreal first began, making it one of the most historic districts in Canada. What sets it apart from the rest of the city is its preserved European feel—narrow cobblestone streets, stone facades, and hidden courtyards that make you forget you’re still in North America.
Unlike the modern sprawl of other neighbourhoods, this older part of the city makes you want to move at a slower pace, with horse-drawn carriages and centuries-old churches as part of the scenery.
That slow pace, and with fewer crowds, can be found in the nearby region of Eastern Townships, where small, charming towns offer the same level of quaintness just on a smaller scale.
A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town Montreal
This self-guided walking tour I created of Old Montreal can easily take up the better part of a day—especially if, like me, you prefer to take your time, stop for a drink, or linger in a museum or shop.
But if you’re short on time or prefer a more structured experience, there are also excellent 2-hour guided tours led by local experts that cover the highlights with historical insights along the way.
1. Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Often called the “Sailors’ Church,” this is one of the oldest chapels in Montreal, dating back to the 18th century. If you’re up for a short climb, the observation tower offers lovely rooftop views of Old Montreal and the Old Port.
📍400 rue Saint Paul Est
2. Bonsecours Market
Just steps away, this striking silver-domed building has been part of the city’s skyline since the 1840s. As such, it is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. Once Montreal’s main public market, it’s now home to boutiques, artisan shops, and seasonal exhibitions of local artisans.
I also find it charming to see many sketch artists sitting on the edge to capture this historic square of the Chapel and L’Auberge Saint Gabriel.
📍350 rue Saint Paul Est | 1-minute walk from Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
3. Château Ramezay
A former governor’s residence turned museum, Château Ramezay, was the first building to be recognized as a historical monument in Quebec and was also designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The museum gives a glimpse into Montreal’s colonial past. I love how the exhibits bring early settler life to the forefront, and in the warmer months, the garden out back is lovely.
The Governor’s Garden mimics the original 18th-century garden, only on a much smaller scale. The garden is in the formal French style and is divided into three equal-sized sections: a kitchen, an orchard and an ornamental garden. Surrounding these sections, at the foot of the stone walls, is a fourth section consisting of herbs and medicinal plants.
📍280 rue Notre-Dame Est | A 3-minute walk from Bonsecours Market
4. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
Montreal’s City Hall is an impressive Second Empire-style building from the 1870s that stands right across from Château Ramezay. It’s famously where Charles de Gaulle gave his famous “Vive le Québec libre!” speech from the balcony in 1967.
📍275 Notre-Dame St. Est | A 1-minute walk from Chateau Ramezay
5. Place Marguerite-Bourgeoys
This small square honours one of Montreal’s founding figures and the first teacher in New France, Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700). She began receiving girls (known as the Filles du Roy) who were sent by the King of France to establish homes in Montreal and became a mother figure to them.
It’s a quiet space with benches and a shady spot—perfect for a short rest while taking in the surrounding architecture.
📍Rue Notre-Dame | A 1-minute walk from Montreal City Hall
6. Place de la Dauversière
Tucked between City Hall and Place Jacques-Cartier, this lesser-known spot is easy to miss, but worth a look and where you’ll find locals come on their lunch breaks. I often use it as a shortcut, but I also like how it opens up unexpectedly, revealing views of historic facades and a statue dedicated to early settlers.
📍280 Rue Notre-Dame Est | A 2-minute walk from Montreal City Hall
7. Place Jacques-Cartier
Place Jacques-Cartier is a large historical square named after the explorer who claimed Canada for France in 1535.
One of the most recognizable gathering spots in Old Montreal downtown, this lively square stretches from City Hall down toward the Old Port.
In the warmer months, it’s full of street performers, artists, and open-air patios. I usually take a slow stroll here, soaking in the energy before finding a terrace for lunch or a drink.
📍Rue Jacques-Cartier | Next to Place de la Dauversière
8. Old Port (Vieux-Port)
Stretching along the waterfront, the Old Port is where the city’s maritime story began. It was used by French fur traders as early as 1611, and operated as the city’s main port up until the 1970s.
I love walking the promenade—it’s lively but spacious, with views of the St. Lawrence River and often a breeze off the water. Depending on the season, you might find pop-up markets, outdoor events, or just a good place to sit and people-watch.
And you can’t miss Canada’s largest Ferris wheel (called the Grande Roue) and a zip line. This is a family-friendly spot that is lined with food trucks along the pier.
📍Promenade du Vieux Port | A 1-minute walk from Place Jacques-Cartier
9. Grand Quay
Located within the Old Port, the Grand Quay is a newer addition with wide-open spaces and rooftop gardens overlooking the river. From here, you can take a boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River to see the city’s skyline.
I like to come here for a quieter break from the busier parts of the old city of Montreal. The Grand Quay is one of the best vantage points to see Habitat 67, a cube-like housing complex famously designed by architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67.
📍Rue de la Commune and rue Saint Sulpice | A 5-minute walking distance from Old Port
10. Notre-Dame Basilica
No visit to Old Montreal feels complete without stepping inside this 19th-century Gothic Revival church. The deep blue ceiling, gold accents, and wooden carvings always leave me quietly amazed—no matter how many times I’ve seen them. The church reminds me of Saint-Germain-des-Prés of Paris.
If you have the chance, the evening light and sound show is a beautiful way to experience it differently. In addition to regular mass services, many ceremonies of Canada’s most prominent citizens are held here, like Celine Dion’s lavish wedding.
📍100 rue Notre-Dame | A 5-minute walk from Grand Quay
11. Place d’Armes
Place d’Armes is the oldest public square in the city and home to a mix of architectural styles that span centuries, like the old Bank of Montreal, Art Deco buildings and the Notre Dame Basilica.
Two bronze statues anchor the square, called ‘The English Pug and the French Poodle’, also known as the Two Snobs. They face away from each other on opposite sides of a building, wearing a snobby, theatrical nose mask. It’s meant to poke fun at the French and English Canadians’ friendly rivalry.
📍Place d’Armes | A 1-minute walk from Notre-Dame Basilica
12. Royal Bank Tower
Just steps from Place d’Armes, this imposing Art Deco skyscraper was once the tallest building in the British Empire. What most visitors don’t realize is that it’s open to the public, housing a café in its impressive lobby. Or, return in the evening and check out its nightclub in its historical bank vaults.
📍360 rue Saint-Jacques | 5-minute walk from Place d’Arms
13. Centre d’Histoire de Montréal
Housed in a former fire station, this small museum is tucked just off the main streets. It gives a deeper dive into Montreal’s neighbourhoods, immigration history, and shifting identities over time. If you’re curious to understand how old town Montreal fits into the bigger picture, it’s worth a short stop.
📍335 Place d’Youville | 6-minute walk from Royal Bank Tower
14. Maison de Mere d’Youville
This historic house tells the story of Marguerite d’Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns, who played a major role in health care and education in early Montreal. It’s a quiet, reflective space and a nice contrast to the busier stops nearby.
📍138 rue Saint-Pierre | 2-minute walk from The Centre d’Histoire de Montréal
15. St. Paul Street (Rue Saint-Paul)
The oldest street in Montreal, Rue Saint-Paul, winds its way through old city Montreal with cobblestones underfoot and charming storefronts lining both sides.
I always enjoy wandering here without much of a plan—there’s a nice mix of galleries, shops, and cozy cafés, and it’s ideal for people who love to stroll slowly and see where the path leads.
16. Victoria Square
Tucked on the edge of Montreal’s old downtown, this square is surrounded by sleek office towers but still holds onto its historic charm. It marks the boundary of where Old Montréal ends and Downtown Montreal begins.
What always catches my eye is the authentic Paris métro station sign—gifted by the city of Paris in the 1960s. It’s a lovely symbol of the European connection you feel throughout Old Montreal, and a fitting endpoint for a day spent walking through centuries of stories.
📍Rue du Square-Victoria | Nearby: Royal Bank Tower
Where I Ate (and Where You Might Want To)
I always make time to enjoy the local food scene. Over the years, I’ve tried a mix of old favourites and new spots—some I return to again and again. Here are a few of my top recommendations, whether you’re in the mood for something quick, sweet, or special.
- Boulangeries: L’Amour du Pain Vieux-Montreal, bar à beurre, and La Cave à Manger are all great for a morning croissant or an afternoon tart. I usually grab something to go and eat it along the Old Port promenade.
- Brunch: You can’t go wrong with Olive et Gourmando—it’s wildly popular, so go early. Jardin Nelson has a beautiful courtyard in summer, while Chez Suzette serves up a solid crêpe if you’re craving something French-inspired.
- Cafés: For a mid-morning or late-day coffee, Café Olimpico and Tommy are lively and stylish. I also love the tucked-away charm of Café de Mercanti and the character of Le Petit Dep—both double as cute little general stores.
- Ice Cream: Ca Lem is playful with its rotating flavours, while Mlle Catherine and Le Petit Dep both serve up scoops worth slowing down for.
- Dinner: When I’ve made dinner reservations, it’s usually for Toqué! or Garde Manger—both are splurges but well worth it. The Pyrenees offers a more relaxed, rustic vibe with hearty, flavourful Basque dishes.
- Historic Restaurants: Gibbys, located in the former Youville Stables from the 16th century, blends steakhouse classics with a rich setting, and L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel claims the title of oldest inn in North America and was the first to hold a liquor license in Canada. It’s housed in a building dating back to 1688—how’s that for dinner with a story?
Where I Stayed: St. Paul Hotel
When I stay in Old Montreal, I like to be right in the heart of it—and the St. Paul Hotel fits the bill. Set in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, it blends classic architecture with a bold, modern interior designed by Montreal’s Borrallo Interiors. Jewel tones, clean lines, and a touch of drama give it a unique character. It also happens to be Canada’s first boutique hotel.
Tip: Ask for a top-floor room. I stayed in Room 1007 and had an incredible view of the city.
Final Thoughts
Montréal is a city that knows how to blend old and new in the best possible way.
The late Anthony Bourdain once called it “where the cool kids hang out”—and I couldn’t agree more. Old Montréal, with its timeless charm and European feel, is the part I keep coming back to. It’s a place that never loses its magic, no matter how many times I visit.
