Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Montreal

"The powerful effects of merely stepping inside the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, can be traced back to 1830. Construction had ended the year before, and the architect, James O’Donnell, was so transformed by his experience in building the basilica that he converted from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism upon his deathbed. He remains the only person buried in the crypt."

"Founded in 1656, Montréal's oldest church, Notre-Dame Basilica, stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes. The intricate and resplendent interior was designed by Victor Bourgeau."

"A grand Gothic Revival basilica with stained glass depictions of Montreal's religious history has only one soul resting in its crypt."

"Driving around Montreal, you might notice a big, rounded, green roof standing tall on the horizon. That roof belongs to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the largest church in Canada and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. At 97 metres, that huge roof — the dome of the Oratory basilica — is the second highest in the world, behind only Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome."

"Saint Joseph’s Oratory or commonly known as L’Oratoire in Montreal is a national shrine and is the largest church in Canada. At the top of L’Oratoire, indulge in amazing views of Montreal that is great for skyline pictures. Make your way up the stairs to the top of L’Oratoire for your fix of epic pictures."

"St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is Canada’s largest church. An imposing example of religious architecture, it’s said to have one of the largest domes in the world. Although I didn’t get a chance to visit at this hour, I understand that the best time for photos here is sunset."

"Montréal has many beautiful churches and this is one of those that you should see when visiting downtown. Despite being nestled among many high-rise structures, its dome is unmistakable, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome. Though somewhat “scaled-down”, the church is a perfect replica of the same, right down to the red copper baldachin over the altar that was fully hand-carved in Rome."

"Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is a Baroque Revival structure befitting of its royal-sounding name. It is a highlight of Montreal’s best architecture thanks to its replication of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Its style represented a major break from the Gothic Revival style of architecture that was popular in Montreal at the time."

"While walking down St. Paul Street, you won’t be able to miss the stunning Bonsecours Market, which has been around since 1847 and looks straight out of Vienna or Paris. While the market is a beautiful building, there isn’t too much going on inside — just a few overpriced boutiques aimed at fat-walleted tourists, namely: probably not us, if you’re reading this budget Montreal guide. Don’t fret, though — Montreal is home to plenty of other markets with far more energy and life (and better on the wallet) that I’ll show you later on in this Montreal itinerary."

"For over a century this elongated two-story building, inaugurated in 1847, housed the main agricultural market for the Montreal area. With its tin-plated dome and neoclassical style, it's considered one of the ten major achievements in the history of Canadian architecture. After standing idle for a few years there was some talk of tearing it down, but that changed in 1963 when it was re-purposed as a place for exclusive boutiques selling everything from authentic Canadian crafts to jewelry, leather, and hand-blown glass, all designed and made in Québec."

"One of the best parks in Montreal, Jarry Parc isn’t one to be missed. A pool, a pond, and sports complexes as well as a large open area for other activities!. Jarry Park is one of the best and most frequented of all the parks in Montreal, this constantly packed park has everything you want."

"Jarry Park is a beautiful urban park located in the east-end of Montreal. It’s a great spot for basketball and soccer and has plenty of coffee outlets and restaurants to keep you quenched and well fed during your stay. It’s also oozing with history."

"Located along the Riviere des Prairies, at the very heart of the history of Sault-au-Recollet, the park offers historical elements, such as the site des Moulins ruins, the Maison du Pressoir and the Maison du Meunier. While picnicking, hiking or bike riding, discover the overflow dam waterfall of the Riviere-des-Prairies electric power station. Above all, don't forget your binoculars which you can use to observe the shorebirds, among other species."

"With over 300 years of history, this is one of Montreal’s most historical parks to wander around. Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation used to be the home of Canada’s first industrial site, which you can still explore through the park’s old windmill and apple press. The park features over five miles of walking paths, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including quite a few different species of shore birds."

"This park in “Montreal North” is beautiful park on the river bank. It’ a nice dog walking spot with lots of little trails that are uncrowded. And it’s perfect in the winter for cross country skiing."

"2380 Notre-Dame St. EastMontreal, Quebec H2K 4K3(514) 872-0311. Village au Pied-du-Courant is a public community area that features a beer garden, numerous food trucks, an artisanal market on Sundays, an onsite bar, and many enjoyable activities for the whole family."

"Have been going to Sho-dan for years and the quality remains. Also, service is always excellent, always an enjoyable experience."

"Opened in 2011, restaurant Thai Sep welcomes its guests into a simple and friendly setting, perfect for enjoying delicious Laotian and Thai cuisine!. Chef and owner Anouxath Siyavong prepares dishes with authentic flavours from his native countries, and the result is exquisite!. Note that in addition to offering delicious dishes in a rather quiet atmosphere, Thai Sep is also a great BYOB, as well as one of Montreal’s most beautiful, good and cheap addresses!"

"In operation since 2011, this small Thai restaurant with its simple and friendly setting is a great location to dine on delicious Laotian and Thai cuisine!. Chef and owner Anouxath Siyavong prepares food from his home countries with authentic flavours, and the results are exquisite!. This is affordable food and …… you can BYOB so when you get the bill, it is pretty straighforward and you leave satisfied."

"Deville Dinerbar is a fun retro spot serving up delicious burgers and milkshakes. While the burgers didn’t beat Burger Bar for us, we still really loved the food here!. As you can tell, it’s also got some pretty Instagram-worthy decor."

"The Best Comfort Food in Montreal : where to treat yourself We all like to warm our souls with great comfort food. Here at Tastet, we’ve put together a list […]"

"Deville is the place to go if you want a limited and over priced menu. Everything in there is very generic and not tasty. My friend order a salad and got..."

"Nouveau Palais is a Mile-Ex classic where customers are greeted warmly and hearty dishes are served at your table. We concur that this « burger and fries palace » makes one of the best burgers in town so don’t hold back from adding bacon and cheese to your order. The portions are plentiful, starting with the large bun!"

"A hip, lighthearted spot that hit the ground running when it first opened in 2010, Fabergé has since become a Mile End go-to for nourishing hangover cures. The interior is open and airy, which does well to accommodate the hordes of famished bunchers the restaurant receives on the regular, and the menu has a distinct ‘turned up to 11’ character about it. The menu is lengthy and features arrays of creative eggs Benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, and more— as well as a bunch of wacky and decadent outliers."

"On the banks of the Lachine Canal, McAuslan is a pioneer among Quebec microbreweries. Here you can enjoy delicious beers as well as ciders – our favourite is their extraordinary IPA. Simple food menu offering nachos, tacos, burgers and hot-dogs."

"Located just west of St. Laurent on Villeneuve, Dieu du Ciel is open seven days a week until 3 am. Considered one of the top brewpubs in Montreal and beyond, their beer menu is constantly being updated, with 15+ creative craft brews on rotation. You can choose your favorites, or have something brand-new every time you walk in the door."

"needs no introduction: it’s one of Montreal’s most famous microbreweries, and with good reason. On Laurier Avenue West, in the heart of Mile End, the place is intimate, warm and always packed. Great selection of inventive, bold, and cleverly named beers."