48 Hours in Montreal

Day One

Morning

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel’s French bistro-style restaurant, Le Petit Opus Café. A beloved Omni staple, it offers eggs, French toast, sausages, pancakes, smoked salmon, croissants, muffins, yogurts, and fresh fruits. A continental buffet option is also available for a lighter start to your day.

After breakfast, enjoy a walk either uphill or downtown. One option is to head northwest to Mont Royal, home to a beautiful park featuring two scenic belvederes with sweeping city views, a small lake, and extensive walking trails.

If you prefer to stay downtown, explore Montréal Underground City, a vast network of interconnected tunnels beneath the city center. Here you’ll find shopping malls offering everything from fashion and accessories to toys, games, and electronics, all conveniently connected to hotels, performances venues, and business complexes.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to Café Amea, a stylish and cozy spot in the heart of the Golden Square Mile. Known for its inviting atmosphere, it serves excellent pastries, pizza, sandwiches, and a popular weekend brunch.

Another option is to visit the McGill University campus, located just across the street and recognized as the oldest university in Canada. Nearby, explore the Redpath Museum, a natural history museum where you may feel transported into Jurassic Park. Just steps away, the McCord Stewart Museum showcases Canada’s history and Indigenous cultures through art, artifacts, clothing, photographs, and written works, and regularly hosts fashion and design exhibitions.

Also close to the hotel is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the city’s largest museum, featuring permanent collections ranging from archaeological artifacts and early international art to contemporary works. Creative workshops are often available as well.

Evening

End your day at Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, where you’ll discover the true flavors of Québec. Just a short metro ride from downtown, it is well worth the trip. Stroll along Dante Street behind the market (yes, just like our mascot!) to find some of the best cannoli in town at Pasticceria Alati-Caserta.

Only a few blocks away, Impasto offers refined Italian cuisine with a modern twist, featuring dishes such as veal with artichokes, braised pork shoulder, and ricotta gnocchi, complemented by an excellent wine list showcasing premium selections from across Italy.

Back downtown, enjoy an evening of laughter with the comedy nights at Deli Planet for English-speaking comedy shows.

End the night at Atrium Le 1000, an indoor ice-skating rink set beneath a stunning glass atrium, an iconic part of Montréal’s skyline, where upbeat music and colorful lighting create a fun, festive atmosphere before returning to the hotel.

Day Two

Morning

Start your day near the waterfront with a light breakfast at La Cave à Manger, a pastry shop known for its excellent chocolate croissants, cinnamon buns, éclairs, French palmiers, and more.

For a heartier breakfast, visit Pincette, a lobster bar offering creative brunch options, outstanding Bloody Caesars, and signature eggs Benedict. For a more classic brunch experience, try Dandy, located near the iconic Crew Café, where you can enjoy a latte inside a beautifully restored historic bank.

Stroll along the waterfront toward Old Montréal, a lively district rich in history. Discover landmarks such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Montréal City Hall, while soaking in the old-world charm, bustling plazas, boutiques, and cafés. For a memorable experience, ride La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada’s tallest Ferris wheel, and admire panoramic views from 60 meters above the city.  

Afternoon

Next, embark on a scenic AML river cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy breathtaking views from the water while learning about Montréal’s rich history.

No visit to Montréal is complete without stopping at Atwater Market, a beloved local farmers’ market. From butcher shops and cheese counters to fresh produce and sushi, it’s the perfect place to sample local flavors or find gifts to take home.

For a more relaxed afternoon, remain at the hotel and enjoy a light lunch at Alice Bar, featuring sliders, fine cheeses, calamari, or soup. Ask your concierge about indulgent spa treatments at Spa Diva, then head to Dominion Square around 5:00 p.m. to enjoy the five-minute bell concert at the Sun Life Building. Finish the day at Le Bar Dominion, offering a trendy atmosphere in a vintage 1920s décor, along with creative cocktails and refined bites.

Evening

For your final evening, enjoy a classic French dining experience at Le Pois Penché, located just a few blocks from Hotel Omni Mont-Royal. The menu features favorites such as seafood platters, scallop ceviche, French onion soup, lobster, steak tartare, and escargots in white wine sauce.

Continue the evening with live music at Upstairs Jazz Club, a long-standing Montréal favorite that blends casual elegance with world-class jazz performances. Alternatively, reserve a dinner show at Le Balcon, located inside the historic St. James Church, where jazz, blues, and international music are paired with a refined dining experience.

End your night at Quartier des Festivals, a lively outdoor plaza that hosts many of the city’s festivals. Its interactive fountains and illuminated towers create a magical and romantic setting.

If you have more time...

Consider a day trip to Québec City, located approximately three hours away, where you can explore the cobblestone streets of Old Québec. Just outside the city, visit the breathtaking Montmorency Falls, which stand 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Cross the suspension bridge or enjoy the many scenic viewpoints. Your concierge can assist with arranging a one-day tour if time is limited.

A bit farther north, the Laurentian Mountains offer spectacular scenery and endless opportunities to explore nature.

If your journey continues beyond Montréal, consider visiting Toronto, located about six hours away. The city offers family-friendly attractions, world-class sports, cultural institutions, and diverse dining experiences.

All destinations are easily accessible via VIA Rail, located just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

This article was curated by the Concierge Team at Hotel Omni Mont-Royal.