What to Do on a Long Weekend in Montreal
If you’re planning Montreal as a getaway, here’s my 2-Full-Day Montreal Itinerary to discover the beautiful city, how we explored Montreal—what to see, what to find, and where to eat—all within a 5-km radius of our base at the stylish Honeyrose Hotel.
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Montreal isn’t just about hockey and poutine (though we’re not knocking either); this city pulses with a deep cultural richness that makes it stand out. Walking its streets, we were immersed in a blend of global influences—culinary gems from every corner of the world, independent shops showcasing diverse artwork, and locals whose presence alone tells the story of a beautifully multicultural city. Diversity isn’t just present here—it thrives. It works. And honestly, it should be the model everywhere.
Train Travel Just Made Sense
We chose to take the train into Montreal—and here’s why: VIA Rail is budget-friendly (around $80 per person), there is no stress over parking or gas, and our car got a break. We have zero regrets. It set the tone for a slower, more thoughtful weekend—one where the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
***Bonus content: Here is your summer 2025 calendar of events with Tourism Montreal
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Hotel Honeyrose – Montreal
Tucked in the heart of Montreal’s vibrant cultural district at 355 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Hotel Honeyrose is perfectly positioned for travellers looking to stay close to the city’s main convention centres, festivals, and artistic energy. This stylish boutique hotel makes an impression when you walk in—its spacious lobby and bar are a dreamy mix of pastel tones, rich textures, and vintage-inspired designs that echo throughout the entire space. Our room was just as thoughtfully styled, offering comfort wrapped in elegance. Every detail felt intentional, capturing the brand’s identity flawlessly. From design to atmosphere, Hotel Honeyrose nails the boutique hotel vibe with ease and charm.
Our cost is $315 per night; the price will adjust upon booking
Day 1 – Old Montreal & Chinatown
Coffee in hand, and we’re off. It’s a beautiful day, so we’ve committed to walking everywhere—and trust me, Montreal rewards those who wander.
First stop: Chinatown for lunch at Qing Hua Dumplings $15.00+ per guest. These aren’t your average dumplings. We’re talking golden-fried pockets of joy—13 per order, perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside. They filled us up and fired us up for the day ahead.
From there, we strolled down to the Old Port of Montreal. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, street performers, and that riverside breeze—this part of the city has a timeless charm. We lingered, snapped a few photos, and just took it all in. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
From Cobblestones to Sky-High Views: Exploring Old Montreal
After lunch, we wandered through Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets, a quick stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, popping into art boutiques that pulled us in with bold colours, local flair, and unique finds. We didn’t leave empty-handed—some art made its way home with us because when in Montreal, you collect creativity.
To cool off and regroup, we grabbed a drink at St-Paul Pub—a cozy stop with great people-watching and even better vibes.
Refreshed and recharged, we reached one of the city’s standout attractions: La Grande Roue de Montréal. This massive observation wheel offers a 360° view of the city that hits differently when you’re up there. From the top, we spotted historic rooftops, the curves of the St. Lawrence River, and, on a clear day like ours, mountain peaks up to 28 km away. The kind of view reminds you just how layered and beautiful this city is.
Regular ticket is $27.50, VIP is $57.00, Family 2 adults and 2 -17 years old $80.00
Dining Without the White Gloves—Just the Good Stuff
As the sun started to dip, we had one mission: cocktails and oysters. That search led us straight to Vieux-Port Steakhouse, where we decided to go all in for a full dinner—and let’s say it did not disappoint.
Now, this isn’t white-glove fine dining, and honestly, that’s what made it better. The service? Outstanding. There was no pretentiousness—just genuine people who clearly loved what they did. Our server had personality, timing, and humour, making a good meal unforgettable. They made the experience feel personal, not polished.
The food? Spot-on. It is delicious, satisfying, and well worth the hype. It was such a great experience that I forgot to take photos, which never happened.
(Photo credit for images #2 and 3 goes to Vieux-Port Steakhouse because… they nailed it.
Day 2 – Immersive Art and a Wake-Up Call for Nature
After a solid night’s sleep, we kicked off the day the right way—with early morning coffee from Commodore Café, conveniently tucked into the lobby of Hotel Honeyrose. It has a great vibe, smooth coffee, and calm-before-the-city-wakes-up energy.
Cups in hand, we set out on foot again (because everything we needed was still within reach) and made our way to National Geographic’s OASIS: Root for Nature exhibit located in The Gallery of the Palais.
This immersive experience isn’t just another art installation—it’s a powerful collaboration between global organizations like the United Nations, the David Suzuki Foundation, and Workshops for Biodiversity. It’s a blend of technology, storytelling, and emotion designed to reconnect us with the planet we live on—and the impact we have on it.
The visuals, soundscape, and movement all hit you at once. It’s sensory-heavy and incredibly moving. That said, if you live with ADHD or any sensory sensitivities, this might not be the most effortless experience. Consider letting the staff know beforehand so they can accommodate or support a quick exit if needed. (Another option is Van Gogh).
Single ticket $35.42 each
Wild Encounters & Missed Photos (Again)
After the immersive nature experience, we continued exploring the indoor theme and headed to the Biodôme de Montréal. Quick heads-up: there’s a scheduled entry system—something we didn’t realize until we were stuck waiting around. Pro tip: when you buy your tickets, select an exact entry time to avoid the hold-up.
We kicked things off in the tropical section, where the air was warm, misty, and filled with the sounds of parrots doing their playful thing. They were a highlight—and yes, I forgot to take photos after we visited with the perrots… again. That’s starting to become a thing on this trip, both a win and a loss.
The Biodôme is one of those places that works for literally anyone—kids, adults, wildlife lovers, or people who just need a break from city streets. From colourful parrots to puffins to the always-adorable penguins, there’s something around every corner.
Plan for two hours or more, and take the green metro line to get there—$3.25 for a single ticket, or grab a $11 day pass if you’re hopping around.
Food tip: The on-site cafeteria is vegan, and honestly, it wasn’t for me. If you’re a picky eater or want butter options, eat beforehand or bring a snack.
Single tickets are $23.75
Korean Cravings and a BYOB Win
Dinner time rolled around, and we were finally back at Atti BYOB Korean Restaurant. We’d tried earlier in the week but couldn’t get in—it was sold out. This time? We came hungry and determined.
We ordered the bulgogi beef platter, and let me tell you, the portion size alone blew past most Korean spots I’ve been to. The beef was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked—no spice overload, which I appreciate. (Yes, I passed on the kimchi… slap my fingers, I know.)
Everything came out fast, fresh, and piping hot. The staff was super friendly and made us feel right at home. You know a meal hits the sweet spot when you leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed.
Korean food is the perfect pre-evening fuel—flavourful, balanced, and leaves room for whatever comes next. And yes… we had plans. Stay tuned.
One person average check is $35.00
Hidden Beats & Velvet Vibes in Griffintown
One of my newest favourite spots in Montreal came from an unexpected recommendation. We were on the hunt for a jazz night that wasn’t already sold out when a front desk team member at Hotel Honeyrose suggested Salon Badin. At first, we hesitated—should we? Shouldn’t we? But curiosity won.
Just 2.6 km from downtown, tucked away in Griffintown, we followed the clues: a side alleyway, a glowing green light, and a buzzer. And then—magic. We stepped into what felt like a secret world. The vibe? Effortlessly cool. A cozy room, a DJ spinning vinyl, intimate tables, soundproof tiles painted like art, and front and centre: two old-school speakers paired with McIntosh MC901 Dual Mono Amplifiers. Shelves stacked with some vinyl gave it that “if you know, you know” energy.
We waited a few minutes for a table—worth every second.
The Kind of Place You End Up Staying All Night
Once seated, we got into their tight, well-curated cocktail menu while soaking up a soundtrack of smooth R&B, soul, and good ol’ blues. Toes tapping, shoulders swaying, we instantly felt the room’s energy—chill, but alive.
“Badin’” in French means someone who’s playful and full of light-hearted jokes. Say it “bah-din” in Arabic, and it means “afterwards.” And honestly? Both meanings hit the mark. Whether it’s after dinner, after shopping, or just after anything—Salon Badin is that kind of place.
We only meant to check it out… but four cocktails and a clock striking 1 a.m. later, we were still posted up, loving every second. The staff were gems—friendly, knowledgeable, and full of stories. They even explained how they monitor the music volume, keeping it low enough for real conversation while still letting the beats flow.
The cocktails? Thoughtful and on point. The night? Effortlessly perfect.
Oh—and about that jazz? Turns out they host live jazz every Wednesday after 9 p.m., which is what started this whole adventure. We just came on the wrong night—but left with the right memories.
We found it. We’re telling you about it. Now it’s your turn to discover Salon Badin. It’s more than you’d expect—and everything you didn’t know you needed.
Straight out of the shaker, $20.00 on average
Recap: A Weekend Well Spent
Day 1 was all about embracing the old-world charm of Old Montreal—starting with juicy dumplings in Chinatown, strolling along cobblestone streets, popping into art boutiques, and soaking up sky-high views from La Grande Roue. We wrapped the day with cocktails, oysters, and one of the best dinners we’ve had in a while at Vieux-Port Steakhouse. Zero regrets. Full bellies, full hearts… just not-so-full photo folders (again).
Day 2 delivered full-on sensory experiences—from morning coffee at Commodore Café to being immersed in National Geographic’s Root for Nature, followed by a walk through tropical birds, penguins, and puffins at the Biodome. We rounded off the night with mood lighting, vinyl vibes, and seriously good cocktails at Salon Badin, the kind of speakeasy that makes you rethink your entire definition of “a good night out.”
Day 3 Suggestions: Culture, Views & French Farewell
Back on the train home for me!
Day 3: But you can stay another day; it’s all about slowing down, soaking it in, and ending on a classic note.
- Museum hop through some of Montreal’s iconic spots—because this city doesn’t just tell stories, it exhibits them.
- Mount Royal look out, for one last panoramic view—with the camera in hand. Breathe in and enjoy the view (complimentary).
- Cap it off with dinner at Chez Alexandre, a French brasserie that brings Parisian soul to Montreal. Think steak frites, chilled wine, and an atmosphere that says this is how you end a weekend. Ticket $100 per person
- Until next time,
More read from Halifax, NS - Roland
