One Perfect Day in Vieux-Montréal
Stay — Le Petit Hotel, rue St-Paul
My Old Montreal itinerary must include Le Petit Hotel, which is everything a boutique stay should be: warm, stylish, and quietly luxurious. Ranked #28 in the world, this four-floor gem surprised me in all the best ways. Spacious rooms, thoughtful decor, afternoon “gâteries” (yes, macarons), and a complimentary glass of wine at 4 pm while watching the world pass by on rue St-Paul.
Their 24/7 coffee bar is a dream — and they’ll bring it straight to your room. Small hotel, big impression.
Morning — Chinatown & Dumplings
Start the day with a room-delivered latte from Le Petit Hotel, then walk 10 minutes to Chinatown.
Lunch at Qing Hua Dumplings is a must — golden-fried, juicy, and shockingly affordable (under $15). It’s the perfect fuel for wandering Old Montreal’s narrow streets and lively corners.
Staying longer? Here is my 2 full-day Itinerary for Montreal
Afternoon — Old Port & La Grande Roue
After lunch, head toward the Old Port. The cobblestones, the grand façades, the artists selling prints on the street — Old Montreal feels like walking through a European postcard.
A few essentials:
- Step inside Notre-Dame Basilica — a masterpiece of colour and light.
- Browse local art boutiques on rue St-Paul.
- Ride La Grande Roue de Montréal for panoramic 360° city views (about $27.50).
On a clear day, the skyline and waterfront glow beautifully from the top.
Evening — Dinner at Vieux-Port Steakhouse
End the day with a cozy dinner at Vieux-Port Steakhouse.
Oysters, a perfect burrata salad, and warm service make this a relaxed but memorable spot. Nothing pretentious — just classic Montréal comfort in a historic setting.
For more information, visit Tourism Montreal
Why I Love Old Montréal
Old Montréal brings together everything I love in a destination: historic architecture, great food, artistic corners, and the energy of a city that embraces both tradition and creativity. The mix of old stone, street performers, museums, and waterfront views makes every visit feel different — and every photo feel like a little piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Montreal
Yes — it’s one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in Canada. Most attractions, cafés, and museums are within a few steps of each other.
For dinner, yes — especially weekends.For dinner, yes — especially weekends.
Spring to fall for outdoor patios and festivals; winter for quieter streets and cozy indoor spots.
Very. It’s a short 10–12 minute walk from Le Petit Hotel.
About the Author
Written and photographed by Roland Bast, Canadian travel and lifestyle photographer based in Ottawa–Gatineau. Roland specializes in destination storytelling, working with tourism boards, hotels, and brands across Canada to create cinematic, people-first travel content.
TMAC Member — Travel Media Association of Canada.
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