Montreal is an island-city located in the lower end of the St. Lawrence River, in Quebec and is affectionately known as the mini Europe of North America. With its historic landmarks, and stunning views Montreal also happens to be a budget traveler’s dream destination! As one of the most affordable places to visit in the world, enjoy the city like a local without breaking the bank! FlightHub Review brings you all the best of Montreal on a shoestring!
Start your day with a cup of coffee from one of Montreal’s many delicious and local cafes! Whether you’re in the up-and-coming area of St. Henri, or if you’re in the trendy area of the Plateau, you’re choice of coffee providers are endless. FlightHub suggest splurging a bit and grabbing a café au lait and a croissant from Au Kouign Amman bakery on Mont-Royal Avenue. This authentic Brittany bakery is open 7 days a week, with pastry chefs working tirelessly to bring their customers only the best croissants this side of the Atlantic Ocean. For less than $3, you’re ready to start your day!
Now that you’re fueled up, FlightHub recommends visiting any of the numerous museums Montreal has. Gain free entrance and access to the permanent collections of the museums, and spend your morning wandering around the beautiful buildings! If you’re looking for a different museum experience, then FlightHub suggests heading to the Redpath Museum at McGill University. With a suggested donation of $5, step inside the Victorian building and marvel at the unique oddities and artifacts collected for the museum!
Outdoor activities in Montreal – Cycling with Bixi
Next on your to-do list while in Montreal is to get out and walk everywhere! Montreal is a small city and despite being home to more than 1.6 million people, the downtown core and surrounding areas are easily accessible by walking! If the weather is nice, then grab a 24hr Bixi pass for $7 and bike out to Parc Jean Drapeau! Is it too cold to bike? Then wander down to the Montreal Metro system, for $6 you can buy a two-way ticket to anywhere on the island. FlightHub suggest walking around the Old Port of Montreal first! Make sure you’re camera ready and explore hidden cobblestone streets at your leisure! If you’ve still got the energy for it, then make your way to the Plateau and take a hike up Mount Royal! Once there, hang around the lookout and get the birds eye view of Montreal! If you’re visiting during the winter months, take advantage of the weather and rent some skates at Beaver Lake! Rentals are only $5 and are endless fun!
Are you walking up a storm? Then it’s time to refuel with some of the best shawarma Montreal has to offer at Boustan Restaurant. FlightHub can’t get enough of this place, and as a Montreal staple a trip to the city isn’t complete without tasting their famous garlic potatoes!
Now that you’re recharged for your walking extravaganza, weave your way through the vintage shops on St. Laurent Boulevard. Feel like playing dress up? Then FlightHub thinks you should check out Eva B’s, a multi-level second hand clothing and costume shop! Find everything you need to dress up as Madonna to a pro-boxer for less than a lunchtime snack!
Making your way into the evening doesn’t mean the free fun needs to stop. Montreal is a festival city with events happening year-round! Come rain or shine or blizzard, Montrealers know how to keep the party going. See what’s going on at the Quartier des Spectacles, as the site is home to the International Jazz Festival, Just For Laughs Festival, FrancoFolies, and much much more! Entrance to these festivals are always free, so wander at your leisure!
Finally, take your last few dollars and hit up L’Entrepot restaurant, where everything on the menu (and FlightHub really means everything) is only $5 all year-round! Load up on poutine, burgers, and anything else you want to munch on in this ultra-chill restaurant!