Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich history, culture, and arts scene. There’s always something to do in Montreal, but May is a particularly special time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, the flowers are in bloom, and the city comes alive with festivals and events.
If you’re planning a trip to Montreal in May, be sure to check out these nine amazing things to do:
1. Visit the Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port of Montreal is a historic waterfront district that’s home to many of the city’s most popular attractions. You can take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Montreal Science Centre, or take a boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area.
2. Explore Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park is a large urban park that’s located in the heart of Montreal. The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and lookouts. You can also visit the Mount Royal Chalet, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. Biking up in summer season also a great idea.
3. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in Canada. The MMFA has a collection of over 44,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum is also home to a number of temporary exhibitions. It has largest collection of Decorative Arts in Canada.
4. Attend the Montreal International Jazz Festival
The Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. The festival takes place over 10 days in June and features over 2,000 concerts and performances. Venues and stages are set up in various locations in downtown Montreal with indoor venues hosting shows long past midnight.
5. Shop on Saint-Catherine Street
Saint-Catherine Street is one of the busiest shopping streets in Montreal. The street is lined with a variety of stores, from high-end boutiques to affordable chain stores. You can also find a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars on Saint-Catherine Street.
6. Visit the Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden that’s located in the Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie borough of Montreal. The garden is home to over 22,000 plant species from around the world. You can visit the botanical garden year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. Don’t forget to visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.
7. Take a walk through Little Italy
Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood that’s located in the Mile End district of Montreal. The neighborhood is home to a large Italian population, and you can find a number of Italian restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area. You can also visit the Jean-Talon Market, which is one of the largest public markets in Montreal.
8. Visit the McCord Museum
The McCord Museum is a museum that’s dedicated to the history of Montreal. The museum has a collection of over 1.2 million artifacts, including documents, photographs, and paintings. The McCord Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Montreal.
9. See a show at the Place des Arts
The Place des Arts is a performing arts center that’s located in the Quartier des Spectacles district of Montreal. The Place des Arts hosts a variety of shows, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to see a popular show.
Culture
Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich culture. The city’s culture is influenced by its French and English heritage, as well as by its large immigrant population. Montreal is home to a number of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Just For Laughs comedy festival, and the Montreal Fringe Festival.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Montreal is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the city is buzzing with activity. However, the city also has a lot to offer during the summer and winter months. In the summer, you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, biking, and hiking. In the winter, you can visit the city’s many indoor attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Nearby Transportation
Montreal is a well-connected city with a variety of transportation options. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, metros, and trains. You can also rent a car or take a taxi. The city also has an international airport, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Local Food
Montreal is a foodie’s paradise. The city has a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Quebecois cuisine to international fare. Some of the city’s most popular dishes include poutine, smoked meat, and bagels. Montreal is also home to a number of microbreweries and distilleries.
Best Hotels
Montreal has a wide range of hotels to choose from, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Some of the city’s most popular hotels include the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, the Hotel Le St-James, and the Hotel Gault.
Conclusion
Montreal is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the arts, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained in Montreal. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
