Montreal is a favorite city of thousands of tourists who travel to Canada. If you are on a budget, read this article to know the tips and tricks!

How to discover Montreal on a budget

Montreal ticks all the boxes: history, rich culture, beautiful architecture, impressive museums, art scene, luxury hotels, good public transportation, festive food, and plenty of outdoor space. It is a multicultural city known for its laid-back attitude and European flair.

Visiting Montreal is expensive. For US citizens, there is a built-in discount of 25%. However, in 2022, public transport and parking costs will increase, and food prices are expected to escalate due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is how you can discover Montreal on a budget. Read on!

Stroll Through the Gardens

Place Jacques-Cartier is the cobbled square in the heart of Old Montreal. Here, you can stock up on coffee or maple ice cream before an in-depth exploration of Old Montreal and the Old Port. The official Governor’s Garden behind the Chateau Ramezay is adjacent to the square.

The entry fee to Chateau Ramezay is $10 and is worth every penny. Exhibits include military memorabilia, ethnological objects, art, portraits, furniture, and everyday objects. Together, they offer a lively and intriguing picture of colonial Montreal.

Quartier Latin

The Quartier has a busy schedule of free and paid indoor and outdoor events and activities throughout the year. Use their website to search for activities by type dance, music, circus, etc., or log on for free and see what’s happening. You may find free concerts in the Quartier.

Visit Museums

The intelligent curation and art arrangement at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts makes it an exceptional museum. The artworks fill most pavilions and tell stories so evidently and with such emotion that you will get overwhelmed. Entry is half price after 5:00 PM on Wednesdays and free on the first Sunday of the month.

In addition, The Redpath is located in Canada’s oldest building built as a museum. Constructed in 1880, it is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. Inside are extensive collections of fossils, skeletons, mummified people, and animals

Moreover, it also has ethnological artifacts from African countries, such as Egypt. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. The McGill campus is charming, and it is also a pleasure to walk around.

Enjoy at Mount Royal Park

Designed by Central Park co-designer Frederick Law Olmsted, Mount Royal Park features a plaza and chalet overlooking downtown Montreal, a bandstand, an interpretive center, miles of trails, sports facilities, skiing areas.

It also has specialized areas for snowshoeing and sledding. The park is free and huge. Therefore, we recommend doing research ahead of time to decide what to do once you get there. That way, you can make the most out of your trip to Montreal, enjoy more, and create memories.

Avoid Unnecessary Spending

If you want to get the most out of Montreal’s museums, the affordable Montreal Museums Pass, which includes unlimited public transit, saves time and money as it allows holders to skip the ticket lines.

The pass includes admission to one of the Musee de Montreal member museums of your choice, as well as discounts at others. Get the best bang for your buck using your free entry to the more expensive Museum of Fine Arts.

Shopping in Montreal is expensive, meaning you must not spend money buying unnecessary things. Remember, if you want to save money, you must look for affordable shops and stores to buy essential items.

Explore Local Neighborhoods

Drop by any tourist information center for maps and advice on self-guided walking tours. You can enjoy exploring Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End, Old Montreal, and the Old Port. Neighborhoods exploration is a free activity, meaning you can view the magnificent European-style houses and streets and enjoy the soothing environment.

You can also find affordable restaurants to eat delicious food. Cafes and restaurants in Montreal are usually expensive. So, look for establishments that offer food at low prices. Remember, if you are a food lover, you must not compromise your taste for saving more money. However, this does not mean spending more than usual on food.

Final Words

Montreal is one of the most beautiful Canadian cities, offering something to everyone. However, it is an expensive city, meaning you must have a lot of money to enjoy and create memories. The good news is that you can follow the tips and tricks above to relish this picturesque city on a budget. Until Next Time!