Montreal's 10 Must-See Spots

This is where the city was born, in 1642: cobblestone streets, 18th-century facades, piers and river — half a day passes without noticing. Between Jacques-Cartier Square, City Hall and the lively piers, there is always something to see. It is Montreal's postcard: a thirty-minute walk takes you through the city's history, and the Old Port offers the best view of the river and downtown.

Behind this postcard lies a founding district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited in Quebec, with 11 million visitors a year. An architecture from the 17th to the 19th century — Jacques-Cartier Square, City Hall, the old piers and the Great Wheel, one of the tallest in the world — that makes it an open-air museum.

In summer, Montrealers gather here for festivals, the pedestrian strip along de la Commune Street and the waterfront terraces; on Sundays, Jacques-Cartier Square comes alive with musicians and jugglers.

The city's largest art museum, with Quebec, Canadian and international collections. Permanent collections are free, per the official site; only temporary exhibitions are ticketed. In the Museum Quarter, reachable by metro (Peel). One of the few major North American museums with free permanent collections.

Montreal's largest art museum, founded in 1860. Free permanent collections — Quebec, Canadian and international art, from the 17th century to today — plus a children's pavilion.

The MBAM is a living space: Thursday-night concerts, free events and the Museum Quarter around it.

The Plateau's great park: pond, outdoor theatre, pétanque courts and winter slides, per the City's page. Free, open 6 a.m. to midnight. This is the neighbourhood's park for families and picnics. For a green break in one of the city's liveliest neighbourhoods, steps from the cafés.

The Plateau's great park, one of the most loved by Montrealers. The pond, the Théâtre de Verdure (free shows in summer), pétanque courts and winter rinks.

The park where you picnic, play pétanque and rest in the sun — the Plateau vibe in a single place.

Montreal's largest public market, in Little Italy: fruit and vegetables from Quebec farms, cheeses, butcher shops and the famous Saturday-morning rush. The market's official page lists hours and season. Free entry — worth a visit just to watch. Jean-Talon metro. For the colours, the smells and the taste of Quebec — and for eating on-site at a small price.

Montreal's largest public market, since 1933. Fruit and vegetables from Quebec farms, cheese shops, butchers, flowers and the Little Italy around it.

On Saturday morning, the market is a party: families, growers and the Italian quarter in the background.

Montreal's tallest rooftop, built for the 1976 Games: take the funicular up for a 360-degree view, per the Olympic Park site. Riding to the top is ticketed — the price is listed on the official site.. For the panoramic view from the inclined roof — the best viewpoint over the east of the city.

The symbol of the 1976 Games, the world's tallest inclined tower (175 metres). The tower funicular, the shell-shaped stadium and the surrounding park with its water basins.

The "Big O" is a Montreal icon: locals complain about it, but no one could do without it.