Anyone who has been to Montreal will agree that it’s a city that you can visit again and again with endless things to do and see every time. So the question is what if you only have two days to spend in this charming city that’s known for their delicious food and beautiful scenery? Look no further because after having limited time to spend in Montreal this past spring, I’ve compiled the perfect way to spend a short but sweet stay while in town. There were some things I didn’t get to do this time around (like eat poutine or catch a show at Places des Arts) but if you want to just get a taste of Montreal, read on to find out my top 8 picks to do all in two days!

 

1. Scandinave Spa. First things first, I’d head to the spa in Mont Tremblant on the first day to fully unwind and for a full day of pampering. Located just one and a half hour outside of Montreal, you can spend the night in the mountain top before heading into the city the following night. Downtown Montreal also just recently opened their own Scandinave Spa but it’s an indoor location whereas the one in Tremblant is located right next to the lake, with the revitalizing outdoor hot springs in the center of nature. It’s a completely different experience altogether when you have the beautiful outdoors surrounding you as you indulge further into peace and relaxation.

 

Make sure to come here early though – as in 10 am sharp to ensure a spot at the spa. You can also book a treatment beforehand to get guaranteed entry but my boyfriend and I decided to just enjoy the therapeutic waters for a day. What I loved most about this Scandinave location was how scenic it was to be located right on the lake. One of the dry saunas also came equipped with an enormous window for you to enjoy the open view of the lake as you relax your aching muscles – it was just breathtaking. After spending a good half day here, make sure to take a walk around the Mont Tremblant Resort – located about 7 minutes from the spa – before heading into Montreal for your second night in Quebec.

 

2. Lawrence Restaurant. After waking up in Montreal the next day, I’d start the day off with some brunch at Lawrence. If you’re a lover of brunch like I am (honestly, who isn’t), Montreal has so many good brunch options, it might be a bit hard to choose. Lawrence is located in a quiet neighbourhood with limited seating but we luckily got seats at the bar right away. I ordered the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, which was honestly delicious. Pictured above, my plate has been slightly compromised as my friend had slid some of his bacon and sausage onto my dish (which I didn’t mind of course). I loved the overall lively atmosphere of this small restaurant. As well, upon finding out they didn’t serve orange juice, the server came up with this delightful concoction of rose water and grapefruit juice – so good!

 

3. Old Montreal. One cannot go to Montreal and not visit Old Montreal. Not only is there a century’s old history within these cobblestone streets, but there’s also lots of amazing food to be had. You could definitely kill two birds with one stone by brunching in Old Montreal, just be prepared for very busy cafes and less attentive service. Pictured above, I’m dining in Tommy St-Paul, which had a super hipster vibe to it. This was definitely a very popular cafe – the food was delicious but we could barely wave down the server for refills on water. If you’re planning to brunch in Old Montreal, definitely be prepared for a wait but the charming atmosphere is still well worth it!

 

Old Montreal is well-known for its historical architecture that has been recognized for its distinct European design. It’s one of the many reasons why I love visiting again and again while in town. Pictured above in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica, I was actually freezing from the chilly spring weather but I always have to come to see it time and time again as this is the one church that signifies the center of the city for me. Inside the Notre-Dame lies some of the most stunning and detailed artwork I’ve ever seen. Comparable to the famous Notre-Dame in Paris, it’s a gorgeous masterpiece of architecture that one must visit at least once in their lives. As seen, I’m pictured wearing my long pink overcoat and my over-the-knee boots to keep warm. Thank God I decided to bring a warmer jacket to Montreal or else I would’ve really frozen to death in this unpredictable spring weather.

 

4. Schwartz’s. If you haven’t heard of Schwartz’s, it’s time to crawl out from under that rock because it’s the ONE place everyone must visit when coming to Montreal. People from all over the world come to get some of their famous smoked meat before heading home. The lineup for the restaurant side is usually really long – which is why I’ve still never been – but the retail side where you can purchase pre-packaged meat and sandwiches is always a good idea for a quick bite. Whenever I’m visiting, I always schedule some time to pick up smoked meat to go because of the number of people that always ask me to bring it back home for them. It’s definitely a Montreal delicacy – along with poutine and bagels!

 

5. Mount Royal. After getting your fill on some Montreal smoked meat, it’s time to climb your way up to Montreal’s famous viewing point. Just kidding. A lot of people do hike up but I’d suggest driving up for those wanting to save time but mostly, their legs. Mount Royal is the recognizable mountain that sits overtop the city, which boasts killer city views and known as the number one tourist attraction in Montreal. I got to make my way up for the first time this trip and I absolutely loved it. The only thing is that it’s super packed with tourists so be prepared to fight for space; be on your toes to do a quick snap before someone comes wanting their turn. Pictured above, I’m wearing my checkered blazer with a crop top and high-waisted leggings for a chic Montreal look. I was probably the only one not wearing runners but my Steve Madden boots were actually super comfy; I managed to “hike” in them without a problem.

 

While on top of Mount Royal, it’s a short walk to the Mount Royal Cross that you can see from the streets of downtown Montreal. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, the cross that sits on the mountaintop is pretty hard to miss as it makes a striking centerpiece for the city and is lit up when the sun goes down. Once you’ve visited this tourist hotspot, you’ll probably leave feeling super accomplished for reaching the very top of Montreal and seeing this iconic city monument. Congrats! It might be the most touristy spot to check out while in this dynamic city but on a beautiful spring day, why not go for a short hike to take in the scenic panoramic views?

 

6. Park Restaurant. After your hike, you’ll definitely want a nice meal to rave home about. I scoured the pages of many foodie blogs for the perfect restaurant to take my best friend on his birthday and Park was my top pick. Truth be told, there are so many good restaurants in Montreal that it’ll probably make your head hurt but for this particular occasion, we were looking for sushi. I’m a big sushi lover myself so Park was a perfect choice but if you’re looking for other Montreal staples, I’d suggest Au Pied de Cochon or Joe Beef as the favourites for fois gras and steak. However, being known as the best sushi restaurant in Montreal, I quite enjoyed my time at Park. The restaurant has a very modern and chic atmosphere paired with mouthwatering dishes – perfect for celebrating special occasions.

 

The omakase tasting menu is definitely the fan favourite at Park but we ended up ordering an assortment of shareable plates and two mains for the night. One of my favourites had to be the sashimi platter, which came with 9 pieces of fresh sashimi consisting of three different kinds of fish that definitely started off our meal on a good start. When choosing a restaurant for a special night out, I mainly look for ambiance as the deciding factor. Park definitely had the stylish interior I was looking for that set the mood for a memorable dinner during our short stay.

 

7. La Grande Roue de Montreal. After being fully satisfied with your meal, you can’t leave Montreal without a visit to La Grande – Montreal’s first and only Ferris wheel. Luckily, it closes at 11 pm daily so you will have enough time to catch a ride and enjoy some stunning views of Montreal after a full day’s worth of sightseeing. It’s also Montreal’s newest attraction, after having opened just a year ago, that it’s been justifiably compared to The London Eye. I, unfortunately, didn’t get to go on it when I visited but it’s still definitely a nice feast for the eyes if you don’t manage to make on the ride itself in time!

 

8. Nhau Bar. To end off your one night in Montreal, might I suggest an intimate but bustling cocktail bar with a highly creative drinks menu and fanciful decor? This bar reminded me so much of Big Trouble in Toronto except a bit on the darker side, creating a much more seductive vibe. I loved the entire feel of it and the drinks were truly one of a kind. If you’re looking for a low key night out as an alternative to a packed club, Nhau has all the cool vibes of a speakeasy with the same excitement you’d want as a nightlife option. Not to mention, we ended up running into a friend from home during our visit – small world indeed. I’d definitely come back here for a drink or two the next time I take a road trip to the charming city of Montreal once again.

 

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Wearing:

M Boutique Blazer | American Apparel Leggings | M Boutique Tank Top | Steve Madden Boots | Marc Jacobs Purse | Mejuri Necklace | Mejuri Earrings | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

 

 

Wearing:

Babaton Overcoat | Fashion Nova Jeans | Kate Spade Crossbody | Steve Madden Boots | Kate Spade Scarf | Mejuri Earrings