Montreal is a bustling, sprawling city that is iconic to anyone who sees it, but even the most loyal born and bred locals of the city aren’t privy to some of the best hidden gems in the city. If you’re looking for something new to do for a quick staycation in the city, take a look at our ideas for a great day out in Montreal.
Barbie Expo
The Barbie Expo is exactly what you think it is: an entire museum dedicated to the most iconic toy in history. Take photos with the woman herself as you browse the various exhibits of the Barbie girl in what can only be described as the Barbie world!
You can take in the history of Barbie, her influence on culture and fashion, and meet all the diverse set of friends she has collected over the years. Fashionistas will love the displays of all of Barbie’s most iconic looks throughout the years as they are displayed across over 1,000 dolls in the gallery, designed by names like Donna Karan, Armani, Ralph Laurent, Vera Wang, Christian Dior and more.
You’ll be jealous that you can’t fit into a 11.5-inch dress!
Casino de Montreal
The beautiful modern building holding Montreal’s biggest gambling venue is just where the gameplay starts at this casino. All the classics are here, including poker, baccarat, roulette, and loads of slot machines.
Even if gambling isn’t so much your thing, you can channel your inner Liza Minnelli and see a cabaret show or relax in one of the venue’s top restaurants. It’s a good way to spend a night in the lights of the city.
If the thought of some Diva warbling away the evening doesn’t take your fancy, or mingling with strangers isn’t really your thing, you can always visit the Mr Green betting platform (https://www.mrgreen.com/ca/) for an online gambling experience from the comfort of your hotel room.
Jean-Talon Market
Deep in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy, you will find a market made up of dozens of stalls, named the Jean-Talon Market. You will find organic produce everywhere in this market. Fruit and veg, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and more are all found here for those who don’t just eat food to keep from dying, but truly love food.
It has a pleasant and friendly atmosphere from the shoppers and shopkeepers that makes for a peaceful wander while you look for that produce that simply doesn’t compare to the stuff in the supermarket.
Grab some street food from one of the restaurateurs to keep you satisfied while you wander the many stalls.
Montreal Botanical Garden
For the nature lovers out there, there is the Montreal Botanical Garden to keep you happy. Part of the Montreal Space for Life, the garden joins the Biodome, Insectarium, and the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium as a natural museum science complex, but its main attraction is its collection of over 22,000 plant species that make the gardens a gorgeous collection of colors and patterns.
The 75-hectare land houses 10 exhibition greenhouses and 20 themed gardens with enormous plant sculptures to admire. Wander through the gardens to find sculptures that look like something from the ending to Moana and scenery that would be at home in a Monet painting.
Notre-Dame Basilica
The biggest tourist attraction in Montreal doesn’t get that title for no reason. Montreal’s oldest Catholic church is the very definition of grandeur, with its intricately designed interior of gold sculptures and painted ceilings. It is definitely a sight to behold, that no camera can replicate.
Grab a ticket and join the tour. The hour-long visit will point out 24 points of interest amongst the sculptures, paintings and architecture of the church, as well as outlining the history of the church and what influenced its art.
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