We had just about 20 hours in Montréal before heading to Québec City, after arriving at 1:00 AM and waking up to a citywide public transportation strike. As a result, we had no métro, no buses, and limited time to explore.
Instead of trying to cram in everything, we focused on what was realistic: enjoying our Amex Platinum hotel perks at Hôtel Vogue, walking through the Underground City at Eaton Centre, and soaking in history at the Old Port and Pointe-à-Callière Observatory.
In fact, if you’ve only got a short stopover or layover in Montréal, this is how you can still experience the city’s charm—even when circumstances aren’t ideal.
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Montréal in 20 Hours: A Walkable Itinerary at a Glance
For travelers who like structure, here’s what our short stay looked like:
Day 1 (1:00 AM): Land at YUL Airport, taxi to hotel.
Day 1 (10:00 AM): Leisurely breakfast at the hotel (Amex benefit).
Day 1 (11:00 AM): Explore the Underground City (RÉSO) via Eaton Centre.
Day 1 (1:00 PM): Walk to the Old Port of Montréal.
Day 1 (2:30 PM): Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum & Observatory.
Day 1 (5:00 PM): Depart for Québec City from the bus or train station.
Getting from YUL Airport to Downtown
No matter when you land, Montréal’s airport transfers are simple.
- Taxi or Uber: There’s a fixed rate between YUL and downtown, so you know the cost upfront. Rideshare apps like Uber are reliable, even late at night. That’s what we used for our 1:00 AM arrival because we needed an Uber XL.
- 747 Bus: Normally, this 24-hour bus connects the airport to downtown and includes 24-hour métro and bus access with your fare. On strike days it’s off the table. This is another reason to budget for a taxi if you’re arriving after midnight.
Where to Stay for a Short Layover
For a 20-hour stay, the hotel you choose shapes the entire experience. It’s not just a bed — it’s your base, your dining option, and your reset zone.
Our Stay: Hôtel Vogue Montréal (Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts)
We booked Hôtel Vogue Montréal Downtown, part of the Hilton Curio Collection, using the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program through the American Express Platinum Card. The location in the Golden Square Mile made all the difference.
These were our perks:
- $100 property credit (used for breakfast, sandwiches and drinks).
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
- Guaranteed 4:00 PM late checkout.
The late checkout turned out to be the best benefit. We could explore all day, come back to rest, and still have time to shower and pack before leaving for Québec City that evening.
The hotel itself feels quietly elegant with modern interiors, spacious rooms, and the kind of attentive staff who remember your name by breakfast. They were also the first to let us know about the strike and helped us map out a walking plan.
Breakfast was another win. Instead of hunting down a café, we sat down to a full spread in the dining room: fresh pastries, strong coffee, and a few moments to plan our day. On a short stopover, convenience like that matters.
Tip: If you travel often, the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program can be a lifesaver for short stays. The breakfast and late checkout alone can offset the cost of the card when used strategically.
Other Excellent Short-Stay Hotels
If you don’t have an Amex Platinum or prefer a different style, these are equally strong options in central Montréal:
- Hotel Fairmont: The Queen Elizabeth is one of Montréal’s most historic stays, famous for its mid-century charm, direct access to the Underground City, and its connection to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 “Bed-In for Peace.”
- The Ritz-Carlton Montréal: Classic luxury in the Golden Square Mile, one of Canada’s top hotels.
- W Montréal: Trendy and modern, ideally located between downtown and the Old Port.
Morning: Hotel Perks and the Underground City
We began the day slowly, which felt right after arriving so late. Breakfast was already included through our Amex benefits, so there was no rush to leave the hotel.
With public transit shut down, we looked for something we could explore nearby — and Montréal’s Underground Citywas the answer.
Exploring the RÉSO via the Eaton Centre
RÉSO is more than a shopping complex. It’s an underground world connecting more than 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) of tunnels through offices, hotels, and shopping centers. On a rainy or freezing day, it’s a haven for locals. On a strike day, it’s an explorer’s shortcut.
We entered through the Eaton Centre, which connects seamlessly to other sections of RÉSO. The shops range from Canadian brands to familiar global names, but the draw here isn’t retail — it’s seeing how Montréalers live and move through their city, even underground.
If you’re tight on time, RÉSO gives you a glimpse of modern Montréal without needing transportation. It’s also an easy way to grab coffee, people-watch, and recharge before heading to the Old Port.
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Afternoon: History and Views in the Old Port
After a relaxed morning underground, we stepped into the fresh air and made our way to Old Montréal. The walk took around 25 minutes from Hôtel Vogue. You could also take a short taxi ride if mobility is an issue or the weather isn’t ideal.
Exploring the Old Port
This area looks and feels completely different from downtown. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and riverfront promenades make it one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Canada. Even in a short window of time, you get a strong sense of the city’s French heritage here.
Street performers, cafés, and small art galleries line the streets. It’s an easy area to wander, even without a strict itinerary.
Pointe-à-Callière Museum & Observatory
Our main stop was Pointe-à-Callière, the museum built on Montréal’s original birthplace. Since we didn’t have hours to spare, we went straight for the Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the Old Port and downtown.
If you only have one museum stop, make it this one. You’ll get a mix of city views, archaeological displays, and storytelling that connects Montréal’s past to its present.
You can visit this museum and a total of 5 attractions in Montréal with a single pass called the MTL Passport.
Evening: Dinner on a Deadline
By late afternoon, it was time to go to the bus station, Gare d’autocars de Montréal. We used the remainder of our $100 property credit for sandwiches and drinks at the Hotel Vogue Cafe, which turned out to be both convenient and excellent for a 4 hour bus ride to Quebec City. The train was also on strike, but it is usually my preferred method of travel to Quebec City.
If you prefer to head out to sit at a restaurant, here are a few quick yet iconic options:
- Olive & Gourmando (Old Port): Ideal for a pastry or sandwich before your flight or train.
- Reuben’s Deli (Downtown): Classic Montréal smoked meat without the crowds.
- Schwartz’s Deli (Taxi Required): The city’s most famous smoked meat sandwich — iconic for a reason.
Even with just one meal, you can taste Montréal’s mix of old-world comfort and modern dining.
Getting Around Montréal (Strike or No Strike)
Our Experience: Strike Day
With public transportation halted, we relied on walking and one short taxi ride. Staying central truly saved the day. Everything we did was within reach — no métro, no stress.
When Transit Is Running
Montréal’s STM system is normally excellent. The métro is clean, fast, and connects downtown to neighborhoods like Le Plateau and Little Italy in minutes. A 1-day or 3-day pass is affordable and makes sense for longer visits.
If you’re planning a short stop and the city is operating normally, you can easily add spots like the Mont-Royal lookoutor Jean-Talon Market to your itinerary.
Smart Tips for a Short Stay in Montréal
- Check local news. Strikes, protests, and weather can change plans quickly. On our trip, the transportation strike reshaped our day, but it didn’t ruin it.
- Stay central. The Golden Square Mile and Old Montréal are best for quick access and walkability.
- Use hotel benefits wisely. Late checkout and breakfast perks from cards like Amex Platinum stretch the value of a short stay.
- Pick just 2–3 activities. For less than 24 hours, the Underground City and Old Port are plenty.
- Travel insurance matters. A strike is a reminder of how unpredictable travel can be. Always protect your trip against cancellations or delays.
Compare different insurance policies by using this insurance comparison tool.
Final Thoughts
Even with only 20 hours and a citywide strike, Montréal still offered a taste of what makes it special: modern comfort, deep history, and quiet luxury.
By leaning on hotel perks, focusing on walkable experiences, and keeping expectations realistic, we turned a layover into a memory. Montréal definitely deserves a longer stay, but if this is all the time you have, it’s still worth every minute.
Resource List
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