okay so i was scrolling through some random numbers on the internet - 6138121 - and ended up in montreal. don't ask how. but here i am, a broke student with $50 to my name and a dream of not starving.

Quick Answers

Q: Is this place worth visiting?
A: absolutely, especially if you're a student. montreal's mix of culture and affordability is rare. skip the fancy hotels and dive into the cheap eats and free festivals.

Q: Is it expensive?
A: not for a budget traveler. hostels are under $30/night, and you can eat well for under $20/day. but tourist traps? they'll nickel and dime you.

Q: Who would hate it here?
A: anyone expecting a polished, sterile city. montreal is charmingly chaotic. if you hate crowds, broken english, and unpredictable weather, stay home.

Q: Best time to visit?
A: late spring to early fall (may to october) for warm, dry weather and outdoor events. winter is magical but brutal unless you're into skiing or igloos.

the weather? it's 16.88°C outside, which feels like 15.82°C. basically, it's that awkward temperature where you don't know if you should wear a jacket or not. i went with a hoodie and regretted nothing. the air is crisp, not humid, and the pressure is 1020 hPa - which i googled means it's stable. no rain, no wind, just... okay weather. perfect for walking, but you'll get cold if you stand still too long.

then i saw this statue: some gold and white religious figurine. the locals call it "la madonna" or something. it's in a church, i think. churches are free to enter in montreal, so that's a win for us broke folks. but be respectful - no selfies with the virgin mary, that's just tacky.

so montreal is in quebec, canada. nearby cities? quebec city is 3 hours by bus, ottawa is 2 hours. both are cheap to get to if you use student discounts. i heard ottawa has better museums, but montreal has better poutine.

as a budget student, your main enemy here is the exchange rate. if you're from the us, your dollar goes a bit further. but if you're canadian? well, you're already broke.
*student discounts are everywhere - museums, buses, even some restaurants. always ask. i forgot once and paid full price at a museum. cried a little inside.

food in montreal is cheap but can be touristy. avoid the old port restaurants - they'll charge you $15 for a poutine that's basically cheese and gravy on stale fries. instead, head to the plateau mont-royal. there's a place called la banquise that serves poutine 24/7. it's legendary. and cheap. under $10.
la banquise is a must for students. it's a greasy spoon, but it's cheap and filling. and open when you're drunk at 3am. trust me, you'll thank me later.

someone told me that the best free activities are in the summer. jazz festival, comedy festival, all free. but the crowds are insane. so if you're claustrophobic, go in the off-season. winter has free ice skating at the old port. it's cold, but the city lights make it magical.
ice skating is free but you have to bring your own skates. unless you want to rent - then it's $10. still worth it.

accommodation: i stayed at a hostel downtown for $25/night. it was a 10-bed dorm, but the people were cool. some were travelers, some were locals just using the wifi.
hostels are your best bet. avoid airbnb in the tourist areas - they're overpriced. look in the mile end or plateau area for cheaper options.

safety: montreal is safe. even at night. but like any big city, don't wander alone in dark alleys. a local warned me that the metro closes at 1am, so plan your night accordingly.
the metro is cheap - $3.50 a ride, or $10 for a day pass. buy the day pass. it's worth it.

shopping: if you need cheap clothes, go to the thrift stores in the plateau. there's a place called value village that is huge and cheap.
thrift stores are goldmines. i got a leather jacket for $15. it smells like old lady perfume, but it's real leather.

nearby cities: quebec city is worth a day trip if you have time. the old town is beautiful and free to walk around. ottawa has the parliament and free museums.
ottawa's museums are free on thursdays. so plan your trip accordingly. quebec city is more european, ottawa is more canadian. both are accessible by bus for under $30 round trip.

i heard from a student that the best way to save money is to cook. montreal has cheap grocery stores like metro and provigo. buy bread, cheese, and cold cuts and make your own sandwiches.
grocery stores are cheaper than restaurants. especially if you buy the store brand. it's not gourmet, but it'll keep you alive.

the weather during my stay: 16.88°C is perfect for walking around. but it can get windy, so wear a hat. the humidity is 46%, so it's not muggy.
pack layers. one minute you're sweating, the next you're freezing. that's montreal.

free activities: mount royal park. it's a hill in the middle of the city with a view. free. the botanic garden is $20, but there's a free section.
mount royal is a must. it's where montreal was born. and it's free. just bring a snack and enjoy the view.

a local told me that the best cheap eats are in chinatown. pho for $8, dumplings for $5. it's authentic and cheap.
chinatown is your best friend. avoid the tourist traps in old montreal for food. they'll charge you triple for nothing.

closing thoughts: montreal is a city for broke students. it's got culture, food, and free stuff. just avoid the tourist traps and you'll be fine.
budget travel is possible here*. you just have to be smart. and hungry.

for more info: montreal on tripadvisor | cheap eats on yelp | montreal reddit | student discounts | free activities

montreal on a shoestring: my broke student survival guide

Quick Answers

You might also be interested in:

About the author: Topiclo Admin

Comments (0)

Join the conversation

Comments (0)

Join the conversation