Best Cheap Things to Do in Montreal

Living in Montreal can get expensive fast, but finding fun things to do does not have to destroy your budget. One of the best things about the city is that some of its most memorable experiences are inexpensive, local, and genuinely human. Whether you’re visiting Montreal for the first time, strapped for cash, trying to meet new people, or just looking for something more authentic than another overpriced night out, this guide is for you.

Try Improv

Nothing is better than free. Théâtre Sainte-Catherine offers free improv workshops on Mondays. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships on Les Lundis Impro in French. It’s open to beginners and experts alike! If you want to watch their Sunday Night Improv shows, they run for $10 each. Highly recommended if you love spontaneity.

For those who speak English, you can also try The Montreal Improv. As someone who has taken their classes, I highly recommend it. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections with other artists and professionals in the area who are looking to connect with adults.

The Botanical Gardens

Late spring and summer are the best times to visit the gardens. The Botanical Gardens have more than 22,000 plant species, 10 exhibition greenhouses, and some 20 thematic gardens.

Tickets typically go for $25.50, but if you are a holder of the Espace Pour La Vie Passport, you can buy tickets at a discounted rate. For students 18+, it is only $14.75 for a pass.

Museums

If you’re into art, visit the Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts. Every first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection and exhibitions is free for Quebec residents.

You can also check out The Redpath Museum, a museum of natural history belonging to McGill University and located on the university’s campus on Sherbrooke Street. It was built in 1882 as a gift from the sugar baron Peter Redpath.

Attend a Comedy Show

What’s really unique about Montreal is that it is one of the most bilingual cities in Canada, with a rich comedy scene in both French and English.

If you are interested in French comedy, check out Le Bordel, Le Terminal, and La Cabine.

For the English scene, if you’re looking for a club vibe, check out the Comedy Nest, where they offer student discounts and discounted ticket prices during their open mics. Comedy on Mackay offers student discounts for all its shows. If you’re into good food, check out the Lion’s Den at Burgundy Lion. Tickets can be as low as $5 each.

Trivia Nights

If you’re into trivia, this is for you. The World’s Smallest Comedy Night hosts trivia nights every Wednesday at Hurley’s Irish Pub, where you can play trivia with quality drinks.

Bars

If you’re looking for a great place to connect with people without the noise of sports games on TVs, head over to N sur Mackay. It’s a woman-owned and woman-managed bar that focuses on neighbourhood and human connection. Voted one of the top five bars and best cocktail spots in Montreal, it’s definitely a place where you can hold a conversation with a friend…or a date and still hear yourself.

These are just a few affordable things to do in Montreal, and once summer festival season begins, the options become almost endless. You can walk through Old Montreal, check out free outdoor concerts, or have a picnic by The Lachine Canal with cheap burgers and poutine from Patati Patata.

Montreal can be expensive, but with the right plan, a good night out does not have to be.