A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlanta vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Montreal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Atlanta travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Atlanta and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Atlanta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Atlanta different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal and Atlanta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlanta or Montreal?

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Montreal and Atlanta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Is the Food Better in Atlanta or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Atlanta and Montreal.

Atlanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Montreal is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Montreal?

If you're looking to go shopping, Atlanta and Montreal both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Families?

Atlanta and Montreal are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Montreal are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Is Atlanta or Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Montreal offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Atlanta or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Montreal?

In either Atlanta or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Atlanta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Atlanta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Montreal, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montreal that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Atlanta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Montreal.

One day in Atlanta or Montreal?

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Montreal, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Montreal?

Atlanta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Montreal, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Atlanta or Montreal?

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Montreal?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlanta Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta and Montreal, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta or Montreal?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Atlanta is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. In July, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Montreal. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atlanta or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Atlanta during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the autumn, Atlanta is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Atlanta in October average around 66°F (19°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. In the autumn, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Atlanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Montreal. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In January, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 45°F (7°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Montreal. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atlanta or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

Atlanta is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 65°F (18°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the spring, Atlanta often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atlanta usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Atlanta