A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boston vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Old Town

Should you visit Boston or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Boston and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boston or Montreal?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boston than Montreal. While Montreal is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boston is better known for its theatre productions, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Montreal is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities.

How is Boston different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Boston and Montreal have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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 Boston or Montreal Better for Theater?

Boston is great for its shows and theatre. However, Montreal is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Montreal is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Boston and Montreal can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Boston or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Boston or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Boston or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Boston or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Boston is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Boston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Boston or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Boston or Montreal More Beautiful?

Boston is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boston or Montreal Better for Families?

Boston is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Boston or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Boston and Montreal are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Montreal. 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 Boston or Montreal Better for Students?

Boston and Montreal are both first-rate destinations for students and younger travelers.

Boston is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Many students frequent Montreal. 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.

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

Boston is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Boston can take you anywhere. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Boston or Montreal a more walkable city?

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

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Boston?

How long in Boston or Montreal?

In either Boston or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boston than Montreal. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Montreal 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 Boston.

One day in Boston or Montreal?

Boston is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boston or Montreal?

Boston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Boston or Montreal?

Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boston, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Boston or Montreal?

Boston is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant big city of Montreal. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Montreal, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montreal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montreal and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Montreal.

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

Which is Bigger, Boston or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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 Boston or Montreal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boston as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In the summer, Boston often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Boston is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Boston usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Boston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Boston during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Boston can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Boston is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Boston often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Boston usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, Boston is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boston usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boston usually receives more rain than Montreal. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Boston