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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bucharest travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Bucharest and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Bucharest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Montreal is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Montreal. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for its live music scene. However, Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Montreal 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.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Montreal. 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Montreal are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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 Bucharest or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Montreal.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Montreal?

In either Bucharest or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Bucharest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Montreal?

The city of Bucharest offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Montreal?

Bucharest 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 Bucharest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Montreal?

Bucharest 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Montreal?

Bucharest 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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in Bucharest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Montreal. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Bucharest is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Montreal. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the spring, Bucharest is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Montreal. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Bucharest