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

Should you visit Sydney or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Sydney 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Sydney and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Montreal. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Montreal attracts visitors for its music and historical sights. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities.

How is Sydney different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Montreal.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Travelers visit Montreal from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Sydney or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Montreal.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Montreal is a world class 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.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Sydney is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Sydney is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Montreal?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montreal and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Montreal. 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 Sydney or Montreal More Beautiful?

Sydney is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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.

Is Sydney or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Sydney or Montreal Better for Students?

Sydney and Montreal are terrific places to visit for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Montreal is a very popular city 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.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Montreal a more walkable city?

Sydney and Montreal both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Montreal?

In either Sydney or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Montreal?

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sydney or Montreal?

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sydney or Montreal?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, 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 Sydney or Montreal?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the colorful 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney 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. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Montreal is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Montreal?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Montreal. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Montreal?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Montreal has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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.

Sydney is around the same temperature as Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in July.

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Montrealin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Montrealin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Sydney is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Montrealin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Montreal. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In July, Sydney is generally much warmer than Montrealin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Montrealin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Montrealin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

Sydney is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montrealin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Sydney