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

Should you visit Baltimore or Montreal?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse 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 Baltimore 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Baltimore and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Baltimore different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Foodies will find both Baltimore and Montreal both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Baltimore or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Montreal just to party. 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Baltimore or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Baltimore or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Baltimore or Montreal Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Montreal.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. 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 Baltimore or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Baltimore or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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 Baltimore or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Baltimore 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 Baltimore and Montreal.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Baltimore or Montreal a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Montreal both are very good when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Baltimore or Montreal?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore, 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 Baltimore or Montreal?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Montreal?

Baltimore 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the summer, Baltimore is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baltimore in July average around 78°F (25°C), 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 Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Baltimore gets 283 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 Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Montreal. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Baltimore is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 57°F (14°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Montreal. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baltimore or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Baltimore is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 32°F (0°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

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

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montreal. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Montreal and Baltimore