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

Should you visit Columbus or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Columbus and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Columbus. Montreal is bigger than Columbus, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbus is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Columbus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Montreal.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbus or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Montreal?

In either Columbus or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Columbus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

Montreal 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.

A weekend in Columbus or Montreal?

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

Montreal 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.

Five days in Columbus or Montreal?

Columbus 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montreal, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Montreal?

Columbus 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 great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Columbus and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Montreal. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Montreal. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Columbus is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Montreal. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, Columbus is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Columbus often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montreal. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Columbus