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

Should you visit Gainesville or Montreal?

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

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

Gainesville

Gainesville is a high energy, active, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Gainesville 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Gainesville and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Gainesville. Montreal is bigger than Gainesville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Gainesville is well known for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Gainesville. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

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

Montreal is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is very popular for nightlife. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Gainesville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is very popular for live music. However, Gainesville is not a live music destination.

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.

Gainesville is not a live music destination.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its historic old town. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for shopping. Also, Gainesville 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 Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is notable for romance. Also, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Gainesville is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Gainesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many travelers, but there are some cheap motels where budget travelers can stay.

Is Gainesville or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is very popular for students. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Montreal is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Gainesville. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Gainesville has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Is Gainesville or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its walkability. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Gainesville is a somewhat walkable place. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Gainesville 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.

Montreal is a colorful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Montreal?

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

Montreal is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Montreal?

Gainesville 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 vibrant city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Montreal?

Gainesville 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Montreal. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours 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 Gainesville and Montreal, we can see that Gainesville 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 Gainesville Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gainesville is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 81°F (27°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Gainesville is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Montreal. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Gainesville or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gainesville 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 the winter, Gainesville is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gainesville in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Gainesville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montreal. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Montreal. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 69°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Montreal. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Gainesville