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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mystic 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Mystic and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mystic is more popular for its beaches. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Mystic different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Mystic 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.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Montreal has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a live music destination.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Mystic is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Mystic is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic does not have a historic old town.

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.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Mystic 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.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Mystic and Montreal are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Montreal is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Mystic or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Montreal?

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

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

The town of Mystic offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Mystic or Montreal?

Mystic is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Mystic or Montreal?

Mystic 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.

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 Mystic or Montreal?

Mystic is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week 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 Mystic and Montreal, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Montreal. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mystic is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 73°F (23°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 Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives less rain than Montreal. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mystic or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Mystic is a little warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mystic or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mystic 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. Mystic can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mystic is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mystic in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Montreal. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mystic or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Mystic during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, Mystic is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 48°F (9°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Mystic