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

Should you visit Providence 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 Providence 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.

Providence

Providence is a active, friendly, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Providence 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. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Providence and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Providence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Providence and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Providence is famous for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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

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

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Providence is not a live music destination.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Providence 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.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Families?

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

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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known 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.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

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

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Montreal offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

Is Providence or Montreal a more walkable city?

Providence and Montreal are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Providence?

How long in Providence or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Providence 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.

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Montreal?

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

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Providence or Montreal?

Providence 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Montreal?

Providence 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 Providence and Montreal, we can see that Providence 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 Providence Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Providence or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Providence. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. Providence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Providence usually receives less rain than Montreal. Providence 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 Providence or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Providence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Providence in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Providence is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Providence in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Providence. In the autumn, Providence often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. Providence 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 Providence or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Montreal. Most visitors come to Providence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Providence can be very cold during winter. In January, Providence is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 28°F (-2°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

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

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Montreal. Providence 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 Providence or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Providence as well as Montreal. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Providence is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Providence this time of the year. In the spring, Providence often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Providence 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 Providence