A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Antonio vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Antonio 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

San Antonio and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Antonio or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than San Antonio. Montreal is bigger than San Antonio, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while San Antonio is more popular for its impressive beauty. Montreal is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. San Antonio is well known for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Antonio or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Antonio makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific 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 San Antonio or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

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.

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is San Antonio or Montreal More Beautiful?

San Antonio is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Antonio offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for Families?

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

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

Is San Antonio or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great destination for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal 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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in San Antonio than Montreal. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Antonio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Montreal?

The city of San Antonio offers museums and nightlife. 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 vibrant 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 San Antonio or Montreal?

San Antonio 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio or Montreal?

San Antonio 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 cultural 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 San Antonio or Montreal?

San Antonio 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 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Antonio and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is San Antonio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Antonio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Antonio 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 San Antonio.

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

Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Antonio. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and San Antonio during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Antonio for the music scene 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, San Antonio is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 87°F (31°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Antonio. In the summer, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Antonio gets 307 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. San Antonio gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Antonio and Montreal. Many visitors come to San Antonio in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

San Antonio is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Antonio averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In San Antonio, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. San Antonio gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, San Antonio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. San Antonio gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Antonio or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Antonio as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to San Antonio for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. In the winter, San Antonio is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Antonio in January average around 54°F (12°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, San Antonio often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Antonio gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

San Antonio usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. San Antonio gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Antonio or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and San Antonio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, San Antonio is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Antonio average around 74°F (23°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. San Antonio usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. San Antonio gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Antonio usually receives less rain than Montreal. San Antonio gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and San Antonio