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

Should you visit Tampa or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Tampa and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Montreal is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Beaches?

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

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Montreal.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Tampa is not popular with students.

Is Tampa 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, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Tampa offers food. 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Montreal?

Tampa 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Montreal?

Tampa 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Montreal?

Tampa 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 city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Montreal in the Summer?

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

Tampa is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tampa usually receives more rain than Montreal. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tampa or Montreal in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Tampa is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampa in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the autumn, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tampa in the winter for 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. In January, Tampa is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 60°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampa usually receives less rain than Montreal. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tampa or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Tampa during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

Tampa is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the spring, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Tampa