Montreal Place d'Armes

Overview

Place d'Armes is a historic square in Old Montreal, surrounded by significant architectural landmarks. It's a popular spot for tourists to start their exploration of the city's rich history.

It's one of the oldest squares in Montreal and a central point for understanding the city's history.

Historical Cultural

Location

Address

Place d’Armes, Montréal, Quebec

Neighborhood: Old Montreal

Coordinates

45.507400, -73.557300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

tuesday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

wednesday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

thursday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

friday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

saturday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

sunday Open 24 hours (square), attractions vary

Admission

Adults

$0 (square), varies by attraction

Children

$0 (square), varies by attraction

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, pleasant light for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

Half day (including nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, occasionally rainy

• flowers
• spring festivals

summer

hot, occasional thunderstorms

• extended daylight
• outdoor performances

autumn

cool, crisp, colorful foliage

• fall colors
• harvest festivals

winter

cold, snowy, icy

• holiday lights
• Christmas markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Free to visit the square
Check nearby attraction hours
Wear comfortable shoes

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes

seasonal

jacket umbrella sunglasses

not allowed

drones large bags in some nearby attractions

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

• uneven cobblestone streets

Medical facilities: first aid available at nearby attractions

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Typical Costs

food $15-$30

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing for religious sites

Booking Tips

• Not required for the square, but recommended for nearby attractions
• official websites of nearby attractions
• varies by attraction
• available for some nearby attractions

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Explore Montreal

Size: 60 MB

Features: Map, Attraction info, Audio guide, Tickets for nearby attractions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes

Charging Stations: Cafes, Some attractions

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi

$40-$50 30-40 min

public_transport

$10 60-75 min

From City Center

Distance: 2-3 km

metro

$3.50 10-15 min

bus

$3.50 15-20 min

taxi

$10-$15 10-15 min

bike

$5 15-20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, beautiful architecture, central location for cultural events

Historical Significance: Important events in Montreal's history happened here, central point in the founding of the city

Insider Tips

Free entry to the square at any time
Best views from nearby attractions
Local cafes offer great people-watching spots

Local Recommendations

• Try Montreal-style bagels at St-Viateur Bagel nearby
• Visit Café Olimpico for authentic Italian experience
• Ask for guide recommendations at the tourist office

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Beau/Belle

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: English, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

In front of Notre-Dame Basilica

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle to capture the facade

Result: Iconic shot of Montreal

#montreal #notredame #oldmontreal #travelcanada

The square's center with the obelisk

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Low angle to emphasize the obelisk

Result: Good travel photo

#placedarmes #montrealhistory #travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas public square, outdoor areas

prohibited areas inside nearby attractions (varies)

flash photography allowed in public areas, varies by attraction

commercial photography permit needed for some areas

drone policy prohibited without special permit

tripod policy allowed in public areas, restricted in some attractions

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Notre-Dame Basilica

Distance: 0.1 km

Walking: 2 min

Type: Historical/Religious

Old Sulpician Seminary

Distance: 0.2 km

Walking: 3 min

Type: Historical/Museum

Bonsecours Market

Distance: 0.3 km

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historical/Shopping

Old Port of Montreal

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 10 min

Type: Cultural/Outdoor

Place Jacques-Cartier

Distance: 0.4 km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cultural/Outdoor

Montreal Science Centre

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum/Educational

Reviews

4.6

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds"
"Combine with nearby attractions for a full experience"
"Check out the Christmas market in December"

Contact Information

+1 514-872-7700 (Tourist Information Office)

info@tourisme-montreal.org

www.tourisme-montreal.org

Social Media

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