Montreal is a city that never sleeps so you can have a blast even on an evening tour. It’s a city where it’s always party time, and there’s always something going on especially at night!

Spend an evening in Montreal by taking a tour in Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, enjoying live music at the Plateau-Mont-Royal, grabbing a late night snack from a traditional poutine shop and ending the night at the famous Comedy Nest.

You can also watch the sunset over the skyline and see all the lights come on. Then take a walk and wander through Crescent Street, which has many restaurants to choose from.

You don’t need much money to make your evening in Montreal an unforgettable experience, either! Just have an open mind and the willingness to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer, so read on and note these ideas!

1. Watch a show at Place Des Arts

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend a world-class show without the high ticket prices? Then why not attend a show at Place des Arts, Montreal’s largest performing arts complex!

From operas and ballets, to plays and musicals, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt ballads, lively jigs or inspiring dramas, you can rely on Place des Arts to provide an unforgettable experience. 

Plus, you won’t have to break the bank to do it—shows at Place des Arts are both affordable and plentiful. But there’s more to Place des Arts than just performances. 

You can also get in on the action yourself with their workshops and classes—from learning how to write a play or paint an abstract masterpiece, dusk ’till dawn night classes as well as intramural leagues for those who prefer team sports. 

2. Take a night tour at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

If you ever wanted to experience what it’s like to visit space, then take a night tour at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.  With its incredible projection technology, this planetarium will take you on an adventure that includes stars, planets and galaxies. 

Plus,it’s a chance to get up close and personal with outer space without having to worry about running out of oxygen or getting sucked into an asteroid belt.

What’s really cool is that the planetarium-goers can pick their own journey through space (much like visiting a cool intergalactic restaurant). You’ll have access to an impressive selection of tours. 

From starry night projections, educational lectures on astronomy and even simulated space missions – all in the comfort of an air-conditioned theatre. It’s a truly out of this world experience that’s fun for all ages. 

3. Check out the nightlife scene on Crescent Street

I’m sure you’ve heard of the infamous Crescent Street in Montreal—the club capital of the city with no shortage of live music, DJs, bars and pubs. It’s the place to be if you want to see some awesome nightlife. 

And truth be told, it’s hard not to get caught up in the energy and excitement of this street. The street gets even more enticing after 11pm, when some bars will offer up drinks for just a few dollars. 

And that’s not to mention the free shows that keep cropping up throughout the night- it’s like literally stepping into a live concert. But if you’re looking for something a little different, try hitting up one of the pubs or clubs for some karaoke.

There are plenty of other activities too, from pool tables and video games, to stand-up comedy shows and live trivia nights. And if that doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, then get ready for an impromptu dance party or laser show! 

4. Have a dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence River

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the evening in Montreal, then a dinner cruise at St. Lawrence River should definitely be on your list! You’ll get to cruise the river while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and music. 

Plus, you’ll have front row seats to watch the beautiful Montreal skyline light up as you sail away. On top of that, there are plenty of affordable options for dinner cruises so you’ll still have money left over for other evening activities. 

The cruises usually range in length from 2-4 hours and offer an array of menu options like gourmet buffets, family-style platters, and three-course meals. Some even include complimentary drinks like beer and wine!

In addition, some have added bonuses like live music and entertainment or even dancing. So grab your friends or that special someone and set sail on a magical evening of good eats, great vibes, and stunning views!

5. Catch a film at Dollar Cinema

Movie nights don’t have to break the bank—especially in Montreal. If you’re looking for a cheap, entertaining way to spend your evening in the city, look no further than Dollar Cinema. 

And, yes, it’s true—movies only cost a single dollar here! But it’s not just the admission fee that you’ll appreciate. 

The theatre has four auditoriums where you can enjoy plenty of cult classics to new releases and foreign films. Plus, they offer snacks (you can bring your own) and soft drinks to make it a complete movie-going experience without the hefty price tag.

Whether you’re looking for an old favourite or something brand new, Dollar Cinema is sure to make your evening entertainingly budget-friendly.

6. Enjoy live music in the Plateau Mont Royal

If you’re looking to enjoy the beat of Montreal, check out the Plateau-Mont-Royal! Every night there is a live-music show there, with bands and DJs taking over bars and venues. 

Plus there are plenty of cheap (and even free) shows happening at places like Mile End’s Barfly, which has local artists playing every night. 

When it comes to the Plateau-Mont-Royal, all you need is some coins or a friend with a student card to get a discounted ticket—winning! And there’s another great thing about the Plateau-Mont-Royal as it’s not just about swinging your hips to some beats. 

You can also find yourself in interactive art exhibitions like Lives and Times of the Plateau. So make sure to check out what’s happening before you call it a night—you never know what kind of show you’ll find!

7. Hang out at an outdoor cafe

If you’re looking to enjoy a bit of Montreal’s bustling nightlife, an outdoor cafe is a great option! Watching locals and tourists alike stroll by while sipping on your favorite café au lait is the perfect way to spend your evening. 

On top of that, there are plenty of options in Montreal.  From the classic hipster joints in Mile End, or the more upscale places near Parc Jean Drapeau, there are lots of spots where you can kick back and relax. 

And since it’s not too hot in Montreal during the summer months, it’s nice and comfortable to hang out at an outdoor cafe – no matter the time of year. It doesn’t have to be expensive either! 

You can usually get by with just a few bucks for some coffee or small meal. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting for your evening in Montreal, why not head out and enjoy one of our lovely outdoor cafes?

8. Admire the illuminated city skyline

Nightfall in Montreal is simply magical. As the city skyline transforms into a twinkling blanket of lights, you can’t help but admire how beautiful it looks. 

Take a stroll along the waterfront and fill your lungs with fresh air as you take in the views. The best part is that admiring Montreal’s illuminated skyline comes at no cost. 

Just be sure to bring along a camera, so that way you can capture this breathtaking moment. Not to mention that if you’re lucky enough to find one with a zoom lens, you’ll be able to get some beautiful shots of the skyline from wherever you are.

So why not put on your walking shoes and explore Montreal’s illuminated cityscape at night? You won’t regret it!

9. Enjoy every bite of Poutine

Nothing says Montreal like a plate full of poutine. From the traditional poutine with cheese curds, gravy, and fries to specialty variations that add extra toppings like bacon and jalapenos, there is something for everyone. 

This indulgent dish is sure to please the most discerning palates, even those on a budget. Moreover, there are also other great choices available in Montreal that you could eat your way around the city every night! 

From gourmet burgers to classic street hot dogs, there are endless possibilities for a delicious evening out. And don’t forget about the signature Montreal-style bagels—they’re definitely worth trying too!

Whether you opt for traditional or specialty poutine, you’ll get all the nostalgia of comfort food without breaking the bank. Plus, you can enjoy it al fresco and soak up some of Montreal’s nightlife at the same time. 

10. Enjoy the night at The Comedy Nest

You can end your evening tour in Montreal right in the heart of downtown Montreal! Whether you’re laughing till it hurts or simply trying to make sense of the surreal, the Comedy Nest is sure to make your evening in Montreal an unforgettable experience.

This cozy comedy venue combines both locals and international acts from all over, providing a variety of performances that cater to diverse audiences and comedic tastes. 

If you opt for a ticket package – which includes entrance, dinner and a drink, then you can capture the full experience in one go.

Once you’ve spent your night laughing your socks off, follow it up with a late-night bite at one of the area’s trendy restaurants. Whatever diet or lifestyle you adhere to, you’ll find something that’ll satisfy even the pickiest (and hungriest) of taste buds. 

FAQs about How to Spend an Evening in Montreal