Visit Montpellier in 2 days

Where to Stay in Montpellier

Choosing where to stay in Montpellier matters more than you might think for a short two-day visit: the city is compact but layered, and a well-placed base saves transit time and lets you soak in the atmosphere. If your priorities are seeing the Popular Pavilion, the courthouse and the elegant water tower of Peyrou, pick a neighborhood that keeps those sites within easy walking distance so your days feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Montpellier is organized around a medieval core and a few modern hubs. The tight medieval grid—known locally as the Écusson—funnels pedestrians between narrow streets, cafés and squares, while boulevards and modern developments like Antigone open onto wider promenades along the river. The city center is extremely walkable, with frequent tram lines radiating out to newer districts and the train station, so you can mix walking and short tram hops to cover more ground without losing time.

For two days, the most practical choices are to stay in or just beside the Écusson (historic center) for immediate access to the Place de la Comédie and the Popular Pavilion, or in Antigone if you prefer a more modern, airy feel with easy tram access. If you want to be near the water tower and the green Promenade du Peyrou, aim for lodging on the hill above the promenade or the quiet streets flanking it—search for places that advertise views or proximity to Peyrou. If arriving by train, staying near Gare Saint-Roch saves time and gives you direct connections to other neighborhoods and regional trains.

Transport around Montpellier is forgiving: trams are frequent and intuitive, buses fill in the gaps, and most central sites are a 10–20 minute walk from each other. For your two-day rhythm, plan one walking day around the Écusson and Peyrou, and use a tram hop to reach any modern attractions or the station. Look for accommodation close to a tram stop if you want to extend your explorations without the hassle of taxis.

Finally, be pragmatic and kind to yourself: for a short stay prioritize location and comfort over bells and whistles. A small apartment or a centrally located guesthouse will let you drop your bags, step out to a café, and see the Popular Pavilion, courthouse and water tower with time left over to enjoy an evening stroll. Choose a place with clear check-in instructions, reasonable noise reviews and, in summer, cooling options—this makes a compact, memorable two-day visit effortless.

Getting Around Montpellier

Montpellier is wonderfully easy to explore by public transport: the city center is compact, the network is frequent, and most visitors find that the combination of TaM trams, buses and shared bikes makes hopping between sights effortless 🚇. Stops are well-signposted, many stations sit right by major squares like the Place de la Comédie, and the trams run often enough that you rarely need a strict timetable. As a tourist you’ll feel at home quickly—maps are readable, drivers are used to visitors, and the system covers both the historic heart and the spread-out modern neighborhoods.

Practical tip: buy your fare before boarding. You can purchase single tickets and day passes from machines at tram stops or via the official TaM app; paper tickets are common but contactless options are increasingly available. A single ride is inexpensive (around €1.70 last I checked), and if you plan multiple hops in a day the day pass or a carnet of tickets will save you money and hassle 🎫. Keep your ticket handy because inspectors do spot checks.

For navigation, Google Maps works brilliantly in Montpellier—real-time tram and bus arrivals tend to be accurate, and the app integrates walking directions perfectly, so you can combine a short stroll with a tram ride. I also check the TaM app for service alerts and use local station displays when I’m nearby. If you prefer two wheels, the city’s bike system, Vélomagg', is an excellent last-mile option and often faster than waiting for a bus during peak times.

To save money, embrace walking whenever possible: many top attractions, cafés and viewpoints sit within a pleasant 15–25 minute walk of each other. Use the day pass on days when you’re making longer trips to the outskirts, and switch to Vélomagg' for short hops. Combining walking with one or two tram rides usually gives you the best value and the most memorable views of Montpellier’s boulevards and hidden squares.

I still smile remembering a morning when we started at the Pavillon Populaire, wandered across the esplanade toward the Peyrou, admired the elegant water tower and then decided to reach the Courthouse. Instead of taking a long route, we walked up to the tram stop by Place de la Comédie, tapped our tickets, and in two quick stops we were at the Palais de Justice—smooth, affordable and just long enough to sip an espresso and watch the city unfold 🗺️. If I can do it confidently on my first day, you will too.

What to Pack for Montpellier

I go to Montpellier whenever I need a dose of sun, old stone and lively cafés. In two days you’ll be roaming the Écusson (old town), popping into galleries, climbing a tower or two and lingering on the Promenade du Peyrou. I once walked about 14 km (≈9 miles) across two days there and was out for 10+ hours each day—these are the things that saved me and made the trip relaxed instead of sore and stressed.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., Ecco Soft 7 or Merrell Moab): I learned the hard way that cobblestones and long museum/gallery circuits punish flimsy soles. On my last visit I climbed a narrow tower (100+ steps) and walked across cobbled streets for hours; my Merrells prevented blisters and kept my feet happy. Why: good support and grippy soles make exploring architecture and narrow alleys enjoyable, not painful.

2. Cross-body bag: I always wear a slim cross-body with a zip and RFID pocket when I ride trams or stand in crowded squares like Place de la Comédie. Once someone bumped me in a busy market—my bag stayed secure and my passport and phone were safe. Why: easy access, better weight distribution for long days and safer against pickpockets in tourist areas.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing for Montpellier: Montpellier has warm days and cooler evenings; I pack breathable layers: a light T‑shirt, a thin long-sleeve, and a compact windbreaker. One evening an unexpected breeze rolled in near the Peyrou—my light jacket made sitting at a terrace comfortable. Why: layered clothing handles sunny afternoons, chilly nights and occasional coastal gusts without lugging heavy coats.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E — France, 230V): Hotels and guesthouses often have one or two sockets. I once had to charge a camera and phone with only a single outlet—my compact adapter with multiple USB ports let me charge both overnight. Why: you’ll need to keep devices charged for photos, digital tickets and maps.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): On a day hunting art galleries and architecture I drained my phone quickly using maps and taking photos. A 10,000 mAh power bank gave me an extra full charge (phone back to ~80%) so I could keep navigating and snapping for 12+ hours. Why: avoids being stranded without directions or tickets on a busy day.

6. Optional — lightweight reusable water bottle and small sketchbook/pen: I refill a bottle at fountains and cafés to stay hydrated during long walks (I drank ~2 liters a day). A tiny sketchbook is lovely for jotting building details or quick sketches in galleries. Why: practical hydration and a way to remember details of Montpellier’s architecture you’ll want to revisit later.