Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods

Written By: Mimi McFadden

Canada

Updated On:

Wondering where the best places to stay in Montreal are? Choosing where to stay in Montreal can be time-consuming because there are so many unique neighborhoods around the city. This guide will help you understand the layout and personality of Montreal.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a repeat visitor, this guide will help you choose where to base yourself depending on what you want to see and experience.

Best Areas to Stay in Montreal

This detailed guide includes information on the 5 most popular areas to stay in Montreal. You will also find suggestions for the best neighborhoods to suit your needs, the best hotels, what to eat, and what not to miss in terms of local experiences.

  • Old Montreal – The most historic (and touristic) part of Montreal. This is where most of the sightseeing in the city is located.
  • Downtown – Skyscrapers, museums, and the hustle and bustle of being right in the heart of it all.
  • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Hipster haven, that is known to have quality coffee shops, boutique stores, street art, and an abundance of cyclists. Very Francophone.
  • Mile End – Similar to the Plateau but more up and coming. Stylish, artsy, multicultural. Where you’ll find the best bagels in the city.
  • The Village – Colorful neighborhood with good nightlife that has been gentrified in recent years. One of the largest gay communities in North America.

In a Hurry? Here are the best hotels in Montreal that We’ve stayed in.

  • Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Montreal – Loved staying in this historic Hotel where John Lennon and Yoko Ono had their bed in, Great location and full amenities. Our favorite places to stay in Montreal.
  • Place Bonaventure – We loved our stay here, rooftop swimming pool, excellent modern rooms, great lobby and location. One of the best hotels in Montreal.
  • Hotel Nelligan – A great stay in Old Montreal, one of the most popular hotels in Montreal for value and location.
Where to stay in Montreal | Notre Dame Basilica

Montreal is not only the city of poutine, sweet bagels, and cold weather, it’s also a vibrant experience into the best parts of multicultural Canada. It’s the second-largest city in Canada with a population of more than 1.7 million people and yet, Montreal still maintains a cozy welcoming atmosphere that draws in even the most cynical traveler. 

The French-inspired culture oozes from the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal to the trendy neighborhood of the Plateau, coined “New France” by locals. Montreal’s impressive architecture and European personality are prominent characteristics of the city. Montreal is the largest French-speaking city outside of France.

Even with its brutally cold winters, the 376-year-old Montreal has never lost its joie de vivre mindset. It’s hard to find a day in the city where there’s not some kind of festival going on, even in the dead of winter.

There are internationally renowned museums, an extensive metro system (that could rival most in Europe), and with its open-minded nature, there is plenty to love about Montreal. 

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

Where to Stay in Montreal – The 5 Best Neighbourhoods

There are 19 boroughs, or arrondissements, on the island of Montreal. The west is generally considered more Anglophone and the east more Francophone. Many of these boroughs used to be independent cities, so you’ll find a good mix of different personalities and features to each one. 

1. Old Montreal – Historic & Touristy

Where to Stay in Montreal | Old Montreal

Also known as Vieux-Montreal in French, Old Montreal conjures up images of narrow streets, cobblestones, and a romantic European atmosphere. If you’re looking to take a step back in time to discover the local haunts and historic spots that made the city what it is today then the Old City is one of the best places to stay in Montreal.

The oldest buildings in this well-preserved neighborhood date back to the 17th century, but that doesn’t mean that this area is dated or dull. Quite the contrary, actually. There are a ton of things to do in Old Montreal. Old Montreal is the bustling center of the city, not only for tourism but for local experiences as well. 

From new gallery openings to the trendy food trucks that come out in the summer, and the electronic Igloofest that takes over the Old Port in the winter, this neighborhood has a lot of heart and energy, and a whole lot to see, do and eat. 

This is a great place to be based in the city because of its centrality and abundance of attractions, from the famous Notre-Dame Basilica to the historic Bonsecours Market. 

Best Hotels in Hold Montreal

  • Best 5-star Hotel: Hotel Nelligan – historic 19th-century building, only a few minutes walk from the major attractions in Old Montreal.
  • Best Mid-Range Hotel: Le Petit Hotel – Great location right near the Old Port. Modern and clean rooms with complimentary bikes and breakfast.
  • Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Epik Montreal – Boutique hotel housed in a historic building with a coffee shop and roomy lounge. No elevator, but rooms are cozy.

Things to do in Old Montreal

Where to stay in Montreal | Old Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica – The most iconic site in Montreal, this Gothic Revival basilica from the 1800s may be one of the most beautiful churches in North America. Book a Beyond the Basilica tour for an overview of the city starting in Old Montreal and ending at Plateau Mont-Royal. 

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours-Chapel – Built in the 17th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It offers a small museum and a beautiful interior for peaceful reflection. 

Saint-Paul Street – A charming pedestrian street that is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1672. Where you’ll find the popular Place Jacques-Cartier.  

Museums of the Old City – Explore the history of Quebec at Château Ramezay and Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s archeology and history museum.

Old Port (Vieux-Port) – An ideal place to take a stroll along the St. Lawrence River or go on Le Bateau Mouche boat ride along the Le Bateau Mouche Day Cruise along teh 14.5 km canal.

Bonsecours Market – a 150-year-old public market that is the largest market in the city. A lovely representation of French-Canadian architecture, and offers a variety of boutique goods and upscale restaurants. 

Montreal Clock Tower – Built between 1919 and 1922, a historic clock tower that provides sweeping views over the river and city if you’re willing to climb the 192 steps to the top. 

Getting There

Take the Orange metro line (get off at any of the three metro stations that service this neighborhood – Square-Victoria, Place-d’Armes, and Champ-de-Mars).  For more information, go to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website for updated costs and schedules. Google Maps and Moovit are both good Apps to get transport information easily.

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

2. Downtown Montreal – Skyscrapers, Entertainment & Culture

Where to stay in Montreal | Downtown
Downtown Montreal Neighborhood

If you are looking for where to stay in Montreal where you can immerse yourself in the energetic city center downtown Montreal is the best neighborhood. It doesn’t get much more central and convenient than downtown. Downtown Montreal, or Centre-Ville, is the official business district of the city.

That ‘big city’ feeling will envelop you with the rushing pedestrians, speeding motorists, and the largest concentration of skyscrapers in the city. 

But just because you’ve suddenly found yourself surrounded by suits doesn’t mean that there isn’t also a more cultural side to the neighborhood. Downtown offers an array of unique museums, cafes, bars, theaters, universities, and even shopping options in an underground part of the city.

Places to Stay in Downtown Montreal

  • Best mid-range hotel: Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites – Large modern suites that provide full kitchen facilities. The property has an indoor pool, gym, and sundeck on the roof. 15-minute walk from Notre Dame Basilica.

Things to Do in Downtown Montreal

Where to stay in Montreal | Downtown

Au Sommet – The second tallest skyscraper in the city (607 feet). Au Sommet offers great views of Montreal from the top and includes an interactive exhibit about the city at the $19 ticket price. 

Museums – Check out the Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal (MAC), Canada’s first and largest museum in Montreal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Art. 

Canadian Center for Architecture – If you are at all interested in architecture, this is the place to go. And even if you’re not, this international research institution’s goal is to show you that architecture is a public concern and affects all of us in contemporary society. 

Place des Arts – The largest performing arts complex in Montreal. You can find Broadway shows, dance performances, and opera here, among other events throughout the year. 

Christ Church Cathedral – A small Neo-Gothic church and National Historic Site of Canada. Besides being a beautiful church to visit, it hosts a classical concert every Saturday at 4:30 pm. 

Underground City Walking Tour  – Take a tour that is completely indoors through the Underground City, perfect to go on in the winter when it’s freezing outside. Find out why this underground network is so important to the city.

Quartier des Spectacles – Montreal’s entertainment district, where you can find concerts, cultural events, international festivals, art galleries, and everything in between. Take a to of Montreal by Night to see the city after dark.

Getting There

There are various ways to get to and from downtown Montreal since it’s such a central hub. Take the metro to any of the following stations that service the neighborhood – Orange Line: Lucien-L’Allier, Bonaventure, Place-d’Armes, Champ-de-Mars, or Square-Victoria-OACI. Green line: McGill, Peel, or Place-des-Arts.

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

For more information, go to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website for updated costs and schedules. Google Maps and Moovit are both good Apps to get transport information easily.

3. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal – Stylish, Cool, Francophone

Where to stay in Montreal | Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

If you’re looking for a hipster haven full of colorful facades, hip bars, third-wave coffee shops, and funky murals one of the best places to stay in Montreal is The Plateau.

What used to be the working-class neighborhood of Montreal has become the trendiest area of the city in recent years. This is where you’ll find locals biking everywhere, green gardens to while away an afternoon, and artisanal shops to get lost in amongst the Victorian townhouses. 

The Plateau is a very Francophone part of town, sometimes called “New France” for the many French ex-pats that live in the neighborhood and the predominance of French over English, more so than other parts of the city. 

Although a few years ago, this area was more alternative than the popular and sought-after neighborhood it has become today. There is plenty to love about the Plateau and its artsy nature.  

It’s also not too far from the leafy Mount Royal Park, a popular local hangout that gives stunning views over the city and the perfect excuse to enjoy a little bit of nature in the middle of the city.  

Suggested Hotels near Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

  • Best 5-star hotel: Hotel de I’ITHQ – Modern property in the southern end of the Plateau. On-site culinary institute & gourmet dining options.
  • Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Kutuma – Spacious suites with full kitchens and daily continental breakfast.  On-site Ethiopian restaurant, valet service, only a 5-minute walk from Sherbrooke Metro.

Things to see near Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Where to stay in Montreal | Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Rue St-Denis & Boulevard St-Laurent – The two busiest streets in the neighborhood with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. St-Laurent is especially great for designer shops and nightlife with venues open late. 

Montreal Bike and Bites – Get a detailed overview of Montreal and its best restaurants through this comprehensive 5 hour, 12 km bike tour. The tour covers the Plateau, Mile End, Old Montreal, Little Italy, Mont-Royal Park, and downtown. 

La Banquise – Arguably one of the best places to get your poutine fix in the city. You’ll find long lines, locals, and tourists at this foodie hot spot. 

Schwartz Deli – Another popular foodie place in the city, Schwartz Deli is one of the oldest delis in Canada and an institution in Montreal. It’s where you can taste world-famous smoked meat. 

L’Ecomusee du Fier Monde – An in-depth history museum about the working-class people of Montreal and the importance of grassroots involvement in the city.

Mount Royal is one of the most popular nature spots in Montreal city located right next to the Plateau and is a favorite place to enjoy an impressive view of the city. Don’t miss the Tam-Tams, a weekly free festival (from April-September) around the George-Étienne Cartier Monument that includes drummers, dancers, and vendors every Sunday.

The Official Montreal MURAL Tour – This walking tour takes you to some of the best murals along Saint-Laurent in the Plateau, and talks about why Montreal has such impressive street art. 

Getting There

Take the Orange metro line and get off at any of the three metro stations that service this neighborhood – Laurier, Mont-Royal, or Sherbrooke. For more information, go to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website for updated costs and schedules.

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

4. Mile End – Multicultural & Good Eats

Where to stay in Montreal | Mile End

Technically part of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, but still considered its own distinct neighborhood in Montreal, Mile End is seen as the ‘cooler’ versions of the Plateau these days.  Mile End is where you’ll find some of the best foodie spots and coffee shops in Montreal.

This area is fashionable, boutique, and it’s where you can find some of the best food in the city, including the famous sweet Montreal-style bagels. And Mile End still honors its immigrant roots through its multicultural nature.

Another part of its cool factor has to do with the number of famous artists who have come from this area – including Arcade Fire, Grimes, and Plants and Animals. It’s an area that promotes creativity and is proud of it. 

Mile End is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Montreal if you want a slightly more local feel. You can still enjoy a central location that is surrounded by some of the most popular foodie spots, sights, and arrondissements, such as the Plateau, Outremont, Little Italy, and La Petite-Patrie.

Suggested Hotels near Mile End

  • Best budget hotel: Pensione Popolo – Uniquely decorated guest rooms, shared kitchen, near Laurier Metro. Guests get free passes for shows at the Casa Del Popolo.

Things to do in Mile End, Montreal

Unsurprisingly, most of the things to do in Mile End have to do with food & drink. 

Where to stay in Montreal | Mile End

Fairmount Bagel & St-Viateur Bagel – The two spots that are constantly vying for the ‘best bagel in Montreal’ label are both in Mile End. Taste test the two bagels and decide for yourself. 

Bernard Street – Located at the northern edge of Mile End, Bernard Street is a charming street for people watching, cafes, and unique boutique shops.  

Mile End Food Tour – A tour that shows why Mile End has become a favorite foodie destination in Montreal in recent years. Includes 6 food stops, including St. Viateur Bagels. 

Cafe Olimpico – A cafe that’s meant to have the best espresso in Montreal, located on St-Viateur Street.

Le Marché des Possibles – A community space and park that is maintained by locals. They host events throughout the summer that usually include music, BBQs, markets, and more. 

Trendy boutiques – Mile End is known for its boutique fashion shops, spend an afternoon in places like Boucle & Papier, Unicorn, Vestibule, Frank & Oak, Clark Mercantile, and Annex Vintage.

Mile End Evening Tour – Montreal is a city that loves to eat, combine that with the vibrancy of the city at night, and you have an energetic walking food tour around Mile End. Learn more about the history and cooking traditions of this food forward neighborhood. 

Getting There

Technically there aren’t any metro stations in the neighborhood, but you can take the orange line to Laurier Station, which is only a 10-minute walk away.  Alternatively, you can take bus 80 and get off at Du Parc/Saint-Viateur.  For more information, go to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website for updated costs and schedules.

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

5. The Village – Gay District, Nightlife & Outdoor Terraces

Where to stay in Montreal | Gay Village

Photo courtesy Bohemian Baltimore – Wikimedia

One of the largest LGBT communities in North America. The Gay Village in Montreal is where you’ll find some of the best nightlife spots in the city. 

Also known as ‘The Village’ by locals, it was once the roughest neighborhood in Montreal until the LGBT community transformed it for the better and gentrified the area in the last couple of decades.

The Village is one of the most vibrant and fun places to go out in the city, with more than 80 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the neighborhood, and, as an added bonus, the main thoroughfare of Sainte Catherine St. E. is completely car-free from May to September. 

This is the place to witness Montreal’s open-minded and cosmopolitan nature firsthand. It’s well serviced by public transit, and still one of the more affordable central neighborhoods in the city. 

Suggested Village Hotels in Montreal

  • Best mid-range hotel: La Loggia Art B&B – Features local Canadian artwork and art workshops. The property has an urban garden, terrace, library, and offers fitness classes. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com

Things to see in The Village

Where to stay in Montreal | Gay Village

Photo courtesy Tony Webster – Wikimedia

Boules Roses – A regular art installation of 200,000 pink balls across 1km of Sainte-Catherine St. that goes up from May-September every year. 

Rainbow Pillars at Beaudry Metro Station – Central Metro station in the Village that has colorful pillars that represent the rainbow flag as part of its design.

Cabaret Mado – 1920s-themed Cabaret Mado is an iconic place for drag queen shows in the Gay Village, putting on energetic and fun performances every night. 

Beyond the Village – Goes through the history of the Village, from its working-class roots to its large LGBT community. Only takes place during the Montreal Pride Festival. 

Nightclubs on Sainte Catherine St. – The Village is known as one of the most popular nightlife spots in Montreal for a reason, and a lot of that has to do with the nightclubs. If you want to dance the night away, this is where you should go. 

Summer terraces – Once the snow melts away, the summer terraces at the cafes in the Gay Village are the place to be, especially on weekends. 

Montreal Pride Festival (FiertéMTL) – Founded in 2007, the Montreal Pride Festival happens in August and has become the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world, and one of the largest pride festivals in the world. 

Montreal Quick Tips

Where to stay in Montreal, Canada | Old Montreal

Montreal has one of the best metro systems in North America, it’s actually the 3rd busiest metro system on the continent, and there are plenty of bus routes to help you get around the city efficiently as well. 

The transport card in Montreal is called the OPUS card, and it allows you to take any STM Transit around the city. You can also use the OPUS card in Quebec City if you take a day trip. 

Getting There

Take the green metro line to either Papineau or Beaudry Stations, or the largest metro station in Montreal that links to every metro line, Berri-UQAM Metro.  For more information, go to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website for updated costs and schedules. Google Maps and Moovit are both good Apps to get transport information easily.

Get your 3-Day Montreal City Pass for unlimited travel on public transport as well as entrance to 23 Attractions.

As you can probably tell just by reading through this guide, Montreal is a diverse city that is worth a visit any time of the year. It’s a funky mix of European history combined with North American modernism and personality.

Practice your French, grab an espresso, take a bike tour, admire the street art contrasted with brick buildings and gothic architecture or walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. The options are endless for the ways you can immerse yourself in the cultural capital of Canada.

Oh, and once you taste the poutine in Montreal, Canada you may never want to leave.

What You Need to Know About Montreal

Montreal is on the Canadian dollar – $1 CAD = $0.75 USD/$0.65 Euro – For up-to-date conversions get the XE Currency Converter App. 

  • Montreal has a continental climate. It’s notorious for its cold weather, so if you’re visiting during the winter months, plan accordingly. The temperature can get down to -30 C, and averages around -10 C, during the colder months. Read our post: How to dress for the winter deep Freeze
  • Summers are generally warm and humid with average high temperatures around 25 C. Spring is known for its unstable weather, with snow usually lasting until March and the cold lasting through April sometimes.
  • Fall is generally pleasant. It’s not uncommon for warmer temperatures to last through September to mid-October.

Eagle Creek Plug Adapter – This all-in-one adapter is all you need for Montreal and other North American and world travels.

Have you been to Montreal? Share your memories and what you think is the best place to stay in Montreal of Canada’s most European city in the comments below.

Plan Your Next Trip to Montreal With These Resources

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. 

Learn a Language: We recommend and love both Rosetta Stone and Babbel. 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Mimi McFadden

Mimi McFadden is a travel blogger and freelance writer. Originally from California, she has been slow traveling the world since 2013. When she’s not writing, she’s probably sipping on a pint of craft beer, chasing waterfalls, or planning her next crazy adventure in a foreign land. Follow Mimi at TheAtlasAtHeart / Facebook / Instagram /

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4 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods”

  1. Thanks for the tip about the Montreal City Pass! I have a trip planned for this summer and I will definitely want to get that. Also looking forward to checking your hotel tips for Old Montreal.

    Reply

  3. One of the things I liked the most when I visited Montreal for the first time was the beautiful architectures of churches and buildings. The place has great places to walk. The buildings draws a lot of attention because it is different from other countries. I liked the list.

    Reply
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