This detailed guide to Montreal includes information on of the 5 most popular areas in the city.
You will also find suggestions on where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss in terms of local experiences.
About Montreal
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 the country, and yet, Montreal still maintains a cozy welcoming atmosphere that draws in even the most cynical traveler.
It was once called “the city of a hundred steeples” by Mark Twain, and it’s clear to see why once you arrive.
Montreal’s impressive architecture and European personality are prominent characteristics to the city.
Montreal has a population of over 1.7 million people.
It's largest French-speaking city outside of , the French-inspired culture oozes from the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal to the trendy neighborhood of the Plateau, coined “New France” by locals.
But Francophone culture isn’t all you’ll find in the city, because Montreal is home to more than 200 ethnic groups.
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.
And in the summer, the city truly comes alive with the energy that has been bottled up since the colder months.
From having the highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, outside of New York, to it also has a lively art scene.
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.
Where to Stay in Montreal: The 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.
Map courtesy Emdx - Wikimedia
Historic & Touristy
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.
Also known as Vieux-Montreal in French, Old Montreal conjures up images of narrow streets, cobblestones, and a romantic European atmosphere.
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.
Skyscrapers, Entertainment & Culture
If you are looking for where to stay in Montreal where you can immerse yourself in the energetic city center. 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.
It’s also the perfect place to stay for easy and quick transit options.
Montreal Museum of Fine Art - The largest museum in Montreal, showcasing 41,000 works of art that spans centuries and a variety of different cultures, from ancient to modern.
Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) - Located on the Place des Festival, MAC was Canada’s first contemporary art museum.
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 in the $19 ticket price.
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 4:30pm.
The Underground City - One of the best places to go shopping, the Underground City is literally underneath central Montreal, including downtown. There are close to a dozen different shopping centers to choose from here. It’s also connected to numerous sights and hotels around the city, so you don’t have to spend too much time outside in the winter.
Quartier des Spectacles - Montreal’s entertainment district, where you can find concerts, cultural events, international festivals, art galleries, and everything in between.
Stylish, Cool, Francophone
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 expats 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.
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.
Parc Lafontaine - An 84-acre urban park with ponds, leafy paths, outdoor swimming pools in the summer, and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter.
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.
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.
Laurier Park - Another expansive urban park in the neighborhood that is the perfect spot for a picnic, or a stroll under the shady trees. There are plenty of take-away restaurants and beautiful architecture on the streets nearby.
Mount Royal - One of the most popular nature spots in Montreal city limits, Mount Royal is 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.
Multicultural & Good Eats
Where you'll find some of the best foodie spots and coffee shops in Montreal.
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 still honors its immigrant roots through its multicultural nature.
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.
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 beplacesce to stay in Montreal if you want a slightly more local feel.
You can still enjoying 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.
Unsurprisingly, most of the things to do in Mile End have to do with food & drink.
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.
Cafe Olimpico - A cafe that’s meant to have the best espresso in Montreal, located on St-Viateur Street.
Lester’s Deli - If you want a less touristy version of Schwartz Deli, but still want a delicious sandwich with smoked meat, head to Lester’s Deli. It’s technically in the Outremont neighborhood, but only a few blocks from Mile End.
Dieu du Ciel - Named the best brasserie in Canada for the past 10 years, Dieu du Ciel is the perfect place to grab a pint of local craft beer in the city.
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.
Gay District, Nightlife & Outdoor Terraces
Photo courtesy Bohemian Baltimore - Wikimedia
One of the largest LGBT communities in North America. Where you'll find some of the best nightlife spots in the city.
Also known as ‘The Village’ by locals, the Gay Village 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 Gay 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 first hand. It’s well serviced by public transit, and still one of the more affordable central neighborhoods in the city.
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 Gay 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.
Nightclubs on Sainte Catherine St. - The Gay 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 on Sainte Catherine St. If you want to dance the night away, this is where you should go.
Amherst Street Vintage Shops - Quirky well-stocked vintage shops where you’ll find all sorts of random items for sale.
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.
Village au Pied-du-Courant - A fun and colorful man-made beach and community spot near the water that pops up in the summer, only a short walk from the Village. Puts on events, concerts, and outdoor movies throughout the summer.
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.
Katherine says
The place looks magnificent and thanks for the guide to Montreal !!
Lucas says
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.
Juan Ovalle says
Montreal looks like such a gorgeous city! Great recommendations!