Destination guide

Montreal

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Montreal is a French-speaking city on an island in the St Lawrence river, with cobbled streets, church spires and a modern, creative side. It is known for its food, festivals, cafes and nightlife, and it feels more European than most North American cities.

Winters are cold, but the city stays lively all year.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the old town, a mountain walk, a market and a few neighbourhoods. Two is enough for a quick trip.

Plan long lunches and late evenings.

What to do in Montreal

Walk through Old Montreal
Cobbled lanes, stone buildings and the grand basilica. A good place to start.
Climb Mount Royal
A large park on a hill in the middle of the city, with a lookout over the skyline. Beautiful in autumn.
Visit the Jean-Talon market
A big market selling local produce, cheese and flowers. A good place for lunch.
Explore the Plateau and Mile End
Neighbourhoods of spiral staircases, murals, bookshops and cafes.
Visit a museum of fine arts
A large museum with a strong collection of Canadian and international art.
Cycle along the canal
A flat path runs along an old canal. Bikes can be hired around the city.
Visit the Underground City
A network of tunnels and malls. Useful in winter.
Take a day trip
Quebec City and the Laurentian mountains are within a few hours.
Take a walking tour of street art
Murals cover many walls in the Plateau and Mile End, and guides explain the artists.
Visit a rooftop or terrace in summer
Terraces fill up on warm evenings, a major part of city life.
Visit the Botanical Garden
A large garden with themed areas and an insect museum. Beautiful in autumn.
Skate or ski in winter
Outdoor rinks and city parks offer winter activities.
Visit the Olympic Park area
A tower, a stadium and a nature museum sit in one site, and the tower has views.
Visit a neighbourhood bakery and market on a weekend morning
Weekend markets are social events, with music, food and fresh bread.
Take a river trip
Boats and rapids rides on the St Lawrence offer a different view of the city.

What to eat and drink

Bagels
Montreal-style bagels are small, sweet and baked in a wood-fired oven.
Smoked meat sandwich
Thinly sliced, spiced beef on rye bread. A local classic.
Poutine
Chips with cheese curds and gravy.
French pastries
Bakeries serve excellent croissants and tarts.
Maple treats
Maple syrup, taffy and desserts are popular.
Local cheese and wine
Quebec cheeses are excellent, and small bars serve natural wines.
Crepes and cafe brunch
Brunch is a local habit, with queues at weekends.
Local ice cider and craft beer
Quebec produces sweet ice cider and many small-batch beers.
Fresh pastries and coffee in a neighbourhood cafe
Cafes are a large part of daily life, so take your time.
Tourtiere
A traditional meat pie, popular in winter.
Fresh bread and local cheese picnic
Pick up bread, cheese and fruit in a market and eat in a park.

Getting around

The metro and buses cover the city. A contactless card or phone works on most.

Walking and cycling are popular in the warmer months.

Taxis and ride-hailing are available.

Good to know

  • Winters are very cold and snowy. Pack warm layers and sturdy boots.
  • French is the main language, and English is widely spoken in the centre. A few French phrases are appreciated.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars.
  • Summer brings many festivals. Book ahead.
  • Visitors from many countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official site.
  • Many shops and restaurants close on holidays, and moving day on 1 July is a local oddity. Check for closures.
  • The metro stops are named in French, so learn the names of your stops.
  • Traffic and road works are common in summer. Allow extra time for journeys.
  • Dress up a little for dinner, as many restaurants are stylish.

Where to stay in Montreal

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the city's most atmospheric visitor district, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, the Old Port and a dense collection of restaurants and boutique hotels. It is excellent for couples and first-time sightseeing, but accommodation is expensive and some streets become heavily touristed.

Downtown Montreal

Downtown Montreal offers major shopping streets, museums, offices, restaurants and excellent metro access. It is the most practical all-round base for short stays and business travel, although it lacks the neighbourhood character of areas such as the Plateau.

Plateau Mont-Royal

The Plateau is one of Montreal's most distinctive neighbourhoods, with colourful houses, cafés, bars, restaurants and independent shops along walkable residential streets. It is ideal for travellers prioritising local atmosphere and food, though it sits slightly outside the main downtown sightseeing zone.

Mile End

Mile End is a creative neighbourhood known for independent cafés, bakeries, music venues and some of Montreal's best casual food. It suits repeat visitors and younger travellers looking for a local experience, but major attractions are less concentrated.

Griffintown

Griffintown is a modern neighbourhood of apartments, restaurants and converted industrial spaces just south-west of downtown. It offers convenient access to the canal and business districts, although it can feel newer and less characterful than historic Montreal.

The Village

The Village is a lively central neighbourhood known for bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and a strong late-night scene. It is well connected and energetic, but it can be noisy and is less suited to travellers seeking a tranquil base.

What it costs

A typical day in Montreal, per person, in pounds.

£68

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£172

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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