Montreal is a city with more to offer its visitors than most cities found across North America.
With a rich and vibrant history, as well as thriving arts and social scenes, there really is something for everyone here.
Having been colonised by both English and French, Montreal offers an incredible mix of classic British and French architecture that is worth a trip to the city all on its own.
If you’ve ever wondered what the child of London and Paris would look like, your answer is Montreal.
For things to do, the city is festival-crazy, hosting almost a hundred arts, music, dance, and literary festivals across all four seasons.
This means that your chances of enjoying a festival or two whilst visiting are pretty high. Montreal also enjoys one of the world’s largest Pride festivals, and its LGBTQ scene is alive and vibrant with an entire Gay Village area to enjoy whatever your orientation.
To top all of this off, Canada is also one of the most multicultural nations in the world.
This means that Montreal is filled with food, design, art, and even architecture from countries across Europe and Asia.
60% of the city’s population also speak French, adding even more to the multi-cultural pride of the city.
Table of Contents
- Where to stay in Montreal
- Old Montreal
- Romantic City Centre With A Distinctly European Vibe, Close To The Main Attractions
- Why Stay In Old Montreal
- Things To Do In Old Montreal
- Where To Stay In Old Montreal
- Downtown
- Modern, Business Hub – Full Of Skyscrapers And Things To Do
- Why Stay In Downtown
- Things To Do In Downtown
- Where To Stay In Downtown
- Griffintown Neighborhood
- Cultural, Cheaper Alternative To Downtown Montreal
- Why Stay In Griffintown Neighborhood
- Things To Do In Griffintown Neighborhood
- Where To Stay In Griffintown Neighborhood
- Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie Neighborhood
- A well-connected shopping and green space haven
- Things to do in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie Neighborhood
- Mile End
- Chic, arty neighbourhood attached to Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Things to do in Mile End
- Gay Village
- The Vibrant Nightlife Hub Of The City
- Why Stay In Gay Village
- Things To Do In Gay Village
- Where To Stay In Gay Village
Where to stay in Montreal
The island of Montreal is home to nineteen boroughs (or arrondissements) which can then be subdivided into dynamic neighbourhoods each with their own unique vibe, style, and history.
The metro system here is second to none and it’s incredibly easy to get around the entire city so wherever you’re based you’ll never be far from the rest.
Whether the European style Old Montreal with its Parisian charm is what you’re looking for or, instead, a mingle with the artists of the trendy Plateau neighbourhood, the main thing is choosing the right budget and style for you.
Old Montreal
Romantic City Centre With A Distinctly European Vibe, Close To The Main Attractions
Why Stay In Old Montreal
Old Montreal (also known as Vieux-Montreal) is the oldest neighbourhood in the city dating back to the 17th-century, easily the most popular neighbourhood for visitors to stay in, it’s ideal for people who love walking since this romantic neighbourhood rewards the wanderer with cobblestone roads, stunning European style architecture and picturesque pedestrianised streets. Old-world charm blends seamlessly with the modern and eclectic shops, beautiful art galleries, and hip food trucks are just a few of the things to get up to in this busy district. If you’re in Montreal for the first time and want to be within walking distance of the major sights like the famous Notre-Dame Basilica, the largest church in North America or you’re for the summer music festivals like Igloofest, this is the ideal neighbourhood to consider.
Things To Do In Old Montreal
- Step back in time and shop at the historic Boncsecours Market
- Take a horse-drawn carriage around the old streets of Montreal
- Stroll down Place Jacques-Cartier, a fun pedestrian street lined with art galleries, street musicians, and dining options
- People watch in Place d’Arms, one of the oldest squares in the city
- Discover Montreal and Quebec’s interesting 500-year history at Château Ramezay
- Climb the 192 steps to the top of the historic Montreal Clock Tower for epic views of the city
- Cycle the 14.5 kilometres Lachine Canal for pretty riverside scenes
- Photograph the charming Saint-Paul Street, one of the oldest streets in the city dating back to 1672
- Visit the Old Port for modern attractions like the Cirque du Soleil and waterfront views
Where To Stay In Old Montreal
One of our top picks in Montréal.This Montreal hotel is connected to the Palais des Congrès convention centre and the Underground City entertainment area. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant.Le Westin Montreal features a 32-inch flat-screen TV and stereo system in every guest room. Custom beds and designer bath amenities are included in each room.Guests can use the Montreal Westin’s modern fitness centre. Concierge services are offered and free WiFi is available throughout the entire property.Tunnel access connects this hotel to the nearby Place-d’Armes Metro Station. Gazette restaurant at the Westin in Montreal serves regional cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Connected to the Montreal Convention Centre, InterContinental Montreal is only minutes away from historical Old Montreal. This modernly-furnished hotel offers on-site dining and a fitness centre.A cable TV and an iPod dock are offered in each room at InterContinental Hotel. Rooms also feature air conditioning, a desk and minibar.The modern health club at InterContinental Montreal has fitness equipment and instructors. An indoor saltwater pool, sauna and beauty salon are also on-site. Osco!, the French on-site brasserie, serves a full menu and extensive wine selection. Le Sarah B. lounge is also featured.The underground city can be directly accessed from The InterContinental Montreal. Old Port and St. Catherine Street are less than 5 minutes’ walk away. The Central Station Montreal is also within walking distance.
This bed and breakfast is located in historic Old Montréal, facing Marché Bonsecours. It offers free WiFi throughout the property.Each room at Auberge Bonsecours features unique décor and cable TV.The Auberge Bonsecours Old Montréal features 2 private terraces in the courtyard. The hotel is also equipped with air conditioning.Within 10 minutes’ walk, there is the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre/Imax Cinema of the Old Port. McGill University is 1.9 miles away.
Downtown
Modern, Business Hub – Full Of Skyscrapers And Things To Do
Why Stay In Downtown
For those who like a more modern aesthetic or are in Montreal for business then Downtown (or centre-ville) offers that big city vibe. The biggest concentration of skyscrapers in the city and the official business district, you can expect the usual flurry of pedestrians, cars, and taxis. However, the area is very central and has easy access to the rest of the city with several metro lines and bus routes going through here. You can also enjoy the theatre district, underground shopping, rooftop bars, and modern cafes. There are more than enough museums to keep culture vultures happy and getting to the city’s major attractions from Downtown is easy. Perfect for people who aren’t necessarily looking for that European aesthetic and want a wide range of accommodation choices.
Things To Do In Downtown
- Escape the cold in The Underground City, a maze of department stores underground -connected to the major hotels and stations
- Explore the largest museum in Montreal, Montreal Museum of Fine Art offers over 41,000 works of art
- Head to the top of Au Sommet, a 607 ft. skyscraper for incredible views and an interactive exhibit
- Watch Broadway shows, opera, and more at Place de Arts, the largest performing arts complex in the city
- Visit Christ Church Cathedral, a national historic site of Canada and catch their weekend concerts
- Browse Montreal’s entertainment district, Quartier des Spectacles for converts, festivals, galleries, and more
Where To Stay In Downtown
One of our top picks in Montréal.Located in Downtown Montreal, Hôtel Birks offers a street level terrace for the Restaurant Henri Brasserie Française. The property is set 350 yards from Eaton Centre Montreal and 450 yards from Museum of Contemporary Art.At Hôtel Birks, rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Each room has air conditioning, and some rooms at the Hôtel Birks Montreal offer a private terrace overlooking the city. All units feature a wardrobe.A continental, buffet or à la carte breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At Hôtel Birks you will you will find the Restaurant Henri Brasserie Française, offering French comfort food with a Montreal influence and sustainable Canadian products.Hôtel Birks Montréal is also home to Hôtel Birks le Spa, the perfect place to be treated with Valmont skin care.Staff at the 24-hour front desk speak English and French.Convention Centre Montreal is 550 yards from Hôtel Birks. The nearest airport is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, 9.3 miles from the property.
This modern hotel in central Montreal features a free espresso bar in its hall and WiFi in all rooms. In-room massage and spa services are also offered.Rooms at Hotel Le Germain Montreal are furnished with environmentally-friendly items made in Quebec and decorated with original artwork. A wall-mounted 42-inch flat-screen TV is included, as is a workstation with easy computer connections. Beds feature goose down duvets and feather pillows.Laurie Raphael Montreal Restaurant, offering authentic Quebec dishes, is open on-site at the Hotel Le Germain. A lounge with bar service and fireplace is located on the hotel’s main level.The Hotel Le Germain is less than 15 minutes from the Parc Olympique, site of the 1976 Summer Olympics. Montreal Central Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Located 2 blocks from McGill University and 10 minutes’ walk from the Place des Arts, this hotel features a rooftop sundeck with views of the Montreal skyline.Each classic suite at L’Appartement Hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV and large hardwood desk. Guests can browse the internet with free WiFi or cook meals with the kitchenette, complete with stove, refrigerator, and microwave.This hotel boasts an indoor rooftop pool and an on-site gym. Self-service laundry facilities and babysitting services are also available.Mont-Royal Park is 25 minutes’ walk from L’Appartement Hôtel. The McGill Subway Station is just 5 minutes away by foot.
Griffintown Neighborhood
Cultural, Cheaper Alternative To Downtown Montreal
Why Stay In Griffintown Neighborhood
A cheaper alternative to downtown Montreal but with all of the perks of being based in the city centre. Historic Griffintown is a southwestern district and once a working area mostly dominated by factories and warehouses. Now revitalised in every sense, that’s all been replaced with green spaces to relax in, bike paths to get around on, and a myriad of trendy restaurants and cute cafes. More than a few co-working spaces located here, it’s an ideal area for students or people who are travelling and working. You’ll find modern accommodation options with a lower price range, boutique shopping, and interesting cultural attractions to explore while still being close to downtown and Old City area.
Things To Do In Griffintown Neighborhood
- Browse The Montreal Art Centre, a hub for 100 resident artists who work in the 65 studio spaces
- Tune your bike and get a coffee at the same time at the quaint European style hybrid store/café Allo Velo – you can even buy bike gear here
- Work at LE 5E CAFÉ, a zero-waste establishment plus café and co-working space, if you’re there for a few hours you can get unlimited coffee for three dollars
- Go shopping at the Boutique La Gaillarde, a group of young designers who create clothes and accessories, and more from recycled materials and old clothing
- Visit the Carré des Artistes contemporary art gallery and enjoy a coffee while admiring in the artworks
- Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Lachine Canal
- Learn about the history of sound at Musée des ondes Emile Berliner, a unique museum dedicated to the audio industry
Where To Stay In Griffintown Neighborhood
One of our top picks in Montréal.Located in Griffintown, Hôtel Alt Montréal is within 200 yards of the Lachine Canal and 0.6 miles of the Old Port. This eco-friendly hotel offers an on-site snack bar, fitness centre and free WiFi.Modernly furnished, rooms at Hôtel Alt Montréal are appointed with original works of art. A flat-screen TV and iPod docking station are featured in every room, as well as a coffee machine. Toiletries and a hairdryer are included.The hotel is equipped with meeting facilities.Bonaventure Metro Station is 10 minutes’ walk from this hotel. Mount Royal Park is 2.5 miles away.
Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie Neighborhood
A well-connected shopping and green space haven
Montreal has the second-largest Italian population in Canada, after Toronto and this long history of immigration has created this peaceful borough just north of The Plateau in the centre-east of the city which also houses the wonderful Little Italy area. You’ll find Italian Canadian-owned restaurant and shops and the range of pizzerias here is nothing short of amazing. One of the highlights of the area is the Jean-Talon Market which is one of the oldest public markets in the city and draws people from all over Montreal. Carrying on the shopping is easy with the chic shopping stretch Rue Saint-Hubert harbouring over 400 boutique stores. You’ll also find over fifty parks and gardens to explore making this a perfect place for a laid-back stay and particularly suitable for families and anyone looking for large spaces and shopping in a well-connected neighbourhood.
Things to do in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie Neighborhood
- Check out the impressive Church of Madonna della Difesa, a Romanesque church
- Visit the Montreal Botanic Garden for a nature escape
- Head to the Japanese Garden for 15-acres of stunning scenery and tea houses
- Take trapeze lessons at the Trapezium
Mile End
Chic, arty neighbourhood attached to Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Once recognised as the north-western corner of the Plateau, it’s now its own separate neighbourhood. Just as ‘cool’ as the Plateau (and many argue even more so) this wonderfully multicultural area will have you overhearing a mix of English, French, Italian, and Portuguese and the restaurants and shopping is just as diverse.
The whole district oozes art and many of today’s most famous bands and musicians have come out of this dynamic area, Grimes and Arcade Fire being just a couple of examples. It’s a fashionable area with boutique and book shopping galore, fabulous bakeries, and cafes.
With a creative and local vibe and within walking distance of the Plateau, Little Italy and La Petite-Patrie, you’ll be spoiled for choice of things to do in Mile End. In both Mile End and the Plateau, you’ll find an eclectic mix of chic boutique hotels and upmarket hostels to choose from.
Things to do in Mile End
- Go vintage clothes shopping along Boulevard Saint-Laurent
- Visit Drawn & Quarterly, the city’s most popular book-shop and well-known publishers of international graphic novels
- Go traditional book shopping in Argo for antiquarian, cosy bookshops vibes
- Try an alternative to the busy Schwartz Deli that’s just as good (or try both!), Lester’s Deli
- Head to Bernard Street for clusters of cafes, shops, and people-watching spots
Loft Jacques-Cartier is a modern property located in Montreal’ Plateau Mont-Royal borough. It features accommodations with 2 balconies. Parc Lafontaine is less than 5 minutes’ walk away.The warmly decorated apartments provide air conditioning, a dining area for 4 people and a living room with a sofa bed and flat-screen TV. The bathrooms feature a shower, heated floors and toiletries. There is also a fully equipped kitchen with a stovetop, dishwasher, toaster and more.Guests at the entirely non-smoking Loft Jacques Cartier are only minutes from the Mont-Royal Avenue and Rue Saint-Denis. The property has stairs typical of the Plateau borough, which are both outdoor and indoor. Free private parking is offered.
Set in Montréal within 1.7 miles of Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Parc Avenue Residences provides accommodation with a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Free WiFi is available.All units are equipped with a dishwasher, oven, a coffee machine, a microwave and kettle. There is a private bathroom with bath in all units, along with free toiletries and a hair dryer.The apartment offers a barbecue.This property features a terrace.IGA Stadium is 1.7 miles from Parc Avenue Residences, while University of Montreal -UdeM is 1.9 miles away. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is 9.9 miles from the property.
Ideally located in the center of Montreal’s vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, this cozy stone house offers comfortable accommodations and convenient services just steps from over 200 shops and restaurants.Auberge de La Fontaine features unique guestrooms with air-conditioning and windows that open. Enjoy views of Parc LaFontaine, the third largest park in the city, which is located directly across the street, while relaxing in the comfortable bed with down pillows and comforters.Start off the day with a healthy buffet breakfast offering local products in Auberge’s sun-bathed dining room. Guests will also have free access to the hotel’s kitchen for light snacks such as crackers and cheese. Kitchen appliances for food preparation are also available.
Gay Village
The Vibrant Nightlife Hub Of The City
Why Stay In Gay Village
Known locally as ‘The Village’ this vibrant and fun neighbourhood was once a poor area and one of the seedier parts of Montreal. Very much a distant past, the LGBTQ community completely transformed the area and it has become an entertainment and nightlife hub and perfect for anyone looking for a friendly, alternative night out in the city, whatever your orientation. More than 80 restaurants, bars, and clubs are packed into this area so you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of things to do. The main area Sainte Catherine St. E is also completely pedestrianised between May and September which only adds to the fun and leads to some great street party style vibes. Staying in this open-minded, affordable yet cosmopolitan area is a great choice for people looking for a fun time while in Montreal.
Things To Do In Gay Village
- Visit the nearby Quartier Latin for a fun atmosphere and a sophisticated cluster of theatres, restaurants, and bars
- Laugh the night away at La Comedie de Montreal
- See the celebrated rainbow flag pillars at Beaudry Metro Station
- Drink under the stars at Sky
- Head to the 1920s-themed Cabaret Mado, an iconic part of the drag queen culture for nightly
- Go vintage shopping at the Amherst Street Vintage Shops
- Dance the night away on Sainte Catherine St, a famous club strip
Where To Stay In Gay Village
Located in downtown Montreal, this Victorian-era hotel is within 6 minutes’ walk of the Latin Quarter. It features complimentary WiFi in the guestrooms and bicycle lockers.Auberge Le Pomerol offers a flat-screen TV in every room as well an en suite bathroom with shower or spa bath. The rooms are furnished in maple furniture and equipped with coffee facilities. Several rooms include a fridge as well as a lounge or work space.A continental breakfast is delivered to each room in a basket. Biscuits, tea and coffee are available in the hotel dining room in the evening.The hotel can provide guides, maps and brochures to local attractions and sightseeing areas. Berri-Uqam Station is 2 minutes’ walk away.Auberge Le Pomerol is 2 blocks from bicycle path La Route Verte. Old Montreal is 20 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
This Montreal hotel in a 19th century townhouse offers a full breakfast and rooms with dressing areas. It has a private rooftop sun deck.All rooms in the air-conditioned Gite Le St-Christophe have free cable TV and Wi-Fi. Rooms with either a private bath or a shared bathroom are available, and each is decorated in a different theme.Breakfast is served to hotel guests in the dining room overlooking a garden. Other public areas of the hotel feature fireside seating. There is a garden gazebo as well.Gite Le St-Christophe is one block from restaurants and bars in the Ste-Catherine Street center of Montreal’s “gay village.” The Berri-UQAM subway and bus terminal is two blocks from the hotel and the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art is 0.6 miles away.
One of our bestsellers in Montréal! Studios Montcalm Montreal is a self-catering accommodation located in Montréal. The property’s convenient location provides easy access to public transportation, restaurants and shops.A seating area, sofa and wardrobe are offered in the rooms at Studios Montcalm. Guests can enjoy city and garden views from the rooms.The property offers a flat-screen TV with DVD player, a balcony and a terrace. There is a full kitchen and dining area. Free WiFi access is also available.The Latin Quarter is 8 minutes’ drive from Montcalm Studios. The property is 10 minutes’ walk from Berri Uqam Metro Station and University of Quebec in Montreal. The Old Port of Montreal is only 6 minutes’ drive away.
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