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 In addition to being the largest city in the province of Quebec, Montreal is easily the most multicultural metropolis in Canada, if not all of the Americas. It keeps strong marks of its French origins but has welcomed people of so many backgrounds it has become truly cosmopolitan. As night time falls, an orange glow coats the city, and Montreal's vibrant nightlife comes into motion.

Montreal street ProDesign studio/Shutterstock.com

The City

Feel the grandeur of skyscrapers as you walk the broad streets of downtown Montreal. Beyond its French heritage, Montreal is a metropolis built on cultural synergy. From Little Italy to Chinatown, the philosophy of Montreal has always been to celebrate all cultures cohabiting within it, and no other city has done it better. Montreal has a free spirit, one that its residents uphold, and confers a powerful energy. Don't be surprised if, after a few hours only, you catch yourself smiling like a true Montrealer.

From long shopping streets and cute neighborhoods to glossy and huge modern buildings, Montreal's cityscape offers as much variety as its population. City of the 100 bell towers, it has not rejected its past, and one can still encounter old religious buildings such as the beautiful Saint Joseph’s cathedral or the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame.

At night, the city awakens with new energy, and there is always something to do: festivals, fireworks, nightclubs, and more restaurants than one can count, just to begin with.

View of Montreal jbd30/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

From historical landmarks to atmospheric neighborhoods to lose yourself in, Montreal could very well be one of the coolest places on earth. There is enough to do and see to fill up an entire holiday, and every season brings its own charm. Frozen lakes in winter leave way to flowery mounts in spring, and sunbathing in the summer disappears into the maple colors of fall. Whether you choose to use the incredible public transport network, walk, or ride a bicycle, you are sure to enjoy a break in Montreal.

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Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

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Mount Royal

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Old Montreal

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Montreal Botanical Garden & Green Spaces

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Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

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Laurentian Mountains

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Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

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Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology & History

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Bell Centre

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Montreal Biosphere

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Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood

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La Ronde

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The MEM — Montreal History Centre

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Rage Axe Throwing

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Dining

In a city where cultures mingle as harmoniously as in Montreal, and where the French influence remains strong, one can only expect an incredible gourmet scene. Expectations are more than met in this cosmopolitan megalopolis, and one can savour everything from street food to fine delicacies.
Splurge on traditional Poutines, have a French dinner that may taste even better than in France or try eats from all over the world. The food here is usually well-served and genuine, from all origins and prepared with love.

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Île Flottante

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Europea — Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer

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Damas

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Arepera

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Le Club Chasse et Pêche

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La Banquise

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Local Montreal Food Tour

Cafes

Montreal has cafes at nearly every corner. Some neighborhoods never disappoint, one good area to wander through in search for a cosy cafe or small eatery is Plateau Mont Royal. Avoid the big brands and scout the city for hidden gems and individual cafes. There is always a good excuse to stop for a nice cup o'Jo or some sweet treats, especially in a city like Montreal.

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Cafe Myriade

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Cafe Castel

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Cafe Parvis

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Dispatch Coffee

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Cafe Larue & Fils

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La Brume Dans Mes Lunettes

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180g Cafe-Disquaire

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Cafe Melbourne

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Café Olimpico

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Bars & Nightlife

As night falls, Montreal gains new vibrancy with its large variety of authentic bars, musical performances, and frequent festivals. Head to the Old Port of Montreal and check out Terrace Bonsecours to dance the night away. One can also take things at a slower pace and relax in a lounge or a jazz bar. Music lovers will find an abundance of music bars, while the rest hits the streets in search for the best cocktails in town (the options here are practically endless).

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Dieu du Ciel

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Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

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Comedy Nest

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La Distillerie

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Juste pour rire aka Just For Laughs

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Bistro a Jojo

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Brutopia

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Les Foufounes Électriques

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Ziggy's Pub

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Flyjin

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Burgundy Lion

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Maison Saint Paul

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Shopping

There is an incredible amount of opportunities to shop for nearly anything under the sun in Montreal. And with an entire underground network of stores, hotels, and even offices nicknamed "Underground City", the cold of the winter is no excuse. Huge malls can be found throughout the whole city, but chances are Montreal will win you over with its nice markets, vintage stores or small local boutiques boasting of true Montreal style.

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Divine Chocolatier

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Jean-Talon Market

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Atwater Market

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Bar à lunettes Marie-Sophie Dion

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Les Cours Mont-Royal

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Mycoboutique Inc

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Eva B

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Complexe Desjardins

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Argo Bookshop

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Horse-Drawn Carriage - Montreal - Canada Adwo/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

There is an active bus service between the airport and the central bus station: the 747 bus line, which runs 24/7. The average travel time is between 45 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The fare allows for unlimited travel for 24 hours. The ticket can be acquired through dispensers on the international arrivals level at the airport.

Apart from buses, you can hire a cab downtown, or a limousine. Additionally, most hotels offer shuttle services which can be ordered via their own website, or at the airport. You can also check the services of a car rental company for more flexibility.

Trains also service the airport with Canada's national passenger rail service called VIA Rail Canada. They offer intercity connections, and a free minibus service to travel to Dorval and the Montreal-Trudeau Airport. You can also check out the regional bus shuttles for other cities.

Address: Aéroport International Montréal-Trudeau, 1100 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal

Email:

Phone: +1 514 633 3333

Website: www.admtl.com/en

More Information: Formerly known as Montréal–Dorval International Airport

Public Transportation

Société de transport de Montréal (STM) runs most of the bus and metro lines within the city of Montreal.

The metro system website has a trip planner and various maps that can assist with your daily planning. The first metro train usually starts around 5:30 in the morning, the last one is between 00:30am and 1:00am on Friday and Saturdays, and earlier the other days. Metro lines are color coded and directions are indicated using the name of the last stop on the line.

Buses are also available all over the city. A one-way ticket is the only ticket type that can be bought on board the buses, if you have exact change. If you continue a single ride from the metro onto a bus, the same ticket is valid. When switching from bus to metro or from one bus to another, ask the driver for a free slip.

Several types of tickets exist and can be purchased at vending machines or stations. If you are staying for an extended period of time, purchase a rechargeable Opus card for convenient fare payment.

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Website: www.stm.info

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Taxi

Blacklane, Uber and Eva rideshare applications operate in Montreal area.

You can either hail taxis in the street or book one in one of these agencies:

Taxi Diamond
+1 514 273 6331
taxidiamond.com

Taxi Co-op
+1 514 725 9885
www.taxi-coop.com

Bonjour Taxi
+1 514 366 3333
bonjour.taxi

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Post Office

You can usually buy stamps in post offices of Canada Post or in pharmacies and drugstores. Mail boxes are red.

Address: Canada Post, 1974 Saint-Catherine Street West, Montreal

Email:

Phone: +1 514 846 5387

Website: www.canadapost.ca

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Pharmacy

Pharmacies are relatively easy to locate and some operate 24/7.

Address: Pharmaprix, 5122 Côte-des-Neiges Road, Montreal

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Phone: +1 514 738 8464

Website: www.pharmaprix.ca

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Telephone

Country code: +1
Area code: 514, 438 and 263

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Electricity

Canada uses 110-volt electricity, 60 cycle electric power, same as the USA. Power outlets are designed for use with a two prong and some accept a 3 prong (with ground) plug.

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