Montreal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Montreal
Montreal showing a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and a city
Downtown Montreal showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Montreal
Montreal

With an exciting calendar of year-round festivals, stunning European architecture, exquisite eateries, high-end shopping and more, this city is pretty irresistible.

From humble beginnings as a French fur trading post, Montreal has developed into one of the most exciting, cosmopolitan cities in Canada. The island city lives and breathes its French connection through pride in its colonial history, dogged preservation of European architecture and a large majority of French-speaking citizens. This cultural identity is subtly written into the narrative of the city and is evident from the quaint bookshops and charming cafés that line the pretty cobblestone streets.

Soak up Montreal’s unique festival atmosphere in the bustling streets of the Downtown area. This vibrant district is home to the famous Quartier des Spectacles, which not only has 30 concert halls, including the Montreal Symphony House, but also hosts the über-cool Montreal International Jazz Festival.

With a year-round events programme that is the envy of far weightier cities, Montreal is a buzzing hub of music, comedy, film and fireworks. Furthermore, the excellent selection of hip bars, trendy hot-spots and top-notch restaurants means visitors can enjoy the finest evening entertainment without having to put in too much legwork.

The city is overflowing with beautiful buildings that traverse a range of architectural styles. Undoubtedly, the Notre Dame Basilica is one of the jewels in Québec’s religious crown. Admire its stunning Gothic-revival exterior before comparing it to St Joseph’s Oratory – the largest and arguably most majestic church in Canada.

At Old Port, spend a pleasant afternoon ambling along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. Enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline from the top of the old clock tower and keep an eye out for ships navigating the precarious Lachine Canal.

Afterwards, stroll around the colourful district of Plateau Mont-Royal. Browse the quaint bookshops or sip a coffee in one of the many charming cafés. This bohemian neighbourhood is home to a heady mix of musicians, artists and students who all contribute to its infectious laid-back vibe.

Shop til you drop in the busy boutiques of Saint Catherine Street and Underground City before heading to the Bonsecours Market to pick up some unique souvenirs lovingly hand-crafted by the finest artisans in Québec. Whether it's exquisite jewellery or restored 18th-century furniture, you’re sure to discover something really special.

Montreal absolutely deserves first place on any Canadian itinerary so why not check it out for yourself?

Where to stay in Montreal

Downtown Montreal showing a monument, outdoor art and a city

Downtown Montreal

4/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Montreal. Check out top attractions like Bell Centre and Christ Church Cathedral, and jump on the metro at McGill Station or Peel Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Montreal
Notre Dame Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views

Old Montreal

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

A bustling port renowned art and top sights from Old Port of Montreal to Montreal Science Centre – discover Old Montreal, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Old Montreal
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Ville-Marie

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Ville-Marie. Top attractions like Old Port of Montreal and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are major draws. Catch the metro at Champ-de-Mars Station or Jean-Drapeau Station to see more of the city.

Ville-Marie
Plateau Mont Royal featuring a city, outdoor art and signage

Plateau Mont-Royal

4/5(10 area reviews)

Noted for its art galleries and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Plateau Mont-Royal. Top attractions like Saint Denis Street and Saint Laurent Boulevard are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Mont Royal Station or Laurier Station to see more of the city.

Plateau Mont-Royal
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Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

The churches and live music are just a few things visitors like about Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Saint Joseph's Oratory and Saint Jacques Street are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Cote Sainte Catherine Station or Snowdon Station to get around the larger area.

Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Latin Quarter featuring a city, street scenes and signage

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(13 area reviews)

Cosy cafes, live music and vibrant jazz clubs are just a few top things to explore in Quartier des Spectacles. A visit to Complexe Desjardins or Place des Arts might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Place des Arts Station or Saint Laurent Station to get around town.

Quartier des Spectacles
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

4 out of 5
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QC
The price is ₹15,597 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹15,597
₹19,996 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot springs on-site and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,503 reviews)
"Great refresh on this " Brutalist " designed building. If you like architecture be sure to check this out. Great location for the train."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

3.5 out of 5
1240 Drummond Street, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,616 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹10,616
₹12,633 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,034 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is ₹13,330 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹13,330
₹15,863 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,386 reviews)
"Great staff, great location, and safe area."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville

4 out of 5
Montreal, QC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,578 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel centrally located. Great customer service. Beautiful room."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Hotel Monville
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,386 reviews)
"Great staff, great location, and safe area."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Hotel Faubourg Montreal

Hotel Faubourg Montreal

3 out of 5
155 Rene Levesque Boulevard East, Montreal, QC
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,931 reviews)
"Good location to explore downtown Montreal. Good and secure parking albeit expensive."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Faubourg Montreal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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