A student reached out this week asking for the best places to visit in Montréal, and I realised that even though I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the city over the past four years, I’ve never created a formal guide or shared my favourite spots. If you’re spending a few days, here’s what I recommend!

PS. Not traveling now, but plan to? Bookmark this post for the future!

the Old Port

The Old Port of Montréal is beautiful with all its old buildings. I'd get off at the Place-d'Armes or Square Victoria metro station and then walk up to Tommy Cafe or Crew Cafe. Crew Cafe is in an old bank, and it's a great spot to grab a coffee or stay and do some work. Tommy Cafe fills up quickly, so I'd go first thing when it opens. On a sunny day, walking around the Port itself is really nice. You’ll find lots of spots to stop and take aesthetic photos, especially as a content creator.

Favourite Crystal Shop

In terms of creative street style, the Mile End and Plateau areas are spots you’ll want to visit. Pierres dAilleurs is my favourite crystal shop, and it's walking distance from the Mont Royal metro station. In the area you’ll also find lots of cute places to eat. I like Lola Rosa Café for a vegetarian comfort meal.

best cafe

My favourite cafe in the city is Melk (in Monkland) —it has one of the best matchas. Also, try their iced hot chocolate in the summer! I love to sit on the terrace or head to Girouard Park (free wifi and tables to work at). Across the street from Melk is Pigeon Cafe, a great spot for brunch with friends. While in the area, head to Aux Vivres Westmount, a vegan restaurant. I recommend the chilli, but so much of their menu is great.

the market

In spring and summer, the Jean Talon Market is really nice to visit. When I first visited the city, I stayed right next door and loved getting fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables. In the colder months, Cafe St. Henri is a few feet away for a hot drink. The market is located in Montreal’s Little Italy where you can also find Empire Exchange (EE), a consignment clothing boutique that also sells small gifts like T. Lees candles. Across the street from EE is Louise, known for its breads and pastries—stop in! I get the chocolatine. (So good.)

thrifting

When it comes to thrifting or buying secondhand, Montreal is a dream. I like Renaissance the best when it comes to thrifting chains. The Salvation Army/Magasin de Occasion is always great to pop into as well. If you like vintage home decor, check out Atelier 111-Deco, a short walk from Beaubian metro station —some of my favourite art pieces are from there. There are also huge yard sales that take place on the weekends in May and June throughout the city’s boroughs and surrounding towns. It’s more of a niched local thing, but you can find them here if you’re someone who loves buying second hand as much as me! Also, stooping in Montreal is awesome. There are always unique things on the sidewalks. One day I found a set of handmade ceramic bowls for free.

adventures

Another spot to visit is the Olympic Stadium and the Jardin Botanique de Montreal. The Stadium is deserted now, but it is a surreal feeling to walk where hundreds of top athletes once walked. If you go to the Botanical Gardens, be sure to visit the indoor greenhouses (easy to skip, but don’t!!) and the rose gardens when they are in bloom. I also really love walking through the Alpine Garden and Chinese Garden and exploring the Medicinal Plants. If it's a rainy day and you're wondering where to go, the Biodome is right next door.

If you’re seeking adventure, spend a day at six flags amusement park, LaRonde. My favourite rides are the Goliath and the Orbit; the Big Wheel also gives you amazing views of the Jacque Cartier Bridge and Montréal skyline. If you prefer a more grounded approach, skip LaRonde and rent a BIKI and bike around the allyways in the city. If you have a car, I also really love biking in Boucherville Island National Park—pack a picnic. It’s magical! And if your trip has you looking for a day trip out of the city, the Calypso Waterpark is fun to visit as well, especially with kids.

must have bagels

Finally, you can’t leave the city without having a Montreal bagel, so grab a bag of fresh bagels at St. Viateur Bagel. Their original, flagship bakery is at 263, rue St-Viateur O.

Have you been to Montréal? Any favourite spots? Leave a comment to let others know! Also, MTLblog.com is a great resource to learn more about what’s currently happening in the city, i.e., festivals and more.

x

Robin