Montreal

Travel Guide
Montreal
Montreal featuring a bay or harbour, a city and a skyscraper
Downtown Montreal showing street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Montreal
Montreal

Montreal Travel Guide Video

The City of a Hundred Spires, with its Frenchinfluences, slew of festivals, and pristinely preserved historic city centrehas to be one of the most charming in North America, if not the world.

Montreal is a proudFrench city, which began as a fur trading outpost in the early 17thCentury. The official language is French, and many of the city’s inhabitantsrefuse to speak any other language. Even the way the city looks and feels isoften compared to Paris the colourful mansions, bohemian lifestyle and love offood and art all reflect the French capital. Visit the cafés and bookstores of PlateauMont Royal in the northeast of the city and you’ll soon get a tasteof the Parisian atmosphere in Montreal.

Montreal has alwaysbeen a rich trading city, which has meant the city can fund the ornatehistorical architecture and large scale high-rises you see today. Step into thevast churches like the Notre-DameBasilica and the SaintJoseph's Oratory, the latter being the largest church in Canada. Seethe shimmering silver dome of Bonsecours Market, which was built to showimpress upon visitors the city’s grandeur. Explore and shop in the extensiveUnderground City, the largest underground complex in the world.

Montreal loves itsfestivals the city holds a number throughout the year, but most happen in thesummer months. Festivals devoted to jazz, fireworks and stand-up comedyannually attract millions of visitors from around the world. Many are held inthe Quartierdes Spectacles between the skyscrapers of the city centre. Thanks to Montreal'sconcert halls and great outdoor spaces, these festivals are widely regarded assome of the best in the world.

Montreal is located inthe extreme south of the Canadian province of Quebec,only 72 kilometres from the US border. The town lies on an island between theSt. Lawrence River and the Rivière des Prairies with a hill in the centre,called Mount Royal.

The city has an excellent public transport system,making it easy to explore the city without a car. With 68 stations in the cityand discounted offers for visitors, the subway is the most convenient traveloption.

What are you waiting for? Book yourself a holidayto Montreal today.

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 The Underground City, and jump on the metro at Peel Station or McGill 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 Bell Centre are major draws. Catch the metro at Champ-de-Mars Station or Jean-Drapeau Station to see more of the city.

Ville-Marie
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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
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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Saint-Laurent

2.5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers choose Saint-Laurent for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Cote Vertu Station or College Station and check out top sights like Place Vertu Shopping Center.

Saint-Laurent
Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites
Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites
3 out of 5
1193, Place Phillips, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €144 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
€144
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,511 reviews)
"It was very convenient to a lot of stores and restaurants. The continental breakfast is very nice. We really like how big the suites were. Definitely would go back."

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2024

Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
4 out of 5
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QC
The price is €176 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
€176
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,816 reviews)
"Love this place . Our new favourite"

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Hotel Faubourg Montreal
Hotel Faubourg Montreal
3 out of 5
155 Rene Levesque Boulevard East, Montreal, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €96 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
€96
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,146 reviews)
"Great location. Super friendly staff. Check in was a breeze. Easy parking. Good value."

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024

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.
Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites
Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites
3 out of 5
1193, Place Phillips, Montreal, QC
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,511 reviews)
"It was very convenient to a lot of stores and restaurants. The continental breakfast is very nice. We really like how big the suites were. Definitely would go back."

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2024

Le Square Phillips Hotel And 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 WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,146 reviews)
"Great location. Super friendly staff. Check in was a breeze. Easy parking. Good value."

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024

Hotel Faubourg Montreal
Hotel Chrome Montreal
Hotel Chrome Montreal
3 out of 5
215 Boulevard René-Lévesque Est, Montreal, QC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (3,721 reviews)
"Very pleasant experience!!!"

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2024

Hotel Chrome 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Montreal

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
51
" "5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
59
" "4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Locals friendly , easy to walk around and safe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Can walk everywhere. Must go to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, truly amazing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I don’t think Montreal really fits the hype. I wasn’t expecting skyscrapers. The old town wasn’t that big. Go to Europe and see the real thing.

4/5 - Good

ASHISH

From a leisure traveller's point its probably a nice city for one visit if interested in cultural and tourist attractions. Probably a 2-3 times if interested in visiting the theme parks, Gilles circuit or specific adventure activities.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city with a distinctive French rhythm. We were here during the recent Canadian general election, and it was easy to see where the locals loyalties lie first.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice city to just walk around