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Montreal Travel Guide

It may be more than a century older than the country it calls home, but these days, Montreal crackles with new energy. It's no wonder that the city of less than two million saw more than 11 million visitors last year: In addition to its burgeoning culinary scene, the Québecois city seemingly has it all—cobblestoned colonial neighborhoods, hundreds of historic churches, one of the world's best jazz scenes, and even a small mountain in its city center. And don't even get us started on the piles of poutine and smoked meat. 

Plan Your Montreal Trip

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When it comes to where to stay, our picks focus on only-in-Montreal authenticity.

Editor Hotel Recommendations

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The Best Things to Do in Montreal

  • 16 Best Things to Do in Montreal
    What to prioritize in the French Canadian city at the center of so much culture.
  • 3 Best Day Trips From Montreal
    Where to eat, drink, stay, and what to do—in Québec City, Ottawa, Mont Tremblant, and more.
  • 10 Best Museums in Montreal
    The city has more than 40, but these are the ones we think you should start with.
  • How to Go On a Canadian Safari
    Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and while cities like Montreal and Toronto will see plenty of visitors, there’s a lot more of the country to explore. Why not try a Canadian safari? Yes, if you journey to the further reaches of British Columbia, Manitoba, and the Yukon you’ll be surrounded not only by emerald forests, ice fields, and unspoiled islands but grizzly and polars bears, whales, moose, and caribou. Throw in the Northern Lights and you’ve got a Big 5 that's just as awe-inspiring as the wildlife in Africa.
  • Shopping in Montreal Is Better than Ever
    Shopping in Montreal will lead you to some excellent, trendy boutiques. If you’ve seen all the obligatory sights and fancy getting into the local rhythm, wander the streets and explore the city’s delightful boutiques, markets and galleries.

Editor Recommendations

A Day in Montreal
Spend a day exploring Montreal, a city that sits at the intersection of North American and European culture and exudes creative energy in every aspect of daily life, from the street art that covers its walls to its always-innovating food scene.

The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Montreal

Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations

  • Vin Mon Lapin
    $$$ | Canada, Montréal, 150 Rue Saint-Zotique Est
    Vin Mon Lapin has that best-kept-secret, intimate neighborhood vibe.
  • Pichai
    $$ | Canada, Montréal, 5985 rue St-Hubert
    The space itself is a highly Instagrammable exercise in making what's old feel new again.
  • Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill
    $$ | Canada, Montreal, 1254 Mackay St.
    This legendary downtown venue is widely considered one of the world’s most important jazz clubs.
  • Cafe Olimpico
    $ | Canada, Montreal, 124 Rue Saint Viateur O
    This coffee icon in Mile End, which opened in 1970, is a popular meet-up for locals.
  • Cabaret Mado
    $$ | Canada, Montreal, 1115 St Catherine St. E
    Like much of Montreal's Gay Village, this cabaret drag bar is a little gritty, a little sparkly, and utterly fabulous.
  • La Banquise
    $ | Canada, Montreal, 994 Rue Rachel E
    A classic 24/7 diner in the Plateau with 30 different kinds of poutine.
  • Schwartz's
    $$ | Canada, Montreal, 3895 St Laurent Blvd.
    You might have to line up outside, but that's been part of the Schwartz's experience ever since it opened in 1928 in the Plateau.
  • Garde Manger
    $$$ | Canada, Montreal, 408 St Francois Xavier St.
    Since this small nook opened in Old Montreal in 2006, it has been abuzz with folks clamoring to experience Chuck Hughes' cooking.
  • Tiradito
    $$ | Canada, Montreal, 1076 Rue de Bleury
    Montreal's first proper Nikkei restaurant, located half a block from the Palais des Congrès.
  • Manitoba
    $$$ | Canada, Montreal, 271 Rue Saint Zotique O
    Everything that ends up in your glass and on your plate is guaranteed to be Canadian.
  • Leméac
    $$ | Canada, Outremont, 1045 Avenue Laurier O
    An elegant bistro that serves French fare from lunch until late night.
The Best Train Rides in Canada
Ride the rails through the wilds of Canada, past the mountains of Banff and the Arctic's Northern Lights.

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