Oh, Montreal—a charming French-speaking metropolis in Canada’s Quebec province. The city is a pleasant six-hour drive from New York or a quick flight (if road trips aren’t your speed), making it a great destination for a long weekend or spontaneous getaway. It's the kind of city that has it all: incredible restaurants, great architecture (seriously, every block looks like a postcard), art, music, culture, and sports. Plus, it’s dreamy in every season. Sure, the winters can be harsh, but if you dress well and embrace the weather, you’ll find a snowy walk through Vieux Montreal can be incredibly romantic. The cobblestone streets! The old buildings! A certain European charm sets this city apart from so many other places in North America. Everything feels extra special in Montreal (even something as simple as a bagel)—and without fail, every visit will have you wondering, “why don’t I live here?”
Hotel Gault - Despite being housed in a historic building from 1871, Hotel Gault’s interiors are minimal and quite contemporary. While this isn't my usual aesthetic, the interior choices are timeless in a comfortable way that doesn’t feel tacky. The rooms are spacious, the staff is welcoming, and you can’t beat the hotel's location (Old Montreal).
Perfect for: Lovers of classic contemporary style.
Auberge du Vieux-Port - Another Old Montreal beauty. Most of the hotels in this area are in historic buildings, but the Auberge is particularly special because the 45-room hotel is housed in two converted old warehouses along the St. Lawrence River. Nearly every room looks out onto the water or a historic street and has a cozy charm that makes you feel as though you are tucked in the countryside while still enjoying the comforts of a big city.
Perfect for: Fans of cozy, exposed brick interiors and waterfront views.
Hotel William Gray - Recently nominated for Travel and Leisure’s list of “Best Hotels in the World,” the Hotel William Gray is one of the newer hotels in Vieux Montreal. This spot offers quaint nooks to relax or focus, a full bar to gather, a pool and spa, and even a rooftop restaurant. Although it has similar exposed brick features to other hotels in the area, the William Gray resembles hotel options in cities like New York and London.
Perfect for: Someone who wants a modern hotel feel with lots of offerings in a historic area.
Ritz Carlton Montreal - You can't go wrong with an iconic hotel chain specializing in hospitality. The Ritz in Montreal is the only hotel on our list not located in the Vieux Montreal neighborhood but downtown, a block away from the Beaux-Arts Museum. The Ritz has done a beautiful job tying itself to the locale—a spa experience featuring a maple treatment, local art in their in-house gallery, and a menu with regional products at the forefront at their Daniel Boulud restaurant.
Perfect for: Fans of architectural history, art museums, and luxury accommodations.
Find a local Airbnb - No doubt staying in one of the above hotels would make your trip all the more luxurious, but another great way to immerse yourself in the local culture is by staying at an Airbnb. Even better: stay at multiple Airbnb’s throughout your trip for a true “choose your own adventure” experience! There are plenty of neighborhoods to explore in Montreal. Choose Mile End for a hip feel and great restaurants, Verdun for a blossoming town with a long main street (with many shops and stops along the way!) to walk down, Plateau Mont-Royal for picturesque streets and an extra French feel, Saint Henri for a vibrant neighborhood… the list goes on!
Perfect for: The adventurer who can never decide on just one place to stay.
Arthurs Nosh Bar - Your classic Jewish brunch spot with fantastic offerings and an equally tasty takeout menu. Put your name down (expect a lengthy wait) and head across the street to one of two top-notch coffee spots to get your fix before you sit down. The wait is well worth the food options, which range from bacon and egg classics to creative challah french toast combinations.
Perfect for: Fans of Russ & Daughters (if you’re from New York).
Restaurant Beba - Although the cuisine is described as Argentinian, this intimate spot in Montreal’s Verdun neighborhood can’t be placed in just one cuisine category. The menu constantly changes, and the chef focuses on showcasing fresh Canadian ingredients in creative, thoughtful dishes. The cocktail and wine menu is superb, and the staff is knowledgeable and kind while making recommendations, should you ask.
Perfect for: A special meal on your last night in this great city.
Joe Beef - One of those restaurants that many people associate with a city, Joe Beef rose to fame thanks to an Anthony Bourdain episode in which the late chef visited the establishment and deemed it one of his favorite places. Rightfully so, Joe Beef serves classic Quebecois dishes in a charming interior for serious foodies. Reservations are hard to come by, but a handful are released in the morning for same-day service, which is your best option for last-minute plans.
Perfect for: Fans of Anthony Bourdain, good food, and good interiors.
Patati Patata Friterie Deluxe- Incredibly unassuming, this micro-diner offers an impressive menu of classic dishes (burgers, eggs, etc.) and a perfect version of a Canadian classic: poutine. (You can't visit Montreal and not try poutine.) The no-frills spot offers you fast service and a tasty meal for a bargain price. You’ll notice two types of visitors—devoted locals and a handful of well-educated tourists—which generally confirms this spot is still fairly quiet and keeps people coming back.
Perfect for: A late-night meal to get your poutine fix after too many cocktails at Bar Big in Japan (the bar next door).
Fairmont / St. Viateur - Bagels are a big deal in Montreal and are noticeably different from their American cousins. They’re thinner, sweeter (because they are poached in honey water), and typically covered in sesame seeds. Although there isn't a bagel shop on every block like in NYC, there are two iconic destinations for these tasty treats. Fairmont Bagels and St. Viateur both offer delicious versions of a Montreal bagel. Everyone has their favorite, so we won’t tell you where to go; try both and tell us which you prefer!
Perfect for: Breakfast on the go or a half-dozen bag as souvenirs to enjoy at home.
Other Honorable Food Mentions: This city has so much good food. Chefs from around the world come specifically to Montreal to learn and admire the local talent. Other spots worth adding to your dinner list include Perles et Paddock, Au Pied De Cochon, Le Serpent, Melisse, Candide, Pincette Bar a Homard. Make sure to visit Hof Kelsten for delicious bread and pastries, Olive et Gourmando, Schwartz’s Deli for a fantastic lunch, and Dalla Rose for ice cream to finish a great afternoon.
Make time to visit one of the (several) wonderful bars in the city before or after a great meal. Each of the bars on our list has a different design and energy. Big in Japan Bar is a personal favorite with a dark and moody interior ideal for an intimate date night. Bar Darling is a great spot to gather with a group of your closest friends and gossip over drinks and small bites. Other favorites include Le Mal Necessaire, Atwater, Henrietta, and The Coldroom.
Montreal is full of beautiful parks, and locals take advantage of outdoor activities year around. You should plan to be outside for at least a portion of your visit, so pack shoes and outerwear accordingly! You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the city after hiking Mount Royal, the iconic mountain named after which the city was named, exploring the historic architecture in Vieux Montreal, and admiring the Notre-Dame Basilica. Stroll through the Jean Talon Market, Rue Saint Paul, or the Mile End neighborhood to take in local culture, food, and offerings. Art and architecture lovers will appreciate the Beux Arts Museum, Redpath Natural History Museum on McGill’s Campus (which is reminiscent of Hogwarts), Habitat 67, and the Biosphere for Utopian Architecture. Saving the best for last here: End your visit to this fantastic city with a relaxing spa experience at Bota Bota Spa, featuring stunning views of the St. Lawrence river.
The shopping in Montreal is just as impressive and diverse as the food options. Your best bet is to wander neighborhoods and stumble into wonderful small businesses, but if you need some guidance on special places to start, here are a handful we love. Particularly for design lovers: Maison Pepin is a lifestyle brand featuring clothing and home decor by Canadian brands, Jamais Assez for chic modern decor pieces, and Élément de Base for furniture designed in Montreal. If you’re on the hunt for some chic wardrobe pieces, visit La Caravane Vintage and Annex Vintage for racks of beautiful clothes for a bargain price. While you wait for your brunch reservation at Arthurs Nosh Bar, pop into Saint-Henri Books around the corner to discover some great reading material.
There you have it! Our love letter to Montreal. While it’d be impossible to list everything that makes this place so wonderful, the city is irresistible thanks to its old cobblestone streets, art and restaurant-filled neighborhoods, and French charm. And don’t get us started again on the bagels.
Montreal is filled with romance and charm. From incredible restaurants, architecture, art, music, and more, it’s no wonder it’s such an easy city to fall in love with.
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Oh, Montreal—a charming French-speaking metropolis in Canada’s Quebec province. The city is a pleasant six-hour drive from New York or a quick flight (if road trips aren’t your speed), making it a great destination for a long weekend or spontaneous getaway. It's the kind of city that has it all: incredible restaurants, great architecture (seriously, every block looks like a postcard), art, music, culture, and sports. Plus, it’s dreamy in every season. Sure, the winters can be harsh, but if you dress well and embrace the weather, you’ll find a snowy walk through Vieux Montreal can be incredibly romantic. The cobblestone streets! The old buildings! A certain European charm sets this city apart from so many other places in North America. Everything feels extra special in Montreal (even something as simple as a bagel)—and without fail, every visit will have you wondering, “why don’t I live here?”
Hotel Gault - Despite being housed in a historic building from 1871, Hotel Gault’s interiors are minimal and quite contemporary. While this isn't my usual aesthetic, the interior choices are timeless in a comfortable way that doesn’t feel tacky. The rooms are spacious, the staff is welcoming, and you can’t beat the hotel's location (Old Montreal).
Perfect for: Lovers of classic contemporary style.
Auberge du Vieux-Port - Another Old Montreal beauty. Most of the hotels in this area are in historic buildings, but the Auberge is particularly special because the 45-room hotel is housed in two converted old warehouses along the St. Lawrence River. Nearly every room looks out onto the water or a historic street and has a cozy charm that makes you feel as though you are tucked in the countryside while still enjoying the comforts of a big city.
Perfect for: Fans of cozy, exposed brick interiors and waterfront views.
Hotel William Gray - Recently nominated for Travel and Leisure’s list of “Best Hotels in the World,” the Hotel William Gray is one of the newer hotels in Vieux Montreal. This spot offers quaint nooks to relax or focus, a full bar to gather, a pool and spa, and even a rooftop restaurant. Although it has similar exposed brick features to other hotels in the area, the William Gray resembles hotel options in cities like New York and London.
Perfect for: Someone who wants a modern hotel feel with lots of offerings in a historic area.
Ritz Carlton Montreal - You can't go wrong with an iconic hotel chain specializing in hospitality. The Ritz in Montreal is the only hotel on our list not located in the Vieux Montreal neighborhood but downtown, a block away from the Beaux-Arts Museum. The Ritz has done a beautiful job tying itself to the locale—a spa experience featuring a maple treatment, local art in their in-house gallery, and a menu with regional products at the forefront at their Daniel Boulud restaurant.
Perfect for: Fans of architectural history, art museums, and luxury accommodations.
Find a local Airbnb - No doubt staying in one of the above hotels would make your trip all the more luxurious, but another great way to immerse yourself in the local culture is by staying at an Airbnb. Even better: stay at multiple Airbnb’s throughout your trip for a true “choose your own adventure” experience! There are plenty of neighborhoods to explore in Montreal. Choose Mile End for a hip feel and great restaurants, Verdun for a blossoming town with a long main street (with many shops and stops along the way!) to walk down, Plateau Mont-Royal for picturesque streets and an extra French feel, Saint Henri for a vibrant neighborhood… the list goes on!
Perfect for: The adventurer who can never decide on just one place to stay.
Arthurs Nosh Bar - Your classic Jewish brunch spot with fantastic offerings and an equally tasty takeout menu. Put your name down (expect a lengthy wait) and head across the street to one of two top-notch coffee spots to get your fix before you sit down. The wait is well worth the food options, which range from bacon and egg classics to creative challah french toast combinations.
Perfect for: Fans of Russ & Daughters (if you’re from New York).
Restaurant Beba - Although the cuisine is described as Argentinian, this intimate spot in Montreal’s Verdun neighborhood can’t be placed in just one cuisine category. The menu constantly changes, and the chef focuses on showcasing fresh Canadian ingredients in creative, thoughtful dishes. The cocktail and wine menu is superb, and the staff is knowledgeable and kind while making recommendations, should you ask.
Perfect for: A special meal on your last night in this great city.
Joe Beef - One of those restaurants that many people associate with a city, Joe Beef rose to fame thanks to an Anthony Bourdain episode in which the late chef visited the establishment and deemed it one of his favorite places. Rightfully so, Joe Beef serves classic Quebecois dishes in a charming interior for serious foodies. Reservations are hard to come by, but a handful are released in the morning for same-day service, which is your best option for last-minute plans.
Perfect for: Fans of Anthony Bourdain, good food, and good interiors.
Patati Patata Friterie Deluxe- Incredibly unassuming, this micro-diner offers an impressive menu of classic dishes (burgers, eggs, etc.) and a perfect version of a Canadian classic: poutine. (You can't visit Montreal and not try poutine.) The no-frills spot offers you fast service and a tasty meal for a bargain price. You’ll notice two types of visitors—devoted locals and a handful of well-educated tourists—which generally confirms this spot is still fairly quiet and keeps people coming back.
Perfect for: A late-night meal to get your poutine fix after too many cocktails at Bar Big in Japan (the bar next door).
Fairmont / St. Viateur - Bagels are a big deal in Montreal and are noticeably different from their American cousins. They’re thinner, sweeter (because they are poached in honey water), and typically covered in sesame seeds. Although there isn't a bagel shop on every block like in NYC, there are two iconic destinations for these tasty treats. Fairmont Bagels and St. Viateur both offer delicious versions of a Montreal bagel. Everyone has their favorite, so we won’t tell you where to go; try both and tell us which you prefer!
Perfect for: Breakfast on the go or a half-dozen bag as souvenirs to enjoy at home.
Other Honorable Food Mentions: This city has so much good food. Chefs from around the world come specifically to Montreal to learn and admire the local talent. Other spots worth adding to your dinner list include Perles et Paddock, Au Pied De Cochon, Le Serpent, Melisse, Candide, Pincette Bar a Homard. Make sure to visit Hof Kelsten for delicious bread and pastries, Olive et Gourmando, Schwartz’s Deli for a fantastic lunch, and Dalla Rose for ice cream to finish a great afternoon.
Make time to visit one of the (several) wonderful bars in the city before or after a great meal. Each of the bars on our list has a different design and energy. Big in Japan Bar is a personal favorite with a dark and moody interior ideal for an intimate date night. Bar Darling is a great spot to gather with a group of your closest friends and gossip over drinks and small bites. Other favorites include Le Mal Necessaire, Atwater, Henrietta, and The Coldroom.
Montreal is full of beautiful parks, and locals take advantage of outdoor activities year around. You should plan to be outside for at least a portion of your visit, so pack shoes and outerwear accordingly! You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the city after hiking Mount Royal, the iconic mountain named after which the city was named, exploring the historic architecture in Vieux Montreal, and admiring the Notre-Dame Basilica. Stroll through the Jean Talon Market, Rue Saint Paul, or the Mile End neighborhood to take in local culture, food, and offerings. Art and architecture lovers will appreciate the Beux Arts Museum, Redpath Natural History Museum on McGill’s Campus (which is reminiscent of Hogwarts), Habitat 67, and the Biosphere for Utopian Architecture. Saving the best for last here: End your visit to this fantastic city with a relaxing spa experience at Bota Bota Spa, featuring stunning views of the St. Lawrence river.
The shopping in Montreal is just as impressive and diverse as the food options. Your best bet is to wander neighborhoods and stumble into wonderful small businesses, but if you need some guidance on special places to start, here are a handful we love. Particularly for design lovers: Maison Pepin is a lifestyle brand featuring clothing and home decor by Canadian brands, Jamais Assez for chic modern decor pieces, and Élément de Base for furniture designed in Montreal. If you’re on the hunt for some chic wardrobe pieces, visit La Caravane Vintage and Annex Vintage for racks of beautiful clothes for a bargain price. While you wait for your brunch reservation at Arthurs Nosh Bar, pop into Saint-Henri Books around the corner to discover some great reading material.
There you have it! Our love letter to Montreal. While it’d be impossible to list everything that makes this place so wonderful, the city is irresistible thanks to its old cobblestone streets, art and restaurant-filled neighborhoods, and French charm. And don’t get us started again on the bagels.
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