From the cobbled to the colourful, the streets make up the diverse neighbourhoods that give Montréal its very soul. It’s where visitors can get a strong sense of the city’s blend of English and French heritage.
The best place for exploring is Old Montréal, a treasure trove of history that transports visitors back in time with its Second Empire architecture and photogenic grand churches. Charming café-fringed squares offer plenty of opportunities for a pit stop from shopping at one-of-a-kind boutiques.
The Université du Québec à Montréal in the lively Quartier Latin attracts French-speaking students, resulting in an area with affordable restaurants and lively bars.
To the east, visitors will find an epicentre of LGBTQI+ life and entertainment in the Village, particularly during Pride and other big annual events. The main strip is dotted with iconic spots, such as Cabaret Mado, which is famed for its deliciously outrageous drag shows. Massive nightclubs, such as Complexe Sky, feature different dance floors catering to every type of groove.
For hidden nightlife and Asian dining, Chinatown is compact but packed with authentic atmosphere. Visitors will find Hong Kong-style bakeries and dim sum parlours, whilst Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese eateries also offer a fun vibe. In the evening, candlelit places, tiki bars, and speakeasies come alive as the rest of the world enters a slumber.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, meanwhile, is one of the most densely populated boroughs in Canada. This bohemian enclave features a plethora of parks, green spaces, and live local music in free-spirited places.
