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Montreal

Plateau strolls, bagels & boutique shopping

Browse Montreal

Montreal is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Editorial Boutique, Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica. Food lovers should not miss Schwartzs Deli and Au Pied de Cochon. Below you will find 12 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Montreal at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Editorial Boutique and Old Montreal
  • Where to stay: Old Montreal and Plateau
  • Local picks: 12 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Montreal

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Montreal

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Plateau

Au Pied de Cochon

Martin Picards decadent temple of Quebecois cooking and foie gras.
★ 4.5
$$$
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Downtown / Stanley St

Editorial Boutique

A narrow, blogger’s-closet of a shop tucked off Sainte-Catherine’s shopping strip, where Montreal’s fashion crowd comes for the latest looks. New stock lands weekly – edgy dresses, statement tees and bold accessories from a rotating cast of trend labels.
★ 4.2
$$
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Ville-Marie

Fou d’ici

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Old Montreal

Hotel Nelligan

A romantic stone-walled boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace.
★ 4.6
$$$
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Little Italy

Jean-Talon Market

A sprawling farmers market piled with Quebec produce and cheese.
★ 4.6
$
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Plateau

La Banquise

A 24-hour institution serving dozens of towering poutines.
★ 4.4
$
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Golden Square Mile

La Guilde

Why it matters: La Guilde is a charitable non-profit founded in 1906 that exists to preserve and promote Inuit, First Nations and Metis art alongside Canadian fine craft – for 120 years it has worked to build a sustainable market for handmade art, with a focus on work by women and Indigenous artists. That makes it the rare gallery where buying a piece is the point rather than a gift-shop afterthought. Come for the rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection, then browse the available works – stone and bone sculpture, textiles, ceramics and jewellery, priced from small pieces up to serious collector work. Practical tip: it is closed Sundays and Mondays and does not open until noon Tuesday to Friday (10am on Saturday), though staff will open by appointment from 10am if you call ahead.
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Little Italy / Villeray

Les Filles Fattoush

Why it matters: this is a social-economy project whose kitchen gives Syrian refugee women in Montreal a first work experience, built around their own family recipes – Tourisme Montreal describes the mission as empowering those women through meaningful employment and cultural connection. What started as spice blends and catering is now a permanent year-round cafe-boutique in the heart of Jean-Talon Market. Order the mezze by weight – the hummus and babaghanouj are the ones regulars come back for – then finish with a Turkish coffee and baklava at one of the few seats inside. Practical tip: it is a small counter with limited seating, so come off-peak, and the Middle Eastern pantry shelf (pomegranate molasses, za’atar, pita chips) is the easiest edible souvenir in the city.
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Downtown

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Canadas most-visited art museum, spread across striking pavilions.
★ 4.6
$
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Plateau

Mount Royal

The leafy hill park with the classic lookout over downtown and the river.
★ 4.7
$
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Old Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica

A breathtaking Gothic Revival basilica of deep blue and gold.
★ 4.8
$
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Old Montreal

Old Montreal

The cobbled riverside quarter of grey-stone facades, squares and horse carriages.
★ 4.6
$
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Old Montreal

Old Montreal Walking Tour

A guided stroll through the cobbled streets and squares of old Montreal.
★ 4.5
$
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Old Montreal

Old Port of Montreal

A revitalised riverside promenade of cruises, cycling and a big wheel.
★ 4.5
$
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Plateau-Mont-Royal / Parc La Fontaine

Robin des Bois

Why it matters: founded in 2006 by Judy Servay, Robin des Bois is a non-profit restaurant run largely by volunteers, and it channels its proceeds – plus food donations and free use of its rooms – to Montreal community organisations including Le Refuge des Jeunes, Le Chainon, Accueil Bonneau and Sun Youth. It also happens to occupy the chalet in the middle of Parc La Fontaine, which is a genuinely lovely place to eat regardless of the cause. Order at the counter from the homemade menu, pay, then pick a table and take your food out into the park. Practical tip: hours are seasonal – Thursday to Saturday it stays open to 10pm from May through September, but October to April it opens weekends only, 10am to 5pm, so check before trekking over. Sign up online if you want to volunteer a shift; the space is wheelchair accessible.
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Plateau

Schwartzs Deli

The legendary 1928 deli for hand-carved Montreal smoked meat.
★ 4.6
$$
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From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

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Montreal travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Montreal?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Montreal at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Montreal?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Montreal?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Montreal guide.

What is the best time to visit Montreal?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Montreal is worth visiting year-round.

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