Montreal is a city filled with character, history, and international flair. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city that choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in can be daunting. Fortunately, Montreal has many neighbourhoods that cater to the needs of people traveling for business or pleasure. Here are the best areas to stay for tourists in Montreal.
1. Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the place to stay for history and architecture lovers. This area of Montreal is filled with stunning cobblestone streets, charming cafés, and incredible old-world architecture. It’s an excellent area to explore the city on foot or by bike. You can visit Montreal’s famous Notre-Dame Basilica or wander through the many museums in the area. This neighbourhood provides easy access to other parts of the city with bus and metro stops nearby.
2. Downtown Montreal
If you’re looking for a central location, downtown Montreal is the perfect spot. This area of the city is filled with high-end shopping, luxury hotels, and fine dining options. If you’re planning on attending a conference, the Palais des Congres convention center is located here. Downtown Montreal also has several metro lines that make traveling around the city effortless.
3. Plateau Mont-Royal
Plateau Mont-Royal is the hip and trendy area of Montreal. It’s a beautiful area filled with charming townhouses, unique shops, and fantastic food options. If you’re looking for a laid-back and artistic flavor, Plateau Mont-Royal is the place to be. This neighbourhood is also home to Montreal’s famous murals, which have become a major attraction for visitors.
4. Mile End
Mile End is another trendy and artistic neighbourhood in Montreal. It is well known for its bustling nightlife, independent stores, and fantastic cafes. This area is a favourite among young travellers because of its lively atmosphere. If you’re looking to experience Montreal’s nightlife and foodie culture, Mile End is the perfect spot.
5. Griffintown
Griffintown is an up and coming neighbourhood in Montreal. It is a great place to stay for travellers who want to be close to the city but want a more residential feel. This neighbourhood is filled with hip restaurants, craft breweries, and galleries. It’s also an excellent area for walking or biking along the Lachine Canal.
6. Rosemont
Rosemont is a quiet and relatively unknown neighbourhood in Montreal. It’s an excellent place to stay for travellers who are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. The area is filled with parks and green spaces, including the Jardin Botanique de Montreal. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with a more local feel, Rosemont is the perfect spot.
Conclusion
Montreal is a city filled with wonderful neighbourhoods that cater to the needs of all types of travellers. From the historic charm of Old Montreal to the trendy vibe of Plateau Mont-Royal, there is a neighbourhood for everyone in Montreal. When choosing a neighbourhood to stay in, it’s important to consider what you want to experience in the city. Whether you’re looking for art, culture, history, or nightlife, Montreal has it all.
FAQ
Should I stay in downtown or old town Montreal?
Montreal is a beautiful city that offers many different areas for visitors to stay in. However, the two most popular options are downtown and Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). While both areas have their unique charm and advantages, choosing the right location for your stay depends on your personal preference, the purpose of your visit, and your budget.
If you are a first-time visitor to Montreal, then Old Montreal would be the best area to stay in. Its historical charm and European vibe make it the most beautiful and romantic part of the city. The cobblestoned streets, old buildings, and beautiful architecture create a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Montreal. This area is also the place where all the important attractions are located, such as the Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and many art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Moreover, staying in Old Montreal will give you easy access to the city’s public transportation system and allow you to explore other parts of Montreal easily.
On the other hand, if your goal is to experience Montreal’s nightlife and have access to a wide range of bars, restaurants, and shops, then downtown Montreal is the best place to stay. This area is also ideal for business travelers as it is the city’s financial and commercial district. It is home to skyscrapers, modern buildings, and high-end hotels that cater to business travelers’ needs. Also, downtown Montreal is where you can visit the famous underground city, which provides shelter from the extreme temperatures during the winter months.
In terms of cost, both areas can be expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, there are budget accommodations available in Old Montreal such as hostels, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts, which can be an affordable option for travelers.
To sum up, choosing whether to stay in Old Montreal or downtown Montreal depends on your preference and the purpose of your visit. If you’re a first-time visitor looking for some historical charm, beautiful architecture and important attractions, then Old Montreal is the best place to stay. On the other hand, if you’re visiting for business, want to be close to modern amenities and nightlife, then downtown Montreal is the ideal area to stay in. both areas offer unique experiences that can make your stay in Montreal unforgettable!
What is the most popular part of Montreal?
Montreal is a vibrant and multicultural city with a lot of attractions and neighborhoods to explore. However, when it comes to the most popular part of Montreal, two areas immediately come to mind: Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal) and Vieux Port (Old Port).
Located in the historic district of Montreal, Old Montreal is the oldest and most picturesque part of the city. It boasts a beautiful mix of old-world architecture, cobblestone streets, and narrow alleyways that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. When you walk through this area, you can’t help but feel enchanted by the elegance and charm of Montreal’s past.
Aside from the stunning visual appeal of the area, Vieux Montréal offers a lot of activities, museums, boutique shopping, and dining options. It also has many galleries, such as Mimi Ferreira, that house some of the most incredible artwork in the city.
Moreover, Vieux Port is an extension of Vieux Montréal and it is situated along the St. Lawrence River. It is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride, with bike rental available throughout the area. The area is also home to many street performers and numerous festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the International Fireworks Competition, and the Montreal Grand Prix for Formula 1 racing.
Vieux Montréal and Vieux Port continue to be the most popular areas of Montreal, attracting tourists from all over the world. With topnotch attractions, museums, galleries, shopping, dining, and festivals, it is no surprise that these two parts of the city have become Montreal’s most popular areas. If you are planning to visit Montreal, Old Montréal and Old Port are a must-visit destination.
What is the best street to visit in Montreal?
Montreal is a city packed with history, culture, and charm – from the old-world architecture and stunning gardens to the vibrant neighborhoods and an ever-expanding food scene. It is a city that is rich in culture and has something for everyone. If you are looking for picturesque streets to add to your itinerary when visiting Montreal, Saint Paul Street is definitely a must-see.
Saint Paul Street is one of the city’s oldest streets that have been preserved impeccably. Its cobblestone street, beautiful architecture, and charming ambiance attract visitors from all over the world. This street curves through the old and beautiful neighborhood of Old Montreal. Its history traces back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and it has been an essential part of Montreal’s commercial and cultural life ever since.
The best way to explore Saint Paul Street is on foot. Start from De la Commune Street, and you immediately feel like you stepped back into time. The colorfully painted facades and charming stone buildings give off the aura of a European village. As you wander, you will see historic buildings like the Bonsecours Market, which was built-in 1847 and served as Montreal’s main public marketplace for more than a century.
Saint Paul is also home to the Notre-Dame Basilica, which is one of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks. A must-see for visitors, the Basilica is a grand piece of Gothic Revival architecture. Take a pause and admire the intricate details of the façade, including the two imposing towers that rise over the city skyline.
Besides the historic landmarks, Saint Paul Street is also lined with various shops, art galleries, and beautiful restaurants, making it a perfect spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. No matter what you’re after, you’re likely to find it here. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Maison Christian Faure, pick up souvenirs at the Artisans Canada shop, or find the perfect gift at Galerie d’art d’Outremont.
Saint Paul Street is undoubtedly one of the best streets to visit in Montreal. It is charming, historic, and vibrant, with a lovely mix of old-world charm and modern flair that makes it a fantastic spot for both sightseeing and shopping. So next time you’re in town, be sure to add a walk along Saint Paul Street to your itinerary.
Is downtown Montreal walkable?
Downtown Montreal can be considered a walkable city, with a Walk Score of 65.4 out of 100. This score reflects the city’s infrastructure, amenities, and public transportation system, which are all factors that contribute to its overall walkability.
Montreal’s compact and well-designed downtown area makes it easy for people to move around and explore the city without relying on a car or other forms of transportation. The city has numerous pedestrian-friendly streets, bike lanes, and walkways, which make it easy to get around on foot and by bike. The city also has an extensive public transportation system, which includes buses, subways, and commuter trains, making it easy for people to explore the city and its surroundings.
In addition to its transportation infrastructure, Montreal’s downtown area is home to numerous cultural and historic landmarks, such as the Basilique Notre-Dame, Old Montreal, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which are all within walking distance of each other. The city’s many parks and public spaces are also easily accessible, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Montreal can be considered a walkable city, with its compact and well-designed downtown area, extensive public transportation system, and numerous cultural, historic, and natural landmarks. Walking and biking are not only practical and convenient ways to explore the city, but they also offer an opportunity to experience Montreal’s unique character and charm.
Should I stay in Old Quebec or Quebec City?
If you are planning a trip to Quebec, Canada, you might be wondering where the best place to stay is. Specifically, you might be asking yourself whether you should stay in Old Quebec or Quebec City. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your budget, travel preferences, and the purpose of your trip.
First things first, it’s important to understand the geography of Quebec City. Old Quebec is a section of the city that is located within the larger Quebec City area. Old Quebec is known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and attractions such as the Château Frontenac, the Citadelle, and the Place Royale. On the other hand, Quebec City as a whole includes not only Old Quebec but also other neighborhoods like Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Montcalm.
If you are interested in Quebec’s history and architecture, then staying in Old Quebec is a great option. This area is rich in history and has a number of historic sites and buildings to visit. It is also a great spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Staying in Old Quebec will put you within easy walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.
However, if you don’t have a specific interest in Quebec’s history or architecture, staying in Quebec City as a whole may be a better fit for you. Staying in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, for instance, will allow you to experience the cosmopolitan side of Quebec City with its cafes, shops, and markets. This area is also more affordable than staying in Old Quebec. Montcalm is another great option for foodies, with lots of great restaurants and bars.
Another consideration when deciding where to stay in Quebec is your budget. Accommodations in Old Quebec tend to be more expensive than in other areas of Quebec City. If you’re traveling on a budget, staying outside of Old Quebec may be more affordable while still allowing you to experience the city.
Finally, the purpose of your trip should also be considered. For example, if your primary reason for visiting Quebec is to attend a conference or other business event, staying outside of Old Quebec may be more convenient. If, on the other hand, you’re interested in visiting Quebec’s historic sites and museums, staying in Old Quebec is a no-brainer.
The answer to the question of whether to stay in Old Quebec or Quebec City as a whole depends on your budget, travel preferences, and the purpose of your trip. If you’re on a budget or interested in experiencing the more cosmopolitan side of Quebec City, staying outside of Old Quebec may be the way to go. However, if you’re interested in history and architecture, and want to be within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, then Old Quebec is the place for you.