Where to stay in Montreal?

For where to stay in Montreal, Old Montreal offers historic charm and dining, Downtown provides shopping and central access (Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Vogue Hotel), Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is great for a local, family-friendly vibe near parks, and Griffintown or Latin Quarter are trendy alternatives. Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize history (Old Montreal), convenience (Downtown), or local atmosphere (Plateau).

What part of Montreal is best to stay in?

We recommend you stay in Old Montréal or Downtown Montréal. Planning a Montréal city break? Check out Old Montréal, Downtown Montréal, and Chinatown.

What is the nice area of Montreal?

Hip neighbourhoods

Little Italy and Villeray make up a neighbourhood where people heartily embrace the typically Montréal attitude of enjoying good food and life to the fullest. Once a working-class area, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (HoMa to those in the know) is now a vibrant neighbourhood.

What is the most walkable area of Montreal?

Plateau-Mont-Royal is renowned for its high walkability and cultural vibrancy. With a Walk Score of 92, this neighborhood offers an array of family-friendly features and activities.

How many days in Montreal is enough?

I recommend starting with what I'm highlighting in this blog post, especially if you're experiencing “La Métropole du Québec” as a first-timer. Two days in Montreal will barely scratch the surface, so three days would be better. But to really explore this town, I recommend four days.

31 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Montreal, Canada

What is the best month to visit Montreal?

The best month to visit Montreal depends on your priorities, but June to September offers warm weather, vibrant festivals (Jazz Fest, Osheaga), and outdoor activities, though it's the busiest and priciest time; September/October provides beautiful fall foliage and fewer crowds; Winter (Dec-Feb) is ideal for budget travelers seeking snow, ice skating, and events like Montréal en Lumière, despite the extreme cold; while Spring (Mar-May) brings maple syrup season and blooming flowers but unpredictable weather. 

Is Montreal cheap or expensive?

Montreal is generally considered affordable for a major North American city, especially compared to Toronto and Vancouver, offering a great quality of life for relatively lower costs, though prices have risen, particularly for housing and travel, but dining, entertainment, and transit remain competitive and budget-friendly options exist. 

Where to avoid staying in Montreal?

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Montreal for Rentals

• Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. ...
• Saint-Michel. ...
• Parc-Extension. ...
• Downtown nightlife zones (Crescent and Bishop Streets) ...
• Parts of Côte-des-Neiges. ...
• Use Google Maps and Street View. ...
• Check forums like Reddit and Quora. ...
• Use crime maps.

Why is Montreal called Sin city?

After the war, the Prohibition movement in the United States turned Montreal into a destination for Americans looking for alcohol. Americans went to Montreal for its drinking, gambling, and prostitution, unrivalled in North America at this time, which earned the city the nickname "Sin City".

Is it easy to get around Montreal without a car?

Public transportation is an affordable way to get around Montréal. The metro (subway) system is clean, safe and fast. As a bonus, the public transit network is relatively simple, with just four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations.

Is it best to stay in Old Montréal or downtown Montreal?

It depends on what you want. Old Montreal is much more scenic, and for a day or two might be a better choice. The downtown is only about a 15 minute walk (uphill) from the old city. The downtown has much more shopping and dining options however.

How much is a taxi from Montreal airport to Old Montréal?

The cheapest way to get from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Old Montreal is to drive which costs $3 - $6 and takes 21 min. What is the fastest way to get from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Old Montreal? The fastest way to get from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Old Montreal is to taxi which takes 21 min and costs $110 - $140.

What is the tourist part of Montreal?

Old Montreal/Vieux-Montreal

Old Montreal is one of the most popular neighbourhoods for tourists to visit, and the oldest and most vibrant area of the city. This is where the city was birthed in 1642, right along the river.

What to do in Montreal for the first time?

• Welcome to Montréal! ...
• Climb Mount Royal (the lookout) ...
• Spree on Sainte-Catherine Street. ...
• Eat emblematic Montréal cuisine. ...
• Head back in time (in Old Montréal) ...
• Ascend to Saint Joseph's Oratory. ...
• Go “underground” ...
• Market yourself.

Where is the best place to stay in Old Montreal?

• Auberge du Vieux-Port. Montreal, QC. 0.6 miles to city center [See Map] ...
• Hotel William Gray. Montreal, QC. ...
• Hotel Nelligan. Montreal, QC. ...
• Hotel Place D'armes. Montreal, QC. ...
• Hotel Bonaparte. Montreal, QC. ...
• Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel. Montreal, QC. ...
• Gouverneur Hotel Montreal. Montreal. ...
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal. Montreal.

Is it better to stay in Quebec or Montreal?

Montreal is bigger and more urban, which means an array of fine-dining options, boutique shopping and cosmopolitan museums at your fingertips; Quebec City is smaller and more quaint, making it a great choice for those keen to explore historical sites and cobbled streets.

What is the gloomiest city in Canada?

Prince Rupert, British Columbia is often considered the gloomiest city in Canada. It is officially the least sunny city in the country, with an average of just 1,230 hours of sunshine each year.

Is Montreal a safe city to visit?

Montreal is the highest ranked city in North America on a list of the world's safest cities for travel. According to a report by Berkshire Hathaway, Montreal is the sixth safest city in the world for travel in 2025. Montreal is also the only city in North America on the list.

What kind of food is Montreal known for?

Best 8 Foods to Try in Montreal: A Culinary Journey

• Tourtiere. Tourtiere is a French Canadian meat pie that goes as far back as the 1600s, as a traditional dish made for Christmas. ...
• Pouding Chomeur. ...
• Poutine. ...
• Smoked Meat Sandwich. ...
• Quebecois Cheese. ...
• Montreal-Style Bagels. ...
• Cretons. ...
• Tarte Au Sucre.

Is it safe to walk downtown Montreal at night?

Montreal is very safe. You'll have no problem. A lot of things going on in Montréal in the summer especially if it's hot so it's usually safe until midnight, even then... No problem.

What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Montreal?

Contents show

• 1.2 Old Montreal: The Best Place to Stay for First Timers & Short Trips. ...
• 1.3 Le Plateau Mont Royal: Our Favorite Neighborhood in Montreal. ...
• 1.4 Downtown Montreal: The Most Convenient Area to Stay in Montreal. ...
• 1.5 Griffintown: An Alternative with Access to Canals + Great Food & Drinks.

Is Montreal a walkable city for tourists?

Is Montreal a walkable city for tourists? Yes, Montreal is one of the most walkable cities in North America. Many top attractions—like the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, Rue Saint-Paul, and the Plateau—are best explored on foot.

How much money do I need for 5 days in Canada?

Budget Travellers

For those trying to stick to a lower budget, you'll need around $150-$200 Canadian Dollars (CAD) per day. This will allow you to get a comfortable bed in a hostel or motel, eat and drink at food stalls throughout the cities, and cover bus or train tickets.

How much is a coffee in Montreal?

The average price Canadians pay for coffee varies widely by province, new data from Square shows. In Calgary, the average cost is $4.22, making it the most expensive market for java in Canada. Contrasting that is Montreal at $2.67. And in the middle lies Ottawa ($2.89), Toronto ($3.28), and Vancouver ($3.66).

What's the most expensive city in Canada?

Vancouver

It is located by the Pacific Ocean, in a mountainous terrain. With such beautiful scenery, it is not surprising that locals in Vancouver love the outdoors. Statistics show that Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada, and one of the most expensive cities in the world.