Where To Stay in Montreal – Best 5 Neighborhoods

by | Mar 11, 2020 | Cheap Travel

When you are fond of lovely vacation and amusement parks then Montreal is definitely your cup of tea. Canada’s Québec province Montréal is the largest city set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after Mt. Royal.  Montreal is also North America’s number one hosting land for international events. This beautiful land is home to the famous Cirque de Soleil and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1976. Montreal has the second-largest Amusement Park in Canada. There are governments, many of them were once independent cities, including neighbourhoods ranging from cobblestone, the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica With French colonial Vieux-Montréal at its centre to bohemian Plateau. The Quebec province is currently a multicultural region of Canada and the people living generally speak French and English both. But the situation occurs when you don’t know where to stay? which attraction could be your neighborhood? which hotel to be picked? Well here is the answer to all questions you need to calm before stepping your shoe to Paris.

So Relax and Note Down Where to Stay in Montreal, Canada:

Old Montreal

Old Montreal

Well known as Vieux Montreal by French people, with the incredible architecture 19th-century buildings, early 20th century buildings, and eyesores. Narrow cobblestone streets of Old Montreal’s are full of lively plazas and charming shops and cafes. Landmarks include the Notre-Dame Basilica, a soaring Gothic Revival church, and the Pointe-à-Callière museum with city archaeological ruins. Along the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port of Montreal is a beloved home to the Montreal Science Centre and the iconic Clock Tower, with illustrations from the top

Main Attractions In Old Montreal

  •  The most iconic site in Montreal is Notre-Dame Basilica, this Gothic Revival basilica from the 1800s may be one of the most beautiful churches in North America.
  • Built-in the 17th century, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours-Chapel is one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It offers a small museum and a beautiful interior for peaceful reflection.
  • Place d’Arms is one of the oldest and nicest public squares in the city.
  • Saint-Paul Street is a delightful and charming pedestrian street that is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1672. Where you’ll find the popular Place Jacques-Cartier.
  • Château Ramezay is a museum located in a former governor’s residence, explores 500 years of history in Quebec and Montreal through various exhibits, artifacts, and artwork.
  • Old Port is also known as Vieux-Port is an ideal place to take a stroll along the St. Lawrence River or go on Le Bateau Mouche boat ride. This is exactly the place where Igloofest takes place in the winter.
  • If you want to explore Montreal’s archaeology and history Pointe-à-Callière Museum is the place. Is counted as one of the best museums in the city, and a good place to get an in-depth overview of the lengthy history of Montreal.
  • Bonsecours Market – a 150-year-old public market that is the largest market in the city. A charming representation of French-Canadian architecture and construction, offering a variety of good boutique, stocks and upscale restaurants.
  • Located in the Old Port Montreal Science Centre is an interactive science and technology museum for kids and adults. It also houses an IMAX theatre.
  •  Built between 1919 and 1922 this Montreal Clock Tower is a historic clock tower that provides sweeping views over the river and city if you’re willing to climb the 192 steps to the top.
  • 14.5 kilometer Lachine canal that runs from the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. Get a bike on rent from one of the local bike stands and have a delightful ride along the canal.

Range Of Hotels To Stay at Old Montreal

2. Downtown

Downtown

The central business district of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is the well-known Downtown Montreal. Situated on the borough of Ville-Marie, which is the district settled on the southernmost slope of Mount Royal. Downtown is a busy hub of shoppers, office workers and students from McGill and Concordia universities. Chain stores and malls line Rue Sainte-Catherine, while Crescent Street is known for busy bars. Cultural sights here include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, with works spanning centuries, and the McCord Museum’s city history exhibits. Chinatown is distinguished by traditional gates, has random eateries and food stores.

Main Attractions In Down Town

  • If you are an architecture enthusiast, Canadian Center for Architecture is the place to go. Still not convinced then go for the motive. This international research institution’s purpose is to explain to you that architecture is a mass concern and affects all of us in contemporary society.
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Art is the largest museum in Montreal, showcasing 41,000 works of art that span centuries and a variety of different cultures, from ancient to modern.
  • Located on the Place des Festival Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) was Canada’s first contemporary art museum.
  • Au Sommet is the second tallest skyscraper in the city (607 feet). Au Sommet offers great views of Montreal from the top and includes an interactive exhibit about the city in the $19 ticket price.
  • Place des Arts is the largest performing arts complex in Montreal. You get to see the Broadway shows, opera and dance performances here, among other events throughout the year.
  •  A small Neo-Gothic church and National Historic Site of Canada Christ Church Cathedral is a beautiful church to visit, it hosts a classical concert every Saturday at 4:30 pm.
  • The Underground City is One of the best places to go shopping, the Underground City is literally underneath central Montreal, including downtown. It is close to the dozen different shopping centers to choose for excursion. And also connected to copious sights, hotels and lodges around the city, so you don’t have to spend too much time outside in the winter.
  • Quartier des Spectacles is one of Montreal’s entertainment district, where you can find concerts, cultural events, international festivals, art galleries, and everything in between.

Range Of Hotels To Stay at DownTown

3. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

This laid-back Plateau is known as a young area, popular among student and friendly neighborhood with streets full of charming and attractive townhouses. Best known as the hipster district of Québec this Plateau Mont-Royal is definitely one of the top attraction. It’s a plateau so it has to be flat but it stylish old-style stone masonry, plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, and a thriving arts scene are worth visiting. Rue Saint-Denis and Avenue du Mont-Royal are lined with unceremonious cafes, laid-back eateries, busy bars, and contemporary galleries and theatres. Nearby, Mount Royal Park has popular trails, a lake, and viewpoints from its namesake mountain. Lawns are surrounded by the ponds at tranquil Parc La Fontaine. Rue St-Denis & Boulevard St-Laurent is the two busiest streets in the neighborhood with a plethora of restaurants and shops to explore. St-Laurent is especially great for designer shops and nightlife with venues open late.

Main Attractions In Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

  • Parc Lafontaine is an 84-acre urban park with ponds, leafy paths, outdoor swimming pools in the summer, and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter.
  • Laurier Park is another expansive urban park in the neighborhood that is the perfect spot for a picnic, or a stroll under the shady trees. There are plenty of takeaway restaurants and beautiful architecture on the streets nearby.
  • The most popular nature spots in Montreal city limits is Mount Royal which right next to the Plateau and is a favorite place to enjoy an impressive view of the city. How can you forget the Tam-Tams, a weekly free festival (from April-September) around the George-Étienne Cartier Monument that includes drummers, dancers, and vendors every Sunday.
  • L’Ecomusee du Fier Monde is an amazing in-depth history museum about the working-class people of Montreal and the importance of grassroots involvement in the city.
  • La Banquise is undoubtedly one of the best places to get your poutine fix in the city. You’ll get to see long lines, locals, and tourists at this big foodie hot spot.
  • Schwartz Deli is a popular foodie place in the city, Schwartz Deli is one of the oldest delis in Canada and an institution in Montreal. It’s where you can taste world-famous smoked meat. 

Range Of Hotels To Stay at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

4. Mile End

Mile End

A hip, laid-back area with an artsy vibe and multicultural roots what else do you require other than the Mile End. Greek eateries, old-school bagel shops and Italian cafes mix with stylish restaurants and humming brunch points. Indie shops selling books, records and vintage clothes are found throughout the region, especially on Rue Bernard. Coffee shops draw daytime crowds, music venues, while cocktail bars and brewpubs make up the lively nightlife. Mile End has the essence 1980s  it has been known for its culture as a home to artists, artistic neighbourhood, musicians, writers, and filmmakers such as Arcade Fire,  Bran Van 3000,  Adam Gollner, Ariane Moffatt, Grimes, Sean Michaels and Animals and plants etc. Nonetheless, most of the things to do in Mile End is associated with food & drink. 

Main Attractions In Mile End

  • Cafe Olimpico is something that’s meant to have the best espresso in Montreal, located on St-Viateur Street.
  • Lester’s Deli – If you are willing to go for the less touristy version of Schwartz Deli, and still wanting a delicious sandwich with smoked meat, head to Lester’s Deli. Lester’s Deli technically belongs to the Outremont neighborhood, but only a few blocks from Mile End.
  • Dieu du Ciel is counted to the best brasserie in Canada for the past 10 years, Dieu du Ciel is the perfect place to grab a pint of local craft beer in the city.
  • Fairmount Bagel & St-Viateur Bagel are two spots that are constantly vying for the ‘best bagel in Montreal’ label are both in Mile End. Taste test the two bagels and decide for yourself.
  • Bernard Street a beautiful broadway located at the northern edge of Mile End, Bernard Street is a charming street for people watching, cafes, and unique boutique shops.
  • Le Marché des Possibles – Well maintained community space and park that is managed by locals. Events are hosted completely in the whole summertime that usually includes music, BBQs, markets, and more.
  •  Mile End is known for its trendy boutique fashion shops, spend an afternoon in places like Boucle & Papier, Unicorn, Vestibule, Frank & Oak, Clark Mercantile, and Annex Vintage.

Range Of Hotels To Stay at Mile End

5. Gay Village

Gay Village

Being one of the largest and populated gay villages in North America, the Montreal Gay Village testifies to the open-minded and cosmopolitan nature of Montreal. Is a hub of nightlife opportunities which includes terraces restaurants and some of Montreal’s noblest nightclubs lining the district’s main artery, Ste. The compact Gay Village has a distinctive vibe and a lively club scene that you definitely doesn’t want to miss. During summer, the main eye candy, Rue Sainte-Catherine, is pedestrian-only and strung with pink embellishments, and cafes, bars and eateries spill onto platforms in the street. Rue Amherst is widely known for its boutiques and antique accessories stores. Just nearby, the neoclassical Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Church holds the Chapel of Hope, committed to AIDS victims.

Main Attraction In Gay Village

  • Rainbow Pillars at Beaudry Metro Station this beautiful Central Metro station in the Gay Village that has colorful pillars that represent the rainbow flag as part of its design is worthy enough to explore.
  • Cabaret Mado in1920s-themed as an iconic place for drag queen confers in the Gay Village, inserting the whole energetic and fun performances every night.
  • Boules Roses is a regular art installation of 200,000 pink balls across 1km of Sainte-Catherine St. that goes up from May-September every year.
  • Nightclubs on Sainte Catherine St. – The Gay Village is famous for its most popular nightlife spots in Montreal for a reason, and a lot of that has to do with the nightclubs on Sainte Catherine St. If you want to dance the night away, this is where you should go.
  • Amherst Street Vintage Shops is a quirky well-stocked vintage and wined shops where you’ll find all sorts of the random itinerary for sale.
  • You cannot stay without relishing the Summer terraces. and once the snow gets melted, the summer terraces at the cafes and bars in the Gay Village are the placed to be or can be reflected as heaven, especially on weekends.
  • Village au Pied-du-Courant is a fun and colorful man-made outstanding beach and community found near the water that pops up in the summer. Don’t deny that only a short walk from the Village. Go for events, concerts, and outdoor movies throughout the summer.
  • Montreal Pride Festival (FiertéMTL) which was Founded in 2007, the Montreal Pride Festival tends to happen in August and has become the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world, and one of the largest pride festivals in the world.

Range Of Hotels To Stay at Gay Village

Montreal is one the best place to spend you amazing vacations with the list of amazing activities marked above in the article from exploring Montreal museum to local craft beers, from fine art to the bota-bota spa there is not a single moment to regret in Montreal, Canada. I hope this article has boosted your wanderlust to visit more to Montreal Canada, but with full convenience and suitability so that you do not waste your time finding out the location and summoning a suitable hotel for you. Comment below and let us know at which you will be booking your accommodation while exploring Montreal, Canada?