Montreal: 17 Amazing Things To Do and 9 Delicious Places To Eat In

Welcome to Montreal, a city brimming with culinary delights and cultural wonders. Join me on this virtual journey as we uncover 17 amazing things to do and 9 mouthwatering places to eat. From Le Plateau-Mont-Royal’s vibrant streets to the historic charm of Le Vieux-Montréal, we’ll explore hidden treasures and savor delectable flavors. Indulge in irresistible poutines, immerse in the city’s rich heritage, and experience the seamless blend of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, Montreal offers something for everyone. Let’s dive in together and discover the captivating magic of this vibrant city!

Mile End

To truly enjoy Montreal, dive into its neighborhoods, especially in summer. Mile End stands out with artistic charm, cozy cafés, and vibrant murals. A fusion of cultures mixes old-world charm with contemporary creativity.

One of the places to watch out for is Bernie Beigne, famous for their exquisite handcrafted donuts. Indulge in fluffy, golden treats with diverse flavors and toppings, a delightful blend of artistry and taste. But be careful, this store is not open everyday, so check times before visiting.

A good salty companion to these donuts, also in Mile End, is Lester’s Deli. These sandwiches are yummy, and the line is less busy than the next restaurant in this list.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Adjacent to Mile End, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal bursts with urban charm. Colorful houses, bohemian boutiques, and diverse eateries infuse vibrant streets with a fusion of cultures and creativity

On the savory side, Schwartz’s Deli is a world famous eatery that serves legendary smoked meat sandwiches. With its rich history and mouthwatering flavors, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a taste of culinary tradition.

But be aware or expect long lines when you get there. There is a Pour Emporter (For Takeout) line. Take advantage of it, if you do not wish to stay.

Also in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Poutineville‘s poutine, a Canadian comfort classic, delights with crispy fries, savory gravy, and melting cheese curds. Customizable toppings create a flavorful masterpiece that’s impossible to resist. A local draft makes the selection more magnificient.

La Fabrique offers ethereal souffle pancakes. Fluffy and delicate, these delectable treats are adorned with delightful toppings, creating a perfect blend of taste and aesthetics. Yummy, always recommended.

And you cannot make a culinary list of this neighorhood, or even Montreal, without mentioning La Banquise.

This iconic eatery serves an array of creative poutine variations, blending crispy fries, savory gravy, and flavorful toppings for an unforgettable culinary experience.

The T-Rex poutine was my order the 2 times I went there and just look at it. I could not finish it, but it was so good, I had to pack the rest for later.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

A Montreal gem nestled between the St. Lawrence River and Île Sainte-Hélène, offers an oasis of nature and entertainment. From tranquil lakeside strolls to vibrant festivals, it’s a dynamic space where outdoor beauty meets cultural vibrancy, captivating visitors year-round.

The views from this island into the city are spectacular, but I would also recommend to explore it in the Bixi public bikes. I always buy the membership (about $20 Canadian Dollars) and bike to most places. It uses a very similar system to New York’s CitiBike.

The park is beautiful and besides the views, the entertainment and the hikes, it offers a lot of nature like fountains and lakes.

Vieux-Port de Montréal

Vieux-Port de Montréal, a historic waterfront district, showcases the city’s charm and heritage. Cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, and the iconic Clock Tower create a captivating ambiance, while the riverfront promenade offers stunning views and recreational activities.

One icon of Montreal is Habitat 67 from Moshe Safdie, and can be seen from this port.

But the real fun, especially in the Summer, are all the activities that this area of Montreal offers. Restaurants, a whole entertainment park, museums and a beautiful stroll are part of this port.

One of the jewels of the Old Port of Montreal is the Grande Roue de Montréal , which gets a special decoration during Pride.

La Fierté (Pride)

And talking about Pride, La Fierté is a jubilant tribute to diversity and love celebrated every August. The city erupts in colorful parades, live performances, and inclusive events, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fosters unity, acceptance, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ rights.

Day and night, during this week, there are a lot of events culminating with the parade on Sunday.

We will talk about Le Village soon, but this is the Gay Neighborhood in Montreal, and for blocks, there’s a lot of activities, bars and restaurants opened and celebrating this important week.

Le Village

Le Village, Montreal’s LGBTQ+ district, pulsates with vibrant energy and inclusivity. Lined with rainbow flags, it offers a thriving nightlife, artistic expressions, and a sense of community that welcomes all, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The Émilie-Gamelin Place is a park offering music shows, relaxing spaces, and food for locals and visitors alike.

And in the heart of this neighborhood, the classic McDonald’s offers Canadian food options like the Spicy McCrispy Bacon Deluxe and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Poutine. Delicious.

Le Vieux Montréal

We could not continue our trip to Montreal without visiting one of the areas that always draw me here, Le Vieux Montreal. I always feel like I am in Europe in this historic district, which weaves the city’s past and present. Cobblestone streets lead to charming boutiques, cafés, and architectural marvels like Notre-Dame Basilica, offering a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern allure.

Do not forget to buy your tickets online to enter this church since they will sell out.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricate details and vibrant stained glass, radiating spiritual beauty and cultural significance. And all that blue! I was not really expecting it.

Mont Royal

Mont Royal, a prominent hill in Montreal, finds its name’s origin in “Mont Réal,” reflecting its triple peaks. This urban sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of lush landscapes and cityscape views, inviting locals and visitors to embrace nature’s beauty while staying connected to the heartbeat of Montreal. One of the definite spots to visit is Saint Joseph’s Oratory, more to the south of this area.

But for me, the best time was spent biking around on an e-bike, and seeing all the offerings of this big park.

Including the always famous Kondiaronk Belvedere, and its always famous view of the city.

It gets packed in sunny days, but you can still hang in this big area, where you can also visit the Mount Royal Chalet.

Downtown Montreal

Downtown Montreal is a busy and exciting area. It has tall buildings, cool shops, and places like Montréal Underground City. This part of the city is full of energy and things to do.

While in this financial neighborhood, I could not stop by visiting the Starbucks of Canada, Tim Hortons., and its maple donuts.

Very close to that Tim Hortons, was Benny&Co. I had been craving chicken wings, although not particularly a Canadian dish, but still managed to get good ones here, and with a side of really nice poutine (to go, because the wings were enough).

Parc de Dieppe

A hidden gem is definitely Parc de Dieppe, a peaceful spot in Montreal. You can enjoy nice views of Le Vieux Port de Montreal and relax in the green surroundings. It’s a calm escape, reachable also on a Bixi bike.

Le Métro de Montréal

And if things are too far to ride a Bixi bike, just take the metro, which goes to many places in this city. The modernized trains definitely have a different vibe from the ones in New York City.

Montreal Olympic Park

And where to go on the metro? Well, you can go to the Montreal Olympic Park, a big sports area with iconic structures like the Olympic Stadium. It’s a hub for events, sports, and fun. You can also see the cool architecture around.

How I got to Montreal?

But after seeing all the different things to do, and places to eat in, I wanted to also share my experience getting into this city. I have been here a few times, including during the winter, and my favorite way to reach it is by plane. AirCanada offers flights from LGA LaGuardia International Airport, and even though, they cancelled my flight last year in 2022, I was able to have a relatively good flight into YUL Montreal International Airport in 2023.

The Safety Video surprised me because I had forgotten that Disney had an alliance with AirCanada, and the product placement during this video was off the roof.

The skyline of my beautiful city is always impressive.

Getting to Montreal and where I stayed

The arrival is easy, but getting into the bus 747 that goes from YUL to Downtown.

My choice for hotel is been Hotel Labelle in Le Village just because it is convenient, kind of cheap, the rooms are big, and close to many places including the bus terminal, and the stops for the 747 bus.

But after all the trips into this city is always sad to have to leave my favorite place in Canada. Until the next time Montreal.