We spent a weekend in Montreal and we tried to experience everything Montreal has to offer. The french speaking capitol of Quebec was like stepping into a small Europe tucked inside Canada. I was able to practice my french but everywhere we went people spoke English.
Places to Eat:
Schwartz Deli
Famous for their salted meat sandwich. Schwartz's Deli is the oldest deli in Canada. This place gets very crowded and there can be a line out the door so try to aim for between meal times, later at night, or take it to go. The sandwiches are delicious and so large two people can share. For less than $10 two people can split one.
3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Dieu du Ciel
If you are looking for a place to relax and have a beer this is a great place. This microbrewery has a large selection and quite a crowd. We were able to get a seat on a Saturday night only after standing 5 minutes.
29 Avenue Laurier Ouest
http://www.dieuduciel.com/en/home.php
Juliette & Chocolate
This place is for chocolate lovers. They have a large dessert selection (anything with white, dark or milk chocolate you can imagine) and great choice of crepes for breakfast/lunch.
1615 Rue Saint-Denis (Multiple Locations)
Patisserie Au Kouigh Amann
Pastries that melt in your mouth. This place was heaven and dirt cheap. Breakfast of a chocolate croissant, regular croissant, and two coffees was less than $10.
322 Avenue du Mont-Royal E.
Boulangerie Mr. Pinchot
I had read reviews about this bakery claiming it was better than "Au Kouigh Amann" so we decided to try both. The pastries were good but not as tasty as Au Kouigh.
4354 Rue de Brébeuf
Patati Patata
I had never tried poutine but always heard of it as the famous Canadian food so it was a mission to try it while in Montreal. This place although small and limited seating was packed and had delicious and cheap sliders and poutine. Poutine is french fries, cheese curds and a brown gravy/sauce. I realized prefer plain french fries but it was worth a try.
4177 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Best in Japan Bar
This hidden gem and "Secret Bar" is worth a stop for a great selection of drinks. The place isn't cheap but the ambiance is worth the visit. The bar is hidden and we stumbled on it after watching people go through a door that wasn't marked on the street. The red door is located right next to Patati Patata and a store. When you open the door from the street the end of the hallway is illuminated by the candlelight of the bar. The bar does serve Absinthe.
3723 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
For Dog Lovers:Le Doggy Cafe
This is an indoor cafe that let you eat lunch or grab coffee with your dog. If you are traveling with a dog like myself this place was a great place to stop by and enjoy coffee with my little guy.
avenue 1t9, 4493 Avenue Papineau
Places to Go:
Notre-Dame Basilica
The large Basilica is located in historic Old Montreal. You can take a tour of the Basilica for around $10 and they do tours all day. They do hold masses in the church if you are interested in attending.
110 Rue NotrDame O
Mont (Mount) Royal
Montreal's small mountain located right behind McGill University. Drive or hike up for great views of Montreal.
Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Many of the best restaurants in Montreal are located along this block. The block is full of restaurants, shops, and bars. Walking along this block we came across some of the great restaurants and bars listed above. If you are looking for some unique shopping there is great shopping.
Underground City
Montreal's Underground City is the largest underground complex in the world. It it made up of interconnected complexes under downtown Montreal with shopping, restaurants and subway stops. Before going I was told to make sure to get a map because the place is very confusing. I didn't follow the advice because I'm good with directions and thought I'd be ok. WRONG. Get the map! I spent around an hour lost and going in circles until I was able to find a map. The Underground City lets you directly walk from Old Montreal to McGill University.
McGill University
McGill University is considered one of the 17 most beautiful university campuses in the world by Travel & Leisure. The downtown campus is located at the base of Mont Royal. The University offers guided tours and maps online if you want to take a self-guided tour. The campus is beautiful and worth walking around.
845 Rue Sherbrooke O
Atwater Market
Before going I read many great reviews for this weekend market. I was disappointed. I don't know if it's because we went in the afternoon, but most of the booths were empty and there wasn't many food options.
138 Avenue Atwater
Where to Stay:
Hotel Omni Mont Royal
Using Hotwire we got a great deal for a couple of nights at the Omni Mont Royal. The rooms were spacious and clean with great bedding. The hotel is directly across the street from McGill University. The location allowed us to walk everywhere. Boulevard Saint-Laurent was a 15-20 minute walk, cutting through McGill. Additionally, walking through the Underground City took us to Old Montreal to visit the Notre Dame Basilica.
