Montreal: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🏙 Montreal Travel Guide
Montreal, located in Quebec, Canada, is the country's second-largest city and a center of French-speaking culture. Its streets are imbued with a European charm, blending ancient architecture with modern art. It's no wonder it's often called the "Paris of North America."
📍 Must-see tourist attractions
1. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
- With cobblestone streets and European-style buildings, walking in is like traveling back to the 18th century.
- Notre-Dame Basilica : The Gothic blue interior is stunning, and there are light and music shows at night.
- Old Port : You can ride the Ferris wheel, ride a bike, and there are music and food festivals in the summer.
2. Mount Royal
- The city's name comes from the observation deck (Kondiaronk Belvedere) on the top of the mountain, where you can overlook the city center and the St. Lawrence River.
- It is suitable for picnics and walks in the summer, and sledding and ice skating in the winter.
3. Saint Joseph's Oratory
- One of the largest churches in North America, it is located on the west slope of Mount Royal and has a magnificent appearance.
- Believers will climb the long stairs on foot as a symbol of piety.
4. Jean-Talon Market
- Quebec's largest outdoor market, with fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheese, artisan bread, maple syrup, and everything in between.
- My favorites are the made-to-order crepes and fruit smoothies.
5. Place des Arts & Quartier Latin
- The cultural heart of Montreal, where concerts, dance and theatre performances are held.
- Nearby is the young and vibrant Latin Quarter, which is full of coffee shops and independent theaters and is particularly lively at night.
6. RESO / Underground City
- A must-see in winter! This is a network of indoor trails stretching over 30 kilometers, connecting shopping malls, subway stations, and office buildings.
- You don’t have to worry about the cold on snowy days, and it’s super convenient to go shopping.
🍴 Must-eat food in Montreal
Montreal is a foodie capital, so let me help you make a list of must-eats:
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Poutine
- A representative Canadian snack, originating from Quebec.
- La Banquise in Montreal is a popular shop open 24 hours a day.
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Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich
- The century-old Schwartz's Deli is the most famous. The smoked beef is thick-cut and juicy, and it is super satisfying when paired with rye bread.
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Montreal Bagel
- Unlike New York bagels, Montreal versions are smaller, sweeter, and traditionally baked in a charcoal oven.
- St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel are two famous shops.
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Maple Syrup Desserts
- Quebec is the home of maple syrup, so you must try maple syrup crepes and maple syrup candy bars (Maple Taffy).
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Fine Dining
- Montreal has many Michelin-rated restaurants, such as Toqué!, which makes the most of local Quebec ingredients.
🚇 Traffic Information
City transportation
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STM (Montreal Transport Authority)
- Including subway (Métro) and bus, four subway lines (green, orange, blue and yellow) cover major attractions.
- The subway stations are full of design, and each station has a different artistic style.
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BIXI Bike
- City bike sharing is the most convenient way to get around the city in spring, summer and autumn.
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Walking & Dungeon
- Downtown Montreal is very walkable, and in winter you can use the "underground city" to avoid the cold and move around.
Airport transfers
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Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
- You can take the 747 Express Bus , which goes directly to the city center 24 hours a day (about 45 minutes).
- Or choose a taxi/ride-sharing service (Uber, Lyft) for a fixed fee.
📝 Editor's Tips
- 🗣Language : Mainly French, but most residents understand English, so simple English communication is no problem.
- 🎭Festival Capital : In the summer, there are International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, which create a lively atmosphere.
- ❄Winter equipment : If you are traveling in winter, down jackets, snow boots, and gloves are essential!
- 🍁Best time to visit : Summer (June–September) is perfect for festivals; autumn is the perfect time to admire the maple leaves; winter is the perfect time to experience the culture of the snowy country.
👉 Summary: Montreal is a city that combines European style, Americana, and delicious cuisine. It offers both historical and cultural experiences and a delicious dining experience. Whether strolling through the alleys of Old Town or savoring a piping hot smoked meat sandwich, you'll fall in love with this place.