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:

  1. Poutine

    • A representative Canadian snack, originating from Quebec.
    • La Banquise in Montreal is a popular shop open 24 hours a day.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Maple Syrup Desserts

    • Quebec is the home of maple syrup, so you must try maple syrup crepes and maple syrup candy bars (Maple Taffy).
  5. Fine Dining

    • Montreal has many Michelin-rated restaurants, such as Toqué!, which makes the most of local Quebec ingredients.

🚇 Traffic Information

City transportation

  • 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.
  • BIXI Bike

    • City bike sharing is the most convenient way to get around the city in spring, summer and autumn.
  • 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

  • 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.

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