Amanda's Guidebook
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Young, vibrant, artistic, multicultural neighborhood with streets full of charming townhouses. Appreciated by locals for its laid back eateries, casual cafes, local businesses, and busy bars. Mont-Royal is within walking distance offering hiking trails and scenic views of the city.
401 locals recommend
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Young, vibrant, artistic, multicultural neighborhood with streets full of charming townhouses. Appreciated by locals for its laid back eateries, casual cafes, local businesses, and busy bars. Mont-Royal is within walking distance offering hiking trails and scenic views of the city.
Narrow cobblestone streets, full of lively plazas and charming shops, art galleries, and cafes. During the day, you can walk around discovering some of Montreal’s landmarks (Notre-Dame Basilica, Clock Tower, Pointe-a-Calliere museum) then at night discover hidden bars and some of the best restaurants in the city.
804 locals recommend
Old Montreal
Narrow cobblestone streets, full of lively plazas and charming shops, art galleries, and cafes. During the day, you can walk around discovering some of Montreal’s landmarks (Notre-Dame Basilica, Clock Tower, Pointe-a-Calliere museum) then at night discover hidden bars and some of the best restaurants in the city.
Eclectic blend of houses, galleries, factories, and restaurants woven between the hip Mile-End district and the culturally diverse Parc-Ex. It's home to Montreal's edgiest arts and music scenes.
23 locals recommend
Mile-Ex
Eclectic blend of houses, galleries, factories, and restaurants woven between the hip Mile-End district and the culturally diverse Parc-Ex. It's home to Montreal's edgiest arts and music scenes.
A hip, laid-back neighbourhood with an artsy vibe and multicultural roots. From Greek eateries, Italian cafes, old-school bagel shops, trendy restaurants, and lively brunch spots.
258 locals recommend
Mile-End
A hip, laid-back neighbourhood with an artsy vibe and multicultural roots. From Greek eateries, Italian cafes, old-school bagel shops, trendy restaurants, and lively brunch spots.
OUTDOORS
Montreal has plenty of green spaces within the city to enjoy. There are several hiking, cycling, and running trails within a 5-10 minute walk of my listing.
You can also enjoy the parks with a bottle of your favorite wine, beer, or cider, and a picnic lunch. Drinking in public spaces is allowed :)
In the summer, there are tennis and beach volleyball courts. In the winter you can use the skating rink or a toboggan down the hills.
Jeanne-Mance park also has the free festival known as "Tam-Tams" on Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. Drum players, vendors, dancers, and visitors come together to enjoy music and the outdoors.
300 locals recommend
Jeanne-Mance Park
4422 Av. de l'EsplanadeIn the summer, there are tennis and beach volleyball courts. In the winter you can use the skating rink or a toboggan down the hills.
Jeanne-Mance park also has the free festival known as "Tam-Tams" on Sunday afternoon throughout the summer. Drum players, vendors, dancers, and visitors come together to enjoy music and the outdoors.
Large park with trails, fields, and ponds in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood of Montreal. You can typically find locals enjoying a picnic amongst friends during the warmer months. It is also within walking distance to my listing.
1637 locals recommend
La Fontaine Park
3819 Av. Calixa-LavalléeLarge park with trails, fields, and ponds in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood of Montreal. You can typically find locals enjoying a picnic amongst friends during the warmer months. It is also within walking distance to my listing.
It's a park made up of two islands and offers a multitude of attractions. It can be easily accessed by subway and is only a 20 minute commute from my apartment. You can also enjoy great views of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Old Montreal.
603 locals recommend
Parc Jean-Drapeau
It's a park made up of two islands and offers a multitude of attractions. It can be easily accessed by subway and is only a 20 minute commute from my apartment. You can also enjoy great views of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Old Montreal.
A small mountain in the middle of the city offering a variety of outdoor activities.
In the winter, there are cross country and snowshoeing trails with equipment rentals available. There are also hills designated for tobogganing.
Throughout the warmer months, this is a popular mountain for hikers, runners, cyclists, and sightseers.
1477 locals recommend
Mount Royal
A small mountain in the middle of the city offering a variety of outdoor activities.
In the winter, there are cross country and snowshoeing trails with equipment rentals available. There are also hills designated for tobogganing.
Throughout the warmer months, this is a popular mountain for hikers, runners, cyclists, and sightseers.
Great spot for a picnic in the summer. In the winter, you can go skating on the lake (can be rented at the lodge next to the lake). Tubing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing also available. https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/things-to-do/groups/winter-activities-for-groups
275 locals recommend
Beaver Lake
Great spot for a picnic in the summer. In the winter, you can go skating on the lake (can be rented at the lodge next to the lake). Tubing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing also available. https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/things-to-do/groups/winter-activities-for-groups
FOOD SCENE
Local and visitor favourites, ranging from junk food to fine dining.
La Banquise
994 Rue Rachel EstMontreal’s most famous junk food...Poutine!!!
Famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich, be prepared to wait in a queue. If you're looking to taste an equally delicious sandwich without the long wait, there is also the "Main Deli" across the street.
836 locals recommend
Schwartz's Deli - Sandwiches - Steaks
3895 Boul. Saint-LaurentFamous Montreal smoked meat sandwich, be prepared to wait in a queue. If you're looking to taste an equally delicious sandwich without the long wait, there is also the "Main Deli" across the street.
For those nights that you're craving ramen, this is one of the best in the city. Be ready to wait in line from Thursday to Saturday night.
79 locals recommend
Yokato Yokabai Ramen
4185 Rue DroletFor those nights that you're craving ramen, this is one of the best in the city. Be ready to wait in line from Thursday to Saturday night.
Try the poutine with Portuguese chicken and chorizo, it's delicious!!!
223 locals recommend
Ma Poule Mouillée
969 Rachel St ETry the poutine with Portuguese chicken and chorizo, it's delicious!!!
Large scale food hall featuring dishes from 16 well-known chefs and restaurants in the city. Great spot for a casual lunch or dinner in the downtown core.
24 locals recommend
Time Out Market
705 Rue Sainte-Catherine OLarge scale food hall featuring dishes from 16 well-known chefs and restaurants in the city. Great spot for a casual lunch or dinner in the downtown core.
Popular food court bustling with young professionals on Thursday-Friday nights in the downtown core. Great spot for a casual dinner and drinks under a glass rooftop.
9 locals recommend
Le Cathcart
1 Place Ville MariePopular food court bustling with young professionals on Thursday-Friday nights in the downtown core. Great spot for a casual dinner and drinks under a glass rooftop.
FAVOURITE SPOTS FOR DINNER
Small neighbourhood bar and restaurant that is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine or cider. Then if you get hungry, they offer a variety of delicious plates to share and oysters.
123 locals recommend
Le Majestique Montreal
4105 Boul. Saint-LaurentSmall neighbourhood bar and restaurant that is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine or cider. Then if you get hungry, they offer a variety of delicious plates to share and oysters.
Great vibe and food for a casual night out. Start with the pizza then head to the speakeasy next door for a cocktail. This is a local favourite in the "Pointe-St-Charles" neighbourhood
21 locals recommend
Fugazzi pizza
1886 Rue CentreGreat vibe and food for a casual night out. Start with the pizza then head to the speakeasy next door for a cocktail. This is a local favourite in the "Pointe-St-Charles" neighbourhood
It's a grand, swanky, former mansion that was converted into a restaurant and joined with a boutique hotel. The menu serves British and Scottish inspired fare but is also a hip spot to grab a cocktail. Great spot for a date night!
55 locals recommend
Bar George
1440 Rue DrummondIt's a grand, swanky, former mansion that was converted into a restaurant and joined with a boutique hotel. The menu serves British and Scottish inspired fare but is also a hip spot to grab a cocktail. Great spot for a date night!
Casual and bustling restaurant that specializes in Portuguese meats and fish. It is an unpretentious restaurant that offers old school service and food. Great for a family night out or casual date.
41 locals recommend
Chez Doval
150 Rue Marie-AnneCasual and bustling restaurant that specializes in Portuguese meats and fish. It is an unpretentious restaurant that offers old school service and food. Great for a family night out or casual date.
Cozy, casual, and stylish atmosphere that offers light Italian fare (tapas style) and great cocktails. Lively spot especially during the summer months to enjoy the outdoor seating.
22 locals recommend
Bar Cicchetti
6703 Av du ParcCozy, casual, and stylish atmosphere that offers light Italian fare (tapas style) and great cocktails. Lively spot especially during the summer months to enjoy the outdoor seating.
FAVOURITE BARS
Montreal is well known for its bar scene and "joie-de-vivre". Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy the city's nightlife, great space, ambiance, and a variety of drinks.
Innovative cocktails in a trendy environment. Colourful lighting and stylish space that can be enjoyed amongst friends or on a date night. It's a speakeasy next door to Fugazzi Pizza.
36 locals recommend
Communion Restaurant + Bar
135 Rue de la Commune OInnovative cocktails in a trendy environment. Colourful lighting and stylish space that can be enjoyed amongst friends or on a date night. It's a speakeasy next door to Fugazzi Pizza.
Laid back neighbourhood pub that also serves comfort food. Come here fo a variety of draft beer, cider, and warm cocktails in the winter. It's also within a 5 minute walk from my listing.
106 locals recommend
Else's
156 Rue Roy ELaid back neighbourhood pub that also serves comfort food. Come here fo a variety of draft beer, cider, and warm cocktails in the winter. It's also within a 5 minute walk from my listing.
It's a stylish speakeasy in a cozy, dimly lit and intimate space. Not for large groups! You can order a classic cocktail or ask the bartender to make one unique to your taste.
116 locals recommend
Cloakroom Bar
2175 Rue de la MontagneIt's a stylish speakeasy in a cozy, dimly lit and intimate space. Not for large groups! You can order a classic cocktail or ask the bartender to make one unique to your taste.
5 to 7 specials, a DJ on Thursday to Saturday night, and you can enjoy dumplings with your cocktails. Best of all, it's a hidden little space that is easily missed if you don't know the area. Your own speakeasy less than a 5 minute walk from the apartment.
31 locals recommend
Bar Suzanne
20 Avenue Duluth Est5 to 7 specials, a DJ on Thursday to Saturday night, and you can enjoy dumplings with your cocktails. Best of all, it's a hidden little space that is easily missed if you don't know the area. Your own speakeasy less than a 5 minute walk from the apartment.
Hidden bar on a side street in the downtown core. Great spot for a light bite and cocktails.
14 locals recommend
Gokudo
630 Rue CathcartHidden bar on a side street in the downtown core. Great spot for a light bite and cocktails.
FAVOURITE LUNCH SPOTS
It's a neighbourhood convenience store (known as a "Depanneur" for anyone from Quebec) that sells gourmet and vegetarian friendly sandwiches. The food is filling, tasty, and well-priced. During the warmer months, sit outdoors and watch people go by.
150 locals recommend
Dépanneur Le Pick Up
7032 Rue WaverlyIt's a neighbourhood convenience store (known as a "Depanneur" for anyone from Quebec) that sells gourmet and vegetarian friendly sandwiches. The food is filling, tasty, and well-priced. During the warmer months, sit outdoors and watch people go by.
Casual cafe with outdoor seating and a really cozy environment. The salads and pizza are filling but light and feature seasonal ingredients.
104 locals recommend
Café Parvis
433 Rue MayorCasual cafe with outdoor seating and a really cozy environment. The salads and pizza are filling but light and feature seasonal ingredients.
Get here early because the place fills up quickly during lunch hour. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, it's a delicious lunch spot. The cuban sandwich is a must-have if you eat meat!!!
254 locals recommend
Olive et Gourmando
351 Rue Saint-Paul OGet here early because the place fills up quickly during lunch hour. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, it's a delicious lunch spot. The cuban sandwich is a must-have if you eat meat!!!
For some of the best views in the city, come here for lunch or dinner. There is also a great outdoor space to enjoy during warmer months.
146 locals recommend
Les Enfants Terribles
1 Bd Robert-BourassaFor some of the best views in the city, come here for lunch or dinner. There is also a great outdoor space to enjoy during warmer months.
Pick up a bowl of their famous $5 hot gnocchi with tomato sauce and savor it outside. If you’re still hungry, head down the street for Greek pastries at “Kaminitsa” and across the street for an espresso at “The Standard”.
21 locals recommend
Drogheria Fine
68 Av. Fairmount OPick up a bowl of their famous $5 hot gnocchi with tomato sauce and savor it outside. If you’re still hungry, head down the street for Greek pastries at “Kaminitsa” and across the street for an espresso at “The Standard”.
For beer drinkers
Local brewery in the Pointe-St-Charles neighbourhood that offers views of the Lachine canal and Griffintown. There is outdoor seating to enjoy during warmer days, large TV screens for sports games, and board games to relax with a pint on a lazy day.
11 locals recommend
Microbrasserie 4 Origines
1304 Rue Saint-PatrickLocal brewery in the Pointe-St-Charles neighbourhood that offers views of the Lachine canal and Griffintown. There is outdoor seating to enjoy during warmer days, large TV screens for sports games, and board games to relax with a pint on a lazy day.
Good selection of local beers, large outdoor seating, and it is connected to the Lachine canal and bike paths. It's a great spot to hangout with a large group as there is plenty of space. The food selection is limited.
38 locals recommend
Brasserie McAuslan
5080 Rue Saint-AmbroiseGood selection of local beers, large outdoor seating, and it is connected to the Lachine canal and bike paths. It's a great spot to hangout with a large group as there is plenty of space. The food selection is limited.
Brewpub offering local draft microbrews, tapas style dishes, and a rooftop patio. Their weekend brunch is good if you're looking for something other than bacon & eggs.
140 locals recommend
Réservoir
9 Av. Duluth EBrewpub offering local draft microbrews, tapas style dishes, and a rooftop patio. Their weekend brunch is good if you're looking for something other than bacon & eggs.
Corner store perfect for a beer lover, 1000 types of beer from over 100 breweries available for purchase.
24 locals recommend
Boni-Soir - Dépanneur Peluso inc.
2500 Rue Rachel ECorner store perfect for a beer lover, 1000 types of beer from over 100 breweries available for purchase.