Search

If you’re in Montreal and looking for those little gems that only locals know, mixed with must-see spots and well-known addresses, follow our lead.

FOR THE DRINKS & ATMOSPHERE

Bar Emmanuelle, for its stellar cocktail selection in a subdued atmosphere, Hiatus Restaurant to sip drinks with Montreal’s finest panoramic views, La Buvette Chez Simone for its friendly staff and top-notch wine selection, Terrasse William Gray to immerse yourself in the heart of the Old Port at the hotel's rooftop bar, offering an authentic European ambiance, and Baby Far West to dance the night away at this intimate 'nouveau genre' club, promising an unforgettable experience.


FOR HIDDEN COCKTAIL BARS

ACC, Milky Way, Pelicano and Nhau.

FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL

Downtown
Restaurant Marcus, to indulge in exquisite cuisine by renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, complemented by one of the city's most luxurious terraces, Hélicoptère or Le Mousso, to embark on a unique culinary journey focused on perfect wine and food pairings, and Fleurs & Cadeaux, for Japanese cuisine aficionados that will relish both the food and ambiance, including its speakeasy corner, Sans Soleil.

La Petite-Patrie
Mon Lapin, to experience Canada's best restaurant, offering a dynamic menu that celebrates freshness and seasonality, and Montreal Plaza: helmed by the daring chef Charles-Antoine Crête, the ambiance captures the essence of Montreal.

St-Henri
Satay Brothers, to taste some of the city's best Asian cuisine in a unique decor.

Le Plateau  
L’Express: a French culinary institution, where classics like the onglet de boeuf are a must-try, and Yokato Yokabai, to savor generous and flavorful ramen in the heart of this lively district.

Mile-End and Mile-Ex
Anémone, to enjoy a creative and surprising menu in a warm and inviting wooden setting, and l’Île flottante, to delight in a 7-course gourmet experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Petite Italie
Impasto: prepare to be enchanted by their delectable pasta offerings.

Griffintown
Mano Cornuto, to savor the best Italian delicacies in an authentic Italian atmosphere while enjoying some people watching.


FOR A SWEET BREAK

Le Bilboquet, Iconoglace and Kem Coba for ice creams, Brookies MTL for one-of-a-kind homemade cookies, Bernie Beigne for donuts, Pâtisserie Rhubarbe for a delicate pastry, and Shaka Vibes for the healthy smoothies.

FOR A COFFEE BREAK

Mile-End
Alphabet Café if you’re into third-wave coffee, Café Olimpico or Cafe Felice if you prefer a classic Italian grind; those places are locals favorites and perfect for some people-watching in this cool and artistic neighborhood.

Downtown
Commodore Café: nested in the luxurious Honeyrose Hotel. Enjoy your morning cappuccino on the terrace, to get a unique viewpoint on the Place des Festivals.

Old Montreal
Crew Collective & Café: need to send a few emails? Try this spacious café located in a beautiful heritage building of the Old Montreal.

Little-Burgundy
September Surf: if you want to enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by smiles and music, try this little gem. Montreal’s good vibes at its best.

Saint-Henri
Café Saint-Henri, to pack up on their specialty coffees and bring Montreal's flavors back home, Cordova Coffee & Cocktails, to sip on your morning dose of caffeine before eating brunch at Arthur's.

FOR BRUNCH

Arthur’s, L’Avenue, and Régine Café if you’re ready to face lineups on weekends, Lemeac if you want an elevated version of your breakfast, and Le Butterblume, Foiegwa, Mc Kiernan or Dandy for a decadent twist on brunch’s classics.

FOR THE BEST CROISSANTS

Boulangerie Guillaume, Le café St-Louis and Ô Paris, if you like your croissants flaky and buttery “à la française” (and chatty French owners).


FOR OUR FAMOUS BAGELS 

Fairmount Bagels or St-Viateur Bagels? Montrealers are divided, so try both before choosing your side!


FOR THE BEST POUTINE, OUR LOCAL SPECIALTY

Orange Julep, Patati Patata, and Paul Patates to treat yourself to a true Quebecois delicacy at these must-visit locales.

OUR FESTIVALS

Summertime in Montreal is very dynamic. Here is a calendar of our internationally renowned festivals that focus on music and culture: 

- Festival Mural (6-16 juin)
- Festival de Jazz (June 27th – July 6th)
- Montreal International Film Festival (August 24-25th)
- Montreal Fringe Festival (Until June 16th)
- International Fireworks Competition (June 27th – August 1st)
- Nuits d’Afrique (July 9th – 21st)
- Montreal Pride (August 11th)
- Piknic Electronik (every Sunday until October 6th)
- Osheaga (First week-end of August)

FOR A CULTURAL WALK

Habitat 67. Originally conceived for Expo 67, this unique building by architect Moshe Safdie is an impressive construction of cubes overlooking the St. Lawrence River, on the land peninsula of Cité-du-Havre, close to the Old-Port. If you muse around downtown and Old Montreal, make the best of our Art Exhbitions and stop by Musée des Beaux-Arts (MBAM), Musée McCord, the SAT, Centre PHI (PHI Foundation), and Musée d’Art Contemporain (MAC Montréal).

FOR A PEACEFUL WALK

Frédéric-Back Park, Lafontaine Park and Jardin Botanique, to take a deep breath, surrounded by nature. The Summit Woods: for off leash dog walks, calm and tranquility, Mont-Royal Cemetery, a very special place - that brings instant serenity, and Île Sainte-Hélène, for a break from the city’s bustling energy, right across the bridge.


FOR A LONG LIVELY BALLAD

Wellington Street, in Verdun, was named coolest street in the world (yes, the world!) by Time Out, thanks to its “killer cocktail bars, stellar brunch spots, some of the best sandwiches in town and even a sandy urban beach”. Take a walk on Montreal’s wild side. Go at Atwater Market, ride a bike along the Lachine Canal, then make a stop nearby, at Beau-Dégât Beer Shop, in Pointe-St-Charles. THE go-to place if you’re a beer amateur.

FOR A PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP

Hotel Nelligan: It has the charm, the views and the perfect location, in Old Montreal. And while there, enjoy the deliciously sunny Mediterranean food of the new address in town, Mama C, who will open its gates this summer on the Hotel’s ground floor. Le Germain Hotel, right in downtown’s heart and yet so calm, you’ll love its modern design with a sixties retro twist. Downtown too, the Four Seasons is a timeless classic that never disappoints.