Montreal
Currency
CAD
Language
French, English
Timezone
Montreal
Continent
North America
Discover Montreal
Montreal is an island, and the city organises itself around the hill that dominates it: Mount Royal, laid out as a park by Central Park's architect, its cross lit at night. Below, Old Montreal keeps its cobbles and the Notre-Dame Basilica, whose deep blue interior startles anyone who has only seen the façade. The Old Port opens onto the river. East, the Olympic Stadium and its inclined tower, the tallest in the world, sit beside the Montreal Biodome. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts leads on collections.
When to go
June to September: the city moves outdoors, terraces take over the streets and the festivals run without a break. September and early October add autumn colour, spectacular on Mount Royal. Winter is long and genuinely cold — weeks below −15 °C — but the city is built for it, and the underground network links much of downtown without going outside. April is the thaw, the one season to avoid.
Getting around
The metro, four rubber-tyred lines, is fast and heated, which matters from November to March. The underground pedestrian network links stations, malls and offices for kilometres. In the warm months, bike share is the best way to move: the lanes are plentiful and the island is flat away from the hill. Each district — the Plateau, Mile End, Old Montreal — walks well.
Where to eat
The Montreal bagel, smaller, sweeter and wood-fired, has argued with New York's forever; St-Viateur Bagel et Café is one of the historic houses. Smoked meat, cured brisket served in a sandwich, has its best-known address at Schwartz's. Poutine is everywhere and is judged on whether the cheese squeaks. Maple syrup is an ingredient here, not a souvenir. Twenty halal addresses are listed, the highest count of our North American destinations.
Good to know
French is Quebec's official language and service runs fluently in both; a French bonjour opens doors even when the conversation then switches. The Canadian dollar is the currency. Taxes are added to the displayed price, and a tip of around 15 % is expected in restaurants. In winter, equipment matters more than courage: boots, layers, and a coat built for wind.
Top Activities in Montreal
landmarkOlympic Stadium
from €16
landmarkNotre-Dame Basilica
from €14
landmarkHabitat '67
from €14
museumMontreal Museum of Fine Arts
from €17
museumBiosphere
from €16
landmarkMontreal Botanical Garden
from €12
viewpointMount Royal
Free
landmarkCathedral Basilica of Mary Queen of the World and Saint James
from €12
landmarkBonsecours Market
from €10
landmarkMount Royal Cross
from €10
activityMontreal Biodome
from €45
museumCentre des sciences de Montréal
from €14
museumChâteau Ramezay
from €14
museumMcCord Stewart Museum
from €14
museumCanadian Centre for Architecture
from €14
museumRedpath Museum
Free
parkParc de Dieppe
Free
landmarkChrist Church Anglican Cathedral
from €10
parkChamp-De-Mars
Free
parkParc La Fontaine
Free
parkParc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier
Free
parkParc Jeanne-Mance
Free
landmarkJean-Drapeau Park
from €10
landmarkSaint James United Church
from €10
Restaurants in Montreal
Schwartz's
Dunn's
La Banquise
Prato Cafe Pizza
Spanel
Le Grand Cormoran
Chez Greenberg
Yogi
