Considered Canada’s most European city, Montreal is a place full of sights and senses. With a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food, French culture, art, and outrageous nightlife, there really is something for everyone. If you’re looking to experience the ultimate weekend in this great city, grab yourself a hotel in Montreal and follow this simple guide.
Start with a delicious bowl of mouth-watering poutine. French fries mixed with melted cheese and gravy may not be the healthiest option, but you’ll be burning off all the calories with sightseeing. This is the province that created poutine, and La Banquise is quite possibly the most famous place in the city serving it.
After chowing down on poutine, use the energy to visit Parc du Mont-Royal. This is a wonderful way to get into nature and score a fabulous view of the big city from Belvedere observatory. This 343-acre forested mountain is especially beautiful in autumn when the mixture of colors will take your breath away. Afterwards, make your way to Schwartz’s Deli on Boulevard Saint-Laurent for an iconic smoked meat sandwich. This is another local food you need to try before you can say you’ve been to Montreal.
Next, make your way over to the Basilique Notre-Dame. Whether you’re into religious buildings or not, the stunning medieval-style architecture won’t disappoint. This basilica is one of the most ornate gothic facades on the planet and also houses one of the largest organs in North America.
Finish off the day by taking a walk on Rue St-Paul in beautiful Old Montreal. There is much more to Old Montreal, but St. Paul Street is an excellent place to find bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops to help whisk the night away in an old European-style atmosphere.
The next morning, enjoy a warm bagel, which is another light food the city is known for. Toss a little history into the mix by enjoying your bagel breakfast at Saint-Viateur, an establishment that’s been serving the tasty breads for over 50 years.
Next, take a stroll through the neighborhood of Plateau Mont-Royal. Allow yourself to feel the neighborhood without an agenda, weaving in and out of the many local shops and café’s while enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Afterwards, visit the markets, which offer an array of flavors to indulge in. Here you’ll find a plethora of options for a tasty lunch including gourmet pizzas, fresh fruits, local delicacies, and delectable wines. There are two main markets, but Atwater has a more intimate atmosphere and a scenic riverside location.
Once your tummy is full, check out the underground city, which is one of the largest underground complexes in the world. Besides being an attraction in itself, you’ll find shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, museums, and even hotels to take a peek at. If you’re here during the cold winter months, this might become your favorite hangout.
While this short guide is not an exhaustive list of all the things to do in Montreal, it’s a great way to spend an ultimate weekend in one of Canada’s most famous cities. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, trendy shopping, or all-night parties, Montreal is the place to find it.
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Photo by Stephanie Mizuha via Trover.com
This article was written as part of the Hipmunk CityLove project. As a paid writer for Hipmunk, I occasionally write about things to do in many world-class cities such as Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Vienna.