Montreal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Montreal
Montreal showing a bay or harbour, a high-rise building and a city
Downtown Montreal showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Montreal
Montreal

Montreal Travel Guide Video

The City of a Hundred Spires, with its French influences, slew of festivals, and pristinely preserved historic city centre has to be one of the most charming in North America, if not the world.

Montreal is a proud French city, which began as a fur trading outpost in the early 17th Century. The official language is French, and many of the city’s inhabitants refuse to speak any other language. Even the way the city looks and feels is often compared to Paris; the colourful mansions, bohemian lifestyle and love of food and art all reflect the French capital. Visit the cafés and bookstores of Plateau Mont RoyalOpens in a new window in the northeast of the city and you’ll soon get a taste of the Parisian atmosphere in Montreal.

Montreal has always been a rich trading city, which has meant the city can fund the ornate historical architecture and large scale high-rises you see today. Step into the vast churches like the Notre-Dame BasilicaOpens in a new window and the Saint Joseph's OratoryOpens in a new window, the latter being the largest church in Canada. See the shimmering silver dome of Bonsecours Market, which was built to show impress upon visitors the city’s grandeur. Explore and shop in the extensive Underground City, the largest underground complex in the world.

Montreal loves its festivals; the city holds a number throughout the year, but most happen in the summer months. Festivals devoted to jazz, fireworks and stand-up comedy annually attract millions of visitors from around the world. Many are held in the Quartier des SpectaclesOpens in a new window between the skyscrapers of the city centre. Thanks to Montreal's concert halls and great outdoor spaces, these festivals are widely regarded as some of the best in the world.

Montreal is located in the extreme south of the Canadian province of QuebecOpens in a new window, only 72 kilometres from the US border. The town lies on an island between the St. Lawrence River and the Rivière des Prairies with a hill in the centre, called Mount Royal.

The city has an excellent public transport system, making it easy to explore the city without a car. With 68 stations in the city and discounted offers for visitors, the subway is the most convenient travel option.

What are you waiting for? Book yourself a holiday to Montreal today.

Where to stay in Montreal

Downtown Montreal showing a monument, outdoor art and a city

Downtown Montreal

4/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Montreal. Check out top attractions like Bell Centre and Christ Church Cathedral, and jump on the metro at McGill Station or Peel Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Montreal
Notre Dame Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views

Old Montreal

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

A bustling port renowned art and top sights from Old Port of Montreal to Montreal Science Centre – discover Old Montreal, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Old Montreal
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Ville-Marie

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Ville-Marie. Top attractions like Old Port of Montreal and Bell Centre are major draws. Catch the metro at Champ-de-Mars Station or Jean-Drapeau Station to see more of the city.

Ville-Marie
Plateau Mont Royal featuring a city, outdoor art and signage

Plateau Mont-Royal

4/5(10 area reviews)

Noted for its art galleries and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Plateau Mont-Royal. Top attractions like Saint Denis Street and Laurier Avenue are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Mont Royal Station or Laurier Station to see more of the city.

Plateau Mont-Royal
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Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

The churches and live music are just a few things visitors like about Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Saint Joseph's Oratory and Saint Jacques Street are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Cote Sainte Catherine Station or Snowdon Station to get around the larger area.

Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Latin Quarter featuring a city, street scenes and signage

Quartier des Spectacles

4/5(13 area reviews)

Cosy cafes, live music and vibrant jazz clubs are just a few top things to explore in Quartier des Spectacles. A visit to Complexe Desjardins or Place des Arts might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Place des Arts Station or Saint Laurent Station to get around town.

Quartier des Spectacles
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

4 out of 5
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QC
The price is £171 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
£171
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot springs on-site and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,540 reviews)
"Everything was great. Easy access to every where. Connected to Metro and Via rail. Very friendly staffs, nice surprise for our anniversary. Very clean and comfortable room and bed. It was our second time we stay in this hotel and very happy to choose it again."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

3.5 out of 5
1240 Drummond Street, Montreal, QC
The price is £108 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£108
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,062 reviews)
"Beds were comfortable but they need fitted sheets. We were there for 8 nights. The first night we were given a dark dingy room and were woken up at 6 am by construction of the new building next door. The front desk staff were very helpful at providing an appropriate room for us the next morning but ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
The price is £127 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£127
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,409 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. Staff were helpful and friendly. Very convenient location for shopping and dining. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville

4 out of 5
Montreal, QC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,605 reviews)
"Close to Montreal old port"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Monville
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,409 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable. Staff were helpful and friendly. Very convenient location for shopping and dining. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Hotel Faubourg Montreal

Hotel Faubourg Montreal

3 out of 5
155 Rene Levesque Boulevard East, Montreal, QC
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montreal. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,960 reviews)
"Lots of amenities, friendly staff and clean and quiet!! Merci!!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Hotel Faubourg Montreal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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