Montreal neighbourhoods: which ones are a must?

Montreal is a city filled with life and contrasts, with colourful neighbourhoods that reflect its diversity and rich culture.

If you're wondering which Montreal neighbourhoods to visit during your next trip to Quebec, this article is for you.

For the occasion, I asked my colleagues at Authentik Canada to share the best places to go in their favourite neighbourhoods.

So here are the best neighbourhoods to discover in Montreal, thanks to the advice of our experts!

Downtown: the heart of Montreal

Daphné takes us on a tour of her neighbourhood: downtown Montreal, one of the most lively and cosmopolitan areas of the city.

It's the perfect place for anyone looking for action, culture and nightlife. From the many shops along St. Catherine St. to the bars on Crescent St. to the secret corners of Chinatown, you'll never be bored!

Art and culture lovers will enjoy a visit to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the McCord Stewart Museum.

In summer and winter alike, the vibrant heart of the city offers many free outdoor festivals and events at Place-des-Arts. 

You've probably heard of Montreal's underground city? This network of  corridors and covered passageways stretches for many kilometres underneath the city centre.

Created in the 1950s to allow pedestrians to get around protected from the weather, Montreal's underground passages are now bustling with life and commerce, with many shops, restaurants, kiosks and services to be found there.

Daphné's favourite spots: 

• Le Central brings together 25 signature restaurant stalls under one roof. It's the perfect place to go when you can't agree on a restaurant!

30 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest

• Dunn’s: Open since 1927, Dunn's has built quite a reputation for its legendary smoked meat. It's a great place to try this classic Montreal fare.

 1249 Rue Metcalfe

• Caffettiera: with its magnificent retro decor, Caffettiera offers a taste of Little Italy in the heart of downtown. Don't miss the marocchino, a decadent cappuccino with Nutella.

2055 Rue Stanley
 

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Old Montreal: the city's historic district

Old Montreal is, without a shadow of a doubt, Elisabeth's favourite neighbourhood. She particularly likes its proximity to the river and the beauty of its historic buildings.

Easy to get to from downtown on foot or by public transit, Old Montreal offers a glimpse of the city's history and culture, with many interesting sites to visit and activities to enjoy.

To learn more about the city's history and Indigenous roots, plan a visit to the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. And if you're with kids, don't miss the Montreal Science Centre, which offers fun, interactive activities for the whole family.

Wander the cobbled streets of the historic district until you reach Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively square with its street artists and its many outdoor cafes and restaurants. 

End your visit with a stroll along the quays of the Old Port, and why not take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a beautiful view of the city centre and the surrounding area.

Elisabeth's favourite spots:

• Rooftop restaurants, like Le Perché or the Place d’Armes rooftop terrace, are very trendy and a great place to enjoy sweeping views of Old Montreal.

Le Perché: 153 Rue St-Amable / Terrasse Place d’Armes: 701 Côte de la Place d'Armes

• Boutique Bonjour Montréal, which sells a wide array of local products.

 421 Place Jacques-Cartier

• Quai de l’horloge and its unequalled view of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Rue du quai de l'horloge

The Plateau-Mont-Royal: eclectic and lively

Next we head to "The Plateau", Sophie's favourite neighbourhood, at the foot of Mount Royal.

Often considered the area of choice for French newcomers to Montreal, this vibrant and very friendly neighbourhood is full of bookstores, bakeries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

The main streets of interest are Avenue du Mont-Royal, Rue Saint-Denis, Rue Rachel and Avenue Duluth. The neighbourhood comes alive in early spring with the installation of numerous terraces along Mont Royal, which is then transformed into a pedestrian street.

If you enjoy green spaces and want to get a little exercise, you can also get your nature fix with a walk on Mount Royal. On Sundays in the summer, don't miss the famous "tam-tam" drum jam by the Sir George Étienne-Cartier statue. 

For a more peaceful setting, go to Lafontaine Park located south of Mount Royal. 

Don't miss Laurier Avenue East, between Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park and Papineau Avenue. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this little corner of Montreal has a village-like feel and is known by its residents as "Little Laurier". The district is characterized by its charming old houses and its superb Laurier Park.

Sophie's favourite spots: 

• Café Névé, a specialist in third wave coffees, offers a relaxed atmosphere.

78 Avenue Mont-Royal East

• Café Rico has no place to sit, but their coffee is delicious, certified fair trade and organic.

1207 Avenue Mont-Royal East

• La Banquise s certainly Montreal's most famous poutine restaurant. Let yourself be tempted by one of their very original poutines.

994 Rue Rachel East

Mile End: hipster and creative

Officially, Mile End is part of the Plateau, but this "hipster" neighbourhood deserves its own entry. 

Adeline has been living here for a year, and wouldn't change neighbourhoods for anything.

With its multitude of cozy cafes, creative concept boutiques and restaurants serving a variety of cultural cuisines, the Mile End offers a thriving underground environment. 

Start at the stairs of the Romeo Museum (behind the Ubisoft offices) to enjoy a free Street Art exhibition, before taking a stroll along Saint-Laurent Boulevard and the cozy Fairmont, Saint-Viateur and Bernard streets.

Discover the flowery balconies of Dragon Flowers boutique, treat yourself to a retro brunch at Fabergé or a hot drink among the regulars at Café Olimpico, but above all, don't miss the Saint-Michel-Archange Church, the symbol of the neighbourhood. 

Finish your walk on the busy Avenue du Parc.
 

Adeline's favourite spots: 

• Helm is a local microbrewery whose original beer list changes regularly.

273 Rue Bernard West

• The iconic Saint-Viateur Bagel, the city's oldest bagel bakery. A real treat at any time of day.

 263 Rue Saint-Viateur West

• Bernie Beigne for a sweet break, offering donuts in different flavours, all glazed by hand.

 23 Rue Bernard East

Little Italy - Villeray: village spirit

Emilie has spent two years living in this neighbourhood, where community life is alive and well and family outings are the order of the day.

The Jean-Talon Market is a must: you can stock up on delicious local products, and be sure to visit Alati-Caserta pastry shop to pick up some cannoli for dessert.

Then head to Jarry Park for a 100% Montreal picnic. Here you'll find water games, play modules for children, a public pool, sports fields, a pond and even deck chairs for those who want to relax after a long day of walking. It's a real gathering place, where people from the neighbourhood often get together with friends and family over a barbecue.

Continue towards Villeray, taking Jarry, Villeray and de Castelnau, which is pedestrian-only in the summer. You will find many independent shops and good places to eat.

Have fun finding the most beautiful green alleys in the city. Some of them are gorgeous and especially pleasant in the summer, when it's cooler in the shade of the leafy trees.

Emilie's favourite spots: 

• Impasto: the best Italian specialties, all under one roof.

 48 Rue Dante

• Marché Méli Mélo, a real neighbourhood institution where you can enjoy delicious Caribbean fare.

 640 Rue Jarry East

• Café Oui Mais Non, a relaxed and comforting spot for a well-deserved break.

 72 Rue Jarry East

Lachine Canal neighbourhoods

Griffintown, Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy form the neighbourhoods of the Lachine Canal.

Karo has been living here for the past 4 years, and what she likes most is both the constant buzz and the new trendy businesses that keep popping up, as well as its green spaces and the beautiful Lachine Canal.  

This area of Montreal showcases its industrial heritage through brick chimneys and restored warehouses. It's a popular place for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. You can walk, run or cycle along the canal.

Rue Notre-Dame is packed with trendy restaurants and art galleries, and you may find old treasures at the antique shops.

Another must-see stop is the Atwater Market. Here you can stock up on fresh, local produce for a picnic by the canal, which is just across the street. In summer, its outdoor food court is also very popular.  

Karo's favourite spots: 

• Barbara bar à vin has an eclectic decor and offers Italian-inspired food, specialty coffees and a wine list with both Quebec and privately imported wines.  

 4450 Rue Notre-Dame West

• Le Barley, perfect for brunch, this restaurant is also a cereal bar!

 2613 Rue Notre-Dame West

• Located in the heart of Griffintown, Café Maman is a friendly place where you can enjoy great coffee in a highly Instagrammable boho decor.

1542 Rue Notre-Dame West

Verdun: a lively Montreal neighbourhood along the St. Lawrence

Virginie has been living in Verdun for 8 years. She was immediately attracted by the urban environment of the neighbourhood and its proximity to nature.

Make your way to Wellington Street, which becomes a pedestrian street in summer. Numerous cultural and artistic events are regularly held there to the delight of Montrealers and tourists.

You will find a multitude of trendy restaurants, small local businesses, as well as numerous bars, cafes and terraces. The atmosphere is always great! 

To recharge your batteries, you don't have to go far. The Verdun neighbourhood is located along the St. Lawrence River, and the more than 4 km of landscaped riverbanks allow you to enjoy nature in the middle of the city. On foot, rollerblades or bicycle, the riverside trail offers lovely views.

Young families visiting Montreal will appreciate Verdun Beach, where kids can make sandcastles. Water sports enthusiasts can try their hand at surfing, paddling or kayaking. 

Virginie's favourite spots: 

• Boutique Brock Art  sells used vintage items that have been refurbished and a selection of handcrafted products.

4835 Rue Wellington

• Maltéhops, to fill up (but not too much ;) ) on craft beer, local wine, cider or syrups for cocktails. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir gift from your stay in Montreal.

4817 Rue Wellington

• Kokochi Izakaya, a Japanese brasserie that offers delicious dishes to share in a festive and exotic setting.

 5145 Rue Wellington

Hochelaga: dynamic and full of contrasts

Now it's my turn to introduce you to my neighbourhood: Hochelaga (Hochelag' to the locals).

Located in the east end of Montreal, a few minutes by metro from downtown, Hochelaga is an authentic and lively neighbourhood. It has many parks, a central market, and local shops and restaurants, mainly concentrated on Ontario Street.

But the neighbourhood is best known for its Olympic Stadium, an iconic Montreal landmark that hosted the 1976 Olympic Games. Many sports events and concerts are held there on a regular basis. It is home to the Montreal Biodome, a veritable oasis in the heart of the city, which offers an immersive tour through five ecosystems. 

Not far away is the Botanical Garden which, with its 10 greenhouses and twenty or so thematic gardens, presents visitors with an incredible diversity of plants.

It's a very popular place for families, as children can discover nature in a playful way through the many activities offered.

My favourite spots:

• Bouche Bée is a very nice decoration shop where you can find a great selection of handcrafted items from Quebec and elsewhere. I particularly like the illustrations by local artists: it's a great way to bring a little bit of Montreal back home! 

 3772 Rue Ontario Est

• Le Canard Café, a café with a warm atmosphere specializing in third wave coffees. Their menu offers a variety of comforting dishes, many of which are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

4299 Rue Ontario Est

• Le Flamant is Hochelaga's most trendy restaurant, offering inventive cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, with an ever-changing menu.

 4043 Rue Ontario Est

Montreal is home to many neighbourhoods, each with its own charm and personality. You may not have time to explore them all on your first visit to Montreal, but one thing is certain: you'll discover a city that is welcoming, dynamic and full of surprises!

Be sure to share any questions or comments in the comments section below!