Explore Montreal

Check out our guide to the city, including local sites to visit and restaurant recommendations nearby.

Sign up for a McGill Campus Tour! 

Attending the April Connect meeting in person? Join us for a guided tour of the McGill University campus on Friday, 17 April. Please note that spots are limited. Reserve your spot by 13 April.

Local sites

  • Old Port/Place Jacques-Cartier: one of Old Montreal's most popular attractions. The area is vibrant all year round, offering a wide variety of activities, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and museums.
  • Notre-Dame Basilica: a neo-Gothic church famous for its sumptuous interior and stained glass windows. Do not miss its immersive light show AURA!
  • Jean Talon Market/Atwater Market: one of the largest open-air markets in North America.
  • Montreal Botanical Garden: one of the world's greatest gardens, famous for its autumn Chinese Lantern festival.
  • Mount Royal Park: designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park), this park offers the city's most iconic skyline view.
  • Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA): the city’s premier stop for classic and decorative arts.
  • Sainte-Catherine Street: the city's premier shopping artery.
  • Quartier des Spectacles: centre for Montréal’s cultural events and festivals.
  • Saint Joseph’s Oratory: one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites.
  • Biodôme: a natural science museum with five distinct ecosystems and over 250 animal species.
  • Parc Jean-Drapeau: lush green spaces and exhilarating events and festivals.

 

Helpful links and guides for your travels

 

Popular neighborhoods

  • Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End: hip, trendy, and artsy, the Plateau is known as much for its residential quaintness as its festive evening antics.
  • Little Italy: cozy cafés and a public market bursting with flavours from around the world.
  • Downtown: blends business, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment together.
  • Old Montréal and the Old Port: cobblestone streets are dotted with historic buildings that are home to art galleries, museums, artisan ateliers, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.
  • Olympic District: a symbol of Montréal’s Olympic heritage.

 

Restaurants nearby

Emblematic Montréal cuisine

Cafés and sweet treats

  • Café Olimpico: near McGill, family-run and renowned for its coffee, espresso drinks and Italian pastries.
  • Le Petit Dep: near the Old Port, welcoming retro decor and local snacks for gifting.
  • Crew Collective & Cafe: located in one of Montréal’s most opulently decorated buildings near the Old Port, offering an inspiring atmosphere to enjoy exquisite coffee while working in an artistic and welcoming setting.
  • Bernie Beigne: located in the Mile-End, offering old-school classics as well as modern and seasonal doughnuts.
  • Cafe Ri Yue: near Place des Arts, Asian-inspired drinks and desserts.
  • Kouing Amann Bakery: near Mont-Royal, one of the best pastry shops in the city.

Elegant and special occasion

Pubs and breweries

Global flavours

  • Gyubee: an all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue restaurant.
  • Sam Cha: a Korean restaurant that specializes in gukbap.
  • Stellina: Italian fresh pasta with chef’s kiss. 
  • La Panzeria: an authentic Italian restaurant that serves traditional Puglian cuisine.
  • La Capital Tacos: a Mexican restaurant serving some of the best tacos in Montreal.
  • Flamme du Sichuan: discover authentic Sichuan flavors that will ignite your taste buds.
  • Estiatorio Milos: Montreal’s most elegant Greek restaurant.