There are more reasons than ever to visit Montreal. With millions of tourists flocking to the city each year for its delicious cuisine and dynamic festivals, there is something to see and do for everyone. Here are just 10 reasons why Montreal should be top of your dream destinations list.
Visit a Festival
With close to 100 multi-day events being held each year, Montreal is a city full of exciting and must-see festivals. Whether you’re into literature, cinema, art or music, there is a festival that’s sure to spark your interest. No trip to Montreal is complete without checking out the Quartier des Spectacles. Located in a zone near to downtown Montreal, the area is known for hosting entertainment and festivals throughout the year. With several open spaces and indoor and outdoor stages, one of the cities biggest events is Montreal’s International Jazz Festival, known as the largest of its kind on the planet.
Shop ‘til You Drop
If a bit of retail therapy is what you want, you will be happy to know that Montreal has you covered. The locals are known for their quirky style, with the city offering a huge choice of retail destinations to match. Your shopping trip should begin at the Eaton Centre mall, then head west towards the Rue Sainte-Catherine, allowing you to explore over 1,200 high-end chain stores, boutiques and department stores that are housed down the street. Montreal is also home to a selection of fantastic vintage shopping outlets, particularly along Boulevard Saint-Laurent.
Underground City
If you are visiting Montreal in the winter months, there are areas that you can shop without facing the harsh cold temperatures. With a multi-level network of shops, restaurants, schools, concert halls, hotels and businesses that cover over 20 miles of metro stations, a visit to the Underground City means you can explore some fantastic amenities without having to go outside and brave the cold.
Explore the Museums
Many tourists visit Montreal to soak up its rich heritage and history. If you are a fan of history and art, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a museum that’s right for you. The Musée d’Art Contemporain hosts a wide range of exhibits and displays, while the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts provides some of the best art, antiquities and archaeology that the world has to offer. There are several other art and history museums dotted across the city, and if you have an interest in the natural world, you can explore the kid-friendly Biosphere, Planetarium, and Insectarium. Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to find a museum that suits all age ranges and genres.
Markets
With a huge selection of lively and upbeat markets scattered across the city, Montreal only provides the best of the best when it comes to local products and fresh farmer’s produce. One of the most popular markets in Montreal is Marché Jean-Talon. What’s more, the market is known as one of the largest of its kind in Canada. There are several other markets that you should check out too, including Marché Maisonneuve and Marché Atwater which provide you with different atmospheres, drawing you further into the wonderful neighborhoods of the city.
Tasty Cuisine
With a whole host of bars, restaurants and cafés that are dotted across Montreal, the city is an ideal destination if you love your food. Montreal hosts a vast selection of food-related festivals throughout the year, including Burger Week, MTL á Table and La Fête des Restos that aim to celebrate the creativity of local chefs. There are also food trucks that are linked with the food scene, providing a variety of delicious fast and local eats. When you’re in the city, there are three foods that you simply must try. These are poutine, a smoked meat sandwich and a Montreal-style bagel. With so many eateries to pick from, you can be sure to find one that suits you down to the ground.
Fascinating Street Art
As you explore through Montreal’s dynamic neighborhoods, you can expect to see a whole range of vibrant street art that is splashed across buildings, adding a creative vibe to the city that is hugely celebrated and respected. With that said, Montreal often assigns zones to the talents of local street artists who display a wide selection of colorful and fascinating art displays, ensuring there is always something new to check out. Whether you’re walking down a main road or even down an alleyway, you are sure to take in some breath-taking scenery and art.
Microbreweries
No matter where you head in Montreal, you can be certain that you’re never too far from a bar, pub or brewpub that can provide you with delicious, local and artisanal beers. Two of the main hot spots in the city are Amére á Boire and Dieu du Ciel that attract tons of locals and tourists every day. You will find both spots teeming with locals after work is done and with both places being open late into the night, you can relax and unwind and engage with some of the friendly locals.
Music
The city of Montreal has various fantastic music venues that are scattered across the city, hosting some of the best homegrown talent and worldwide superstars every year. Venues such as the Bell Centre welcome some of the world’s greatest singers, enabling you to see some of the most exciting concerts around. Before you head to the city, be sure to check listings so you can find out who is playing when you visit for your vacation.
Welcoming Locals
Montreal is known as one of the friendliest cities in the world. If you are heading to the city for your vacation, you can be assured that there’s always a helping hand nearby should you get lost or need directions. If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask. Whether you need information on the best public transport to take or how to get back to your hotel, you are bound to find a local who will point you in the right direction.
Immersing yourself in the day to day life of Montreal can broaden your mind and help you see things from a completely different perspective.
Getting to Montreal
Now you have an idea of why Montreal is such a popular destination to visit, the next step you should take is booking your flights. You can find more information on flyporter.com as Porter Airlines provide direct and daily flights to the city. If you have a promotion code, which you can get when your subscribe to their email database, you may be able to save money when booking your flight. The earlier you book, the more chance you have of saving money. Porter can also provide you with more information on check-in procedures, baggage allowances and seating arrangements.
No matter what you decide to do in the city, Montreal has a huge selection of exciting amenities and attractions that you must check out. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, as a family or with friends, there is something to see and do for everyone. When booking your trip, it’s always best to do so as early as possible, as that way you may be able to get an exclusive discount, saving you money that can be better spent on what really matters (your vacation!).
