Introduction to Montreal

An infectious sense of joie de vivre pervades the way this 400-year-old city presents itself and conducts its business. History feels close in the period buildings that line the streets of Old Montreal, but the city wholly embraces the modern. Buildings in unexpected shapes and colors scrape the skyline; a beautifully preserved historic district evokes the city's European heritage; and Montreal's beer culture and culinary scene rival those of its south-of-the-border compatriots.

Things to Do

A visit to Montreal starts in Old Town, or Vieux-Montreal, where restored 18th- and 19th-century architecture have been adapted for use as shops, galleries, cafes, and bars. The breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica stands as the city's spiritual heart. Montréalers come to shop, dine, and play at Plateau Mont-Royal. Take a relaxing horse-drawn calèche for the view at the top of Parc du Mont-Royal. In spring and summer, don't miss the Montreal Botanical Gardens. When it's cold, visit the Underground City to shop, dine, or see a movie -- all without donning an overcoat or putting on snow boots.

Shopping

Stylish Montreal is the place to rejuvenate a tired wardrobe. Find Quebecois and Canadian boutiques and vintage clothing stores on Saint-Denis Street and Du Mont-Royal Avenue. Sift through local arts and crafts in the shops on Saint-Paul Street, or try the cobblestone side streets of Vieux-Montreal. Markets are a great spot for local tomatoes and handmade cheeses; two of the most popular are the Atwater Market near Metro Lionel-Groulx and the huge, open-air Jean-Talon Market near Little Italy.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Much of the nightlife is clustered downtown around Crescent Street, where lively bars and discos stay open to the wee hours and residents dress to impress. Quickly emerging as a hot spot, Vieux-Montreal, especially along Saint-Paul Street, is filled with shiny cocktail bars and glitzy clubs showcasing live jazz, blues, and folk music. The city boasts its own outstanding symphony, dozens of French- and English-language theater companies.

Restaurants and Dining

Montreal's cuisine is increasingly multicultural. Fine French dining is given a Quebecois twist with locally sourced seafood, especially in the elegant ""restos"" along Sherbrooke Street. Top-quality sushi bars line Saint-Catherine Street and romantic hideaways and grills are tucked away on Amherst. Montreal is known for its smoked meat and corned beef, and the city's best brisket is served up at Schwartz's. Local love their terraces, and some of the prettiest are found on Mont-Royal.