The main tourist zone but also the main area where locals go out at night, also referred to as "Old Port"

Great for wandering around daytime, dinners, and hitting bars at night. The west side around McGill avenue is more local, the east side around Place Jacques Cartier is more touristy.

The area essentially north of Sherbrooke Ave, east of Mont-Royal Park and west of Park LaFontaine. The first gentrified area of Montreal still one of the best spots. My favourite street to walk is Duluth Avenue, starting at Parc Avenue and walking east all the way to Parc LaFontaine. Le Plateau shines when walking quiet side streets.

The 'cool' northern end of Le Plateau. The main street is St. Viateur, just walk there to get the vibe. Hit St. Viateur bagel and Olimpico and you've done the Mile End.

South west of downtown, centered around Atwater market, the new hip spot, a bit more English speaking

Known as "the mountain" by locals, the biggest park of Montreal right in the centre of the city. It's really worth walking up to the top or take a taxi up and walk around. There are tons of trails, just ask anyone how to find "the Chalet" which is officially the Kondiaronk lookout for the city's best view day or night.

This is the viewpoint, a must-do.

Biggest outdoor market in the middle of Little Italy, worth checking out if you are nearby and want to buy groceries.

Picturesque location on the Lachine Canal, has great outdoor food stalls for lunch. Satay Brothers is recommended. Makes for an easy bike ride from Old Montreal.

If you are in Montreal on a Sunday afternoon, you must check out this weekly drum/music circle. It's weird and whacky but totally safe and fun. You can bring beers and hang out nearby.

My fav all time Montrealer, has two massive murals painted of him. This one is behind Schwartz's

This giant one is visible from the Mont-Royal lookout point

If you are in Montreal on a Sunday afternoon, you must check out this weekly drum/music circle. It's weird and whacky but totally safe and fun. You can bring beers and hang out nearby.

If you want to get your spa on, this is the spot. A cool spa on an old barge. You can do a 3 hour visit anytime of day.

It's a casino in a cool location out on "the islands" in the middle of the F1 track.

F1 track that you can normally ride a bike on or even drive if there are no major events or concerts happening that close it.

A must-try. The pro tip is to ask for whatever flavour is hot from the oven (usually sesame or poppy) and eat it right away. Don't get sidetracked by the other flavours as they may be stale.

They don't make sandwiches unfortunately. Most people buy cream cheese on the side and just dip it in.

Contending with Fairmount as the best bagel shop. I recommend trying both Fairmount and St. Viateur and judging for yourself what's best.

Don't go to any other St. Viateur location, you must go to this original one for the freshest bagels. Same rules apply as Fairmont, only order what is hot from the oven and eat immediately. No sandwiches, just get cream cheese. Open very late.

My favourite croissant in the city comes from this café. A nice quiet corner to take a break.

Solid more modern type bakery

Lots of excellent baked good options here, usually a line for a good reason, used to move quick.

delicious buttery croissants

The go-to classic Italian coffee spot where many locals hang out. Lines can be long but its as Italian as it gets. You can bring your bagels from St. Viateur and have them with your coffee on the patio outside.

Beautiful cafe in an old bank building, worth a look even if you don't buy anything. Closed Saturday now it seems.

Good bet when in Old Montreal

Good bet when in Old Montreal

Montreal's version of Katz's Deli NYC, get a smoked meat sandwich in lean, medium (my choice), or fatty. Add a fry and pickle on the side. Try to go outside peak lunch or dinner hours

My go-to late night spot. Sit at the counter, order a couple burgers (they are very small), make sure you get a Poutine, have a beer. You can also take it away and go sit in nearby Parc Jeanne-Mance

If you want to try classic poutine in an old style spot, go here. Don't expect it to be nice or have good service. Many tourist to to La Banquise, but this place is better and not as busy.

After smoked-meat and bagels, Montreal is known for it's charcoal fired Portuguese chicken. Hit this spot for a half-chicken combo for lunch - cheap and cheerful.

Nice take-away portions of Gnocchi and homemade sauce. Pairs well with Fairmont bagel directly beside it.

Solid pizza up in the heart of Little Italy

Brunch spot

Beautifully decorated bar, opens early for a nice mid-day drink, does get slammed later on.

Craft beer in an old bank, specializing in Belgian beers but will also have American styles. I worked here after university. If you go ask for Geoffrey and tell him Shea sent you.

Cool tucked-away spot for coffee and snacks or for drinks and snacks! In a bit of an ugly area but it's worth stopping in if nearby.

Good beer, arty/industrial/hipster vibe. Opportunity to see another side of Montreal

Never been but looks cool

Swanky bar that's still casual enough daytime, in the Mount Stephen hotel.

Great terrace in a scenic location, the service can be so-so.

Big terrace by the canal for mid-day beers

They have a nice terrace overlooking the street

Montreal's original brewpub, internationally known. Old school

My fav restaurant of all time in Quebec. Menu is mostly pork, foie gras, and their famous "duck in a can". Can be fun to sit at the chef's counter. The kind of place to indulge. Reservation necessary. Anthony Bourdain's fav spot also.

Fun spot until late-night, creative menu with solid food in a bar-like vibe

Excellent food hall for a casual dinner if lacking time for a sit-down endeavor. Lots of options, usually quite buzzy, well located.

Cozy but lively atmosphere with really good food and normally friendly service. Might have space without a reso.

Haven't tried it but looks cool.

Used to be a go-to spot for a fancy dinner with eye candy kind of vibe. Seafood focused. Very Old Montreal kind of atmospheric decor.

A go-to mid range spot, steak-frite kind of joint.

Wood-fired oven, ate here once yeara ago but loved it. A chance to see St. Henri neighbourhood

Wine bar down near Atwater Market, big terrace in the back

A nice bring your own wine spot, hit the SAQ for a good bottle before.

Also do brunch and lunch

One of the most happening spots after 10pm. Probably will be busy outside and packed inside.

Cool spot for DJ's

Never been but heard good things.

Cool spot in Chinatown