The Best Areas to Stay in Montreal, QC
The Best Areas to Stay in Montreal, QC

Best Areas to Stay in Montreal, Canada

Where to stay in Montreal – A guide to the cultural city of Canada

Montreal is one of the largest cities in Canada, as well as one of the main economic and cultural centres of the country.

It is an unmissable tourist destination, given its many attractions, vibrant community and neighbourhoods filled with entertainment.

The climate in Montreal is very changeable. During the winter, the average temperature is usually -10°C (14ºF), while in summer, temperatures are up to 21°C (69ºF). Therefore, the best time to travel to Montreal is the summer, always keeping in mind that the cost of accommodation is higher during that season.

Montreal has an efficient public transport service consisting of four metro lines and buses. In addition, it is also a very pedestrian-friendly city.

For history lovers, Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal) is an interesting place to visit. On the other hand, the Downtown has many tourist attractions that are worth getting to know.

As for the best areas to stay in Montreal, the Downtown, with its fashion shops and French-style cafes, is an excellent choice (See accommodation in Downtown Montreal). In the same way, Old Montreal offers some of the most emblematic buildings of the city, which makes it a good place to stay in Montreal (See hotels in Old Montreal).

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Montreal, Canada.

The best areas to stay in Montreal

1. Our favourite area: Old Montreal

Old Montreal is one of the oldest districts in Montreal, as well as one of the best areas to stay in Montreal.

Among the attractions of Old Montreal, there are museums, emblematic fortifications dating back to the 19th-century and buildings that still preserve their 17th-century architecture.

A curious fact about this area is that Old Montreal, or “Vieux – Montreal” in French, was the place where the city was founded.

Old Montreal and its cobbled streets also house French-style cafes, the Notre Dame Cathedral and many shops for shopping lovers.

This district can be covered on foot, bus or bicycle. Similarly, a good alternative is to take a boat through the coastal area, known as Old Port.

Old Montreal is one of the best areas to stay in Montreal since it offers a mix of old and new, nightlife and French colonial charm.

Best areas to stay in Montreal - Old Montreal
Best areas to stay in Montreal – Old Montreal
Accommodation in Old Montreal - Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Old Montreal – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Historical attractions
  • Old Port
  • Stores and coffee shops

2. Downtown Montreal

Like other major Canadian cities, Montreal has a financial and business district: The Downtown.

Downtown Montreal is a recommended area to stay in Montreal for its tourist attractions, easy access to other neighbourhoods, huge shopping centres and luxury hotels.

Downtown Montreal offers a lively atmosphere, thanks to the young people who frequent its numerous restaurants and nightclubs.

The old town is just a few steps from Downtown and it is possible to travel to other districts through metro, bus and bicycle.

Other places to see in Downtown Montreal are the McCord Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, recommended for those who want to discover the cultural movement of the city.

Downtown Montreal perfectly blends the business environment with high-fashion shops, gourmet restaurants and French-style cafes, making it one of the best areas to stay in Montreal.

Where to stay in Montreal - Downtown Montreal
Where to stay in Montreal – Downtown Montreal
Accommodation in Downtown Montreal - Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Downtown Montreal – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Best area for business travellers
  • Great public transport connections
  • Best area to stay without a car

3. Plateau Mont Royal

The district of Plateau Mont Royal is another of the best areas to stay in Montreal and is centred on Mont Royal Avenue, with a series of shops of renowned designers, cafes and restaurants.

Located north of the Quartier des Spectacles neighbourhood and about 20 minutes from the Old Montreal, Plateau Mont Royal is a charming residential neighbourhood that also offers interesting bars.

In addition to offering a calm and safe environment, Plateau Mont Real is a recommended area because of its restaurants, architecture, proximity to other districts and a perfect mix of American and European.

The modern Plateau is connected to other areas of Montreal through metro and bus lines. In addition, because it is such a safe area, the bike is another good way to get around in this neighbourhood.

Plateau Mont Royal is a recommended area to stay in Montreal thanks to the fact that it offers tranquillity, without sacrificing nightlife.

Where to stay in Montreal - Plateau Mont Royal
Where to stay in Montreal – Plateau Mont Royal
Alojamiento en Plateau Mont Royal – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Plateau Mont Royal – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Peaceful area
  • Mont Royal Avenue
  • Great food

4. Gay Village

Gay Village is the district with the best nightlife in Montreal, thanks to its many clubs and bars.

Gay Village is full of shops, cafes and events that support the LGBT community, as is name implies, being the gay neighbourhood of Montreal par excellence.

A benefit of staying in Gay Village is that, despite being a luxury area, it has affordable hotels for travellers on a budget.

This neighbourhood is located in the centre of the city, so staying here gives easy access to other districts and attractions.

On the Sainte Catherine Avenue, there are several metro stations and bus stops that facilitate the transfer to other areas, as well as terraces where you can have cocktails during the summer.

Gay Village is one of the best areas to stay in Montreal if you are looking for fun and entertainment during your stay.

Gay Village - Best areas to stay in Montreal
Gay Village – Best areas to stay in Montreal
Accommodation in Gay Village – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Gay Village – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Gay area
  • Best area for nightlife
  • Great location
  • LGBT-friendly

5. Quartier des Spectacles

The Quartier des Spectacles is an entertainment area, where most of the festivals take place in Montreal.

In addition, near the Quartier des Spectacles, there are leisure options to appreciate the culture of Montreal.

It is a special suburb that has cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and bars that attract a younger and bohemian audience.

The Quartier des Spectacles is part of Downtown Montreal, making it easy to access other areas and attractions of the city, including Chinatown.

Quartier des Spectacles is another good area for travellers who want to taste international cuisine in Montreal since it has several gourmet restaurants.

Quartier des Spectacles is another one of the best areas to stay in Montreal, being the epicentre of festivals throughout the entire year.

Where to stay in Montreal - Quartier des Spectacles
Where to stay in Montreal – Quartier des Spectacles
Accommodation in Quartier des Spectacles – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Quartier des Spectacles – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Festival area
  • Close to the Downtown
  • Great restaurants

6. Underground City Montreal

Underground City is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Montreal. It is made special by a network of stores spread over several kilometres underground, called La Ville Souterraine.

The Underground City is especially busy in the winter season, when temperatures drop in Montreal and tourists choose to take refuge underground and discover a world of fun.

Access to Underground City in Montreal is possible through subway stations such as McGill and Peel, to name just a few.

The surroundings of the Underground City include residences, hotels and even universities, which make the area a place to go during any time of the year.

Underground City covers, approximately, 30 kilometres of restaurants, shopping centres and stores for all types of visitors.

The area next to the Underground City is one of the best areas to stay in Montreal since it is located under Downtown Montreal and is one of the largest underground complexes in the world.

Best areas to stay in Montreal - Underground City
Best areas to stay in Montreal – Underground City
Accommodation in Underground City – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Underground City – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Best area for shopping
  • Located under Downtown Montreal
  • Great metro connections

7. Lachine

Lachine is located southwest of Montreal and is another important neighbourhood in the city of the province of Quebec.

It is a canal of about 14 kilometres, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Montreal, declared Historical Heritage in Canada.

This area is, undoubtedly, a great option for travellers who seek tranquillity during their visit and also offers a cycle track.

With an environment that mixes nature with residential spaces, Lachine is a good place to stay in Montreal, as it is also near the Atwater Market, where you get the best views of the canal while you taste delicious dishes.

Access to the Lachine area in Montreal is possible thanks to the Square – Victoria, Lionel – Groulx and Charlevoix metro stations.

Lachine Montreal is one of the best areas to stay in Montreal for its food and spaces for outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Montreal - Lachine
Where to stay in Montreal – Lachine
Accommodation in Lachine – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Lachine – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Open spaces
  • Peaceful area
  • Historical Heritage

8. Mile End

Mile End is synonymous with shopping and art in Montreal. This district full of fashion boutiques and places for brunch, and is another recommended area to stay in Montreal.

Within this district, there is a popular bohemian neighbourhood, artists, as well as a huge cultural diversity, thanks to a large number of foreign inhabitants.

Mile End, in addition to being the scene of famous musical groups, is also a meeting point for young people who are part of the nightlife in Montreal.

Mile End is next to the Plateau Mont Royal neighbourhood and the emblematic Mont Royal Park.

Despite having subway stations to access other districts, Mile End is perfect to be travelled on foot, discovering their colourful houses and peculiar vintage shops.

Mile End is another of the best areas to stay in Montreal, because this hipster neighbourhood full of life is ideal for travellers who feel passion for art.

Best areas to stay in Montreal - Mile End
Best areas to stay in Montreal – Mile End
Alojamiento en Mile End –  Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Mile End – Click on the map to see all accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Montreal:

  • Hipster area
  • Vintage shops
  • Art galleries

Best Location in Montreal – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Montreal for sightseeing?

The best areas to stay in Montreal for a first visit or sightseeing are Old Montreal and downtown. Old Montreal is great to dive into the city’s history. Meanwhile, the downtown area is modern and has the best transport connections.

What is the best area to stay in Montreal with kids?

If you visit the city with family, you could stay in Old Montreal to be close to attractions like Montreal Science Center. You can also find fun for all ages in Downtown Montreal.

What is the best location in Montreal for nightlife?

Choosing an area to stay to party in Montreal will depend on your interests. For LGBT bars and clubs, there’s the Gay Village, Downtown has something for everyone and Quartier des Spectacles is great to see live shows.

Where to stay in Montreal without a car?

The best areas to stay in Montreal without a car are Downtown and Old Montreal because of their great public transport connections. These are also have so many attractions that you won’t need to move as much.

What is the best area in Montreal for LGBT travelers?

As its name suggests, Gay Village is the recommended area to stay in Montreal for LGBT visitors.
Here, you’ll find LGBT bars, shops, restaurants and accommodation.

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