Montreal is a bigger city than it seems at first glance. It’s on an island, of course. And in the middle of the island, there’s a small hill with a large cross on top. There are pretty bridges, old stone buildings, grid-like streets, and potholes.
Montreal is a bit of a walking city and a bit of a driving city, with new and old, great restaurants, and lots of Leonard Cohen murals.
When you arrive in Montreal, you don’t always know what to do first. The city is internationally known for its European feel, itssmoked meat, and—once again—Leonard Cohen. And for a quick trip or a first visit, we have 4 recommendations for discovering Montreal.
To start off gently, we suggest beginning with “micro-experiences”—little gems that are quintessentially Montreal, perfect for getting to know the city at a leisurely pace.
4 micro-experiences to discover Montreal
See an exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a Montreal institution, and its impeccable programming is perfect for discovering Quebec and Indigenous artists, as well as monumental exhibitions by well-known and beloved artists.
Renée Condo (1979-), Lluigneg, 2023. MMFA, purchase, funds from the Museum Campaign 1988–1993. Photo: MMFA
Where? Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke Street West
How much?$31 for ages 26 and up, $15.50 on Wednesday evenings, free for ages 25 and under, members of Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities and their companion
Climb Mount Royal and take in the view
A view of the city from Mount Royal, in Montreal, Canada, circa 1970. The hill gave the city its name. The round white building is the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, part of McGill University. (Photo by Frederic Lewis/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In 2026, Mount Royal Park —a large park with a mountain at its center, nature trails, and an observation deck offering views of the entire city—will celebrate its 150th anniversary. It’s a must-see destination in every season.
Go see a movie at Cinéma Moderne
@cinemamoderne
The Cinéma Moderne offers a cutting-edge lineup, talks, and classics to see—perhaps for the first time—on the big screen.
There are also frequent premieres or screenings attended by filmmakers… It’s also one of Montreal’s coolest café-bars—popcorn and agin martini? Yes!
Where? CinémaModerne, 5150 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Eat a smoked meatsandwich atSchwartz’s
Schwartz’s, opened in 1928, is a Montreal institution and, as Anthony Bourdain said,“you can’t not come here when you’re in Montreal,” before taking a bite out of one of theirsmoked meat sandwiches…
This deli’s smoked meat is famous worldwide. We’re warning you: you’ll have to wait in line—but it’s worth it.
Thesmoked meatsandwichthatBourdainloved costs $16.25—a bargain for the quality that has made Schwartz’s a household name amongfoodies andmeat connoisseurs everywhere.
Where?Schwartz’s, at 3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Enjoy your visit to Montreal!
