Visiting Old Montreal is like living an enchanted adventure in the heart of Quebec’s metropolis! This historic district is much more than just a tourist destination, it’s a journey through time where history meets modernity with an irresistibly European touch. From cobblestone streets and elegant architecture to an exquisite dining scene and unique cultural experiences, Old Montreal is a true hidden treasure. So get ready to plunge into an epic adventure where every corner holds surprises and excitement is guaranteed at every turn. You don’t have to go far for a change of scenery.
1. Brunch at Tommy’s
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Start your day off right with an early brunch at Tommy Café on Rue St-Paul. A little gem of an unpretentious restaurant, it promotes a simple, delicious menu to please every taste. You won’t have to wait for hours in line to order your five-name omelet, and the restaurant’s large windows will let you watch the people strolling down St-Paul Street without embarrassment.
2. A little culture on a visit
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Get ready to be inspired by your city by downloading the free app Montréal en Histoires. Stroll through Old Montreal to discover a multitude of historical figures, works of art and more. Follow the interactive map with your headphones and you’ll be transported to a fascinating and culturally rich Montreal. Don’t forget to stop by Place St-Jacques to applaud the musicians and entertainers performing…! A classic.
3. Take a stroll through the unique boutiques
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The Old Port is brimming with incredible little boutiques, unique and full of surprises. Pass through the Maison Pépin to experience a little alleyway out of your fanciest party dreams, explore Le Petit Dep to discover a café-cum-general store featuring local crafts and delicious confections. Speaking of general stores, don’t miss a visit to the OG of general stores: the Old Port General Store.
4. Visit the oldest chapel in Montreal
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Built in 1675 as a pilgrimage site under the direction of Marguerite-Bourgeoys, it was completely rebuilt in 1754 after a fire destroyed the original stone chapel. This new building is still intact today, and the notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel has become a heritage site not to be missed. Located in the heart of the Old Port and just a stone’s throw from the emblematic Bonsecours Market, it’s the perfect place to visit for a weekend in Montreal, or a longer stay Candlelight concerts !
5.Take a trip to Bassin Bonsecours
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If you’re more the kind of person who wants to relax in peace and quiet, then take a short detour to the bonsecours basin to admire the ducks and people strolling by. In summer, you can even rent pedal boats for a ride, and in winter, you can skate on the stretch of water with a magnificent view.
6. Immerse yourself in the scenery of the Old Port
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Take your courage in both hands and dive into the scenery with a zip-line tour in the Old Port. A breathtaking route that’s well worth the effort – it’s not just for tourists! Here at Montréal Secret, we tried the experience and were not disappointed. There’s nothing like a spontaneous activity to take the sting out of doing the same things over and over again… !
7. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel
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Or jump into a gondola on the Ferris wheel to experience an incomparable landscape. It’s well worth the price to be able to admire Montreal in all its splendor from this dizzying height, especially if you arrive around sunset time. It’s romantic, it’s beautiful, it’s very Montreal. Book your tickets here to secure your place.
8. Visit the spa
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Open year-round, the spas in the Old Port are well worth a visit. What better way to relax than with hot and cold baths, a massage and breathtaking views of the city. Don’t miss the splendid view from the Bota-Bota, a spa boat in the heart of the Old Port, or the Scandinavian Spa for those seeking deep relaxation in a subdued atmosphere. There’s also the Strom Nordic spa on Nun’s Island, which is not in the Old Port but offers a view of its landscape.
9. Enjoy the local gastronomy
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End your day on a high note with a gourmet dinner at Pantry. A bistro-bar with an intimate atmosphere, unrivalled craft cocktails and sublime seafood, you can spend a superb evening discreetly at your table, or join the party that often breaks out at the end of the evening. You may also be lucky enough to see one of the Hollywood stars who often frequent the establishment when filming in Montreal.
10. Experience Montreal’s nightlife
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To continue your party adventures, head around the corner to Clandestino one of the best speakeasys of the city. This little mezcal bar hidden behind a secret door in the basement of a bar that is itself camouflaged behind a shelf of books will not disappoint. Otherwise, the area offers a wide range of bars to suit all tastes, from party clubs like The Vault buried in an old bank vault, Flyjin, Santos and auberge St-Gabriel to cocktail bars and pubs such as Bar Philémon, Wolf & Workman, El Pequeño and much more!