Old World France Meets New World North America: Travel Montreal

This charming Québécois city combines old-world French sensibility with a modern North American metropolis. Whether hiking on Mount Royal, or perusing through Arcade Fire’s stomping grounds in Mile End, it has a little bit of something for everybody. Here are The Manual’s suggestions for all your Montreal travel needs. Merci!

STAY

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Constructed in 1912, there is some debate over whether this or the New York location was the first Ritz-Carlton in North America. Either way, it may be the most luxurious hotel in Montreal. With a Daniel Boulud restaurant attached and state-of-the-art amenities, how could it not be?
1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal
514-842-4212

EAT

Da Emma
Although it’s a little bit hard to find and located in a former women’s prison, there’s no need to worry. This place certainly isn’t anything like Orange Is the New Black. Brimming with old-world Italian charm, Da Emma brings the freshest Roman cuisine right to your table. We had the burrata and the veal-filled agnolotti with a bottle of Barolo, and everything was amazing! We even had a chance to meet the famous Emma. Still feeling a bit hesitant? Just check out her wall of fame, where everybody from Jake Gyllenhaal to Dev Patel to Brian Grazer has taken a photo with Emma while dining here.
777 Rue de la Commune Ouest
Montreal
514-392-1568

Maison Publique

Maison Publique means “Public House” or “pub” in English and the pub-like nature of this Montreal does not go unnoticed. With wood paneling, antique wallpaper, and a black alter-like bar, you’d be forgiven if you find yourself forgetting you’re in Quebec. Maison Publique’s hand-written menu is rife with all-Canadian ingredients and dishes including the delectable welsh rarebit, a rousing parfait de foie gras, and a sweet-closer in the form of a Meyer lemon tart.  Chef and owner Derek Dammann continues to keep it Canadian beyond his gastropub duties with his recent book, True North , that profiles Canadian cooking from coast to coast.

4720 Rue Marquette
Montreal
514-507-0555

DRINK
Bar Le Confessionnal
This red-lit bar must be one of the most coolest places in the city for checking out with the slick locals hang out. We went on a Wednesday night, when hip-hop filled the room as everyone bobbed their bodies to the music.
431 Rue McGill
Montreal
514-927-4111

Big in Japan Bar
Hidden behind a red door, this little speakeasy serves up a giant punch bowl with 22 servings for a mere $65. What a great way to celebrate a night out with a group of friends!
4175 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal
438-380-5658

GO
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Spread amongst four different pavilions, this museum carries everything from a vast Canadian art collection to one of Napoleon’s hats. If you’re looking for ideas for decorating your home, it also has one of the best museum design collections, with a Memphis Movement shelf, Eames chairs and even a Dyson vacuum.
380 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal
514-285-2000

Originally published on 05/31/2014 and updated on 07/25/2016 by Chase McPeak