Many people who visit Montreal for the first time choose to explore the city on foot. This is a great way to visit all your favorite spots and meet new people. One thing that you will strike you about Montreal is almost everyone speaks French. You will also notice the European vibe, the laid back and friendly nature of the locals. The following 5 things will make it easy to experience Montreal’s diversity.

Go for a food tour

The food tour along Boulevard St. Laurent, also known as “Flavors of the Main” is organized by Fitz and Follwell and explores Montreal’s history and cuisine. You start at the middle of Chinatown and end up at one of Montreal’s favorite delis, Schwartz’s, which serves the tastiest smoked meat sandwiches. There is plenty of poutine so come hungry.

Shopping

If you love shopping, you will enjoy spending time in Montreal. Sherbrooke Street has some chic boutiques while Old Montreal has local designer boutiques. St. Catherine Street is more mainstream and has almost 1200 shops line up. You can go for vintage shopping on the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood and along Boulevard St. Laurent.

Go Bar-Hopping

Montrealers love their micro-breweries and local watering holes and you will find two of the best local breweries on St. Denis Street namely, Le Saint-Bock and L’ Amere a Boire. Bar hopping is a great way to meet locals.

Admire the Montreal Architecture

The Montreal architecture is unique. From the Renaissance and Art Deco Buildings of Old Montreal, the Golden Mile in Mont-Royal neighborhood, the skyscrapers of Downtown to the breathtaking Gothic style of the Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal is rich in culture and history. Grab a map and go on a discovery tour of Montreal.

Visit a Festival

Montrealers love shows and festivals and it’s no surprise that there are over 50 festivals every year. Popular ones include the Just for Laughs Festival, Jazz Festival and the Fashion and Design Festival. Beer festivals are fun, especially when sharing with the locals.

Stay Like a Local in Montreal

Choose a holiday rental when you visit Montreal to add more local flavor to your stay. You can find good deals in Plateau Mont-Royal, Rosemont neighborhood near Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market.