Montreal is one of the best cities to live in but some neighborhoods are cooler than others. This article gives you a comprehensive list of the coolest areas in Montreal to live in.

Most Popular Areas in Montreal

Mile End: Part of the Plateau Mont-Royal, this neighborhood has 10 blocks of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes.

Old Montreal and Old Port: tourists flock this area with lots of galleries, cobblestone streets, beautiful patios and excellent restaurants.

Griffintown: A blue-collar neighborhood that has gone through some restoration and now has an industry vibe.

Plateau Mont-Royal: This artsy Francophone neighborhood seems to have it all, it’s vintage, bohemian and funky.

Other Cooler Places

Saint-Henri: Serene and blasé, this is the place if you’re looking for tranquility.

Mile Ex: A new trendy neighborhood that is slowly becoming one of the hippest areas in Montreal.

The Village: if you want to be smack in the center of the party in a gay village that is welcoming, this is your spot.

Places to Stay In Montreal

Montreal is a model, momentous and loud city with ample French flair that you will easily forget that you’re in Canada.

Many people come here for entertainment, laughter, trendy fashion, delicious food and great memories that last a lifetime.

In Montreal, you can explore the neighborhoods, shop in the boutiques, try out some new patisseries or bistros and admire the architecture.

Montreal never sleeps as there are plenty of outdoor art exhibits, wine bars, crazy festivals and dance clubs to try out.

Near Public Transit

Most people come to Montreal via train or plane, only a few come by bus. The airport is not close to the city center but the bus stations and trains are.

The Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport is 19kms from the city center. If you arrive by plane, take the 747 bus from the airport (costs about 10CAD) to Berri-UQAM metro station, from here, you can proceed to where you’re staying. This bus operates 24/7 and the trip usually takes 45 to 75 minutes. You can also take the train (about 23CAD) or a taxi (about 40CAD).

If you’re in Toronto, you have various bus options when traveling to Montreal. The most popular one is Mega Bus which has several rides to Montreal going for 27CAD. You’ll be dropped off in the city center and within a walking distance of the metro.

You should always take the Metro when you’re in Montreal. A single ride costs 3.25CAD. The other option is to buy a day pass for 10CAD or a weekly pass for 25.75CAD.

If you just want to explore the city on a Bixi Bike, you will spend about $5 or $30 a month.

Old Montréal (& Old Port)

These two neighborhoods, locally known as Vieux Montreal and Vieux Port are clunked together. This is the part where you will spot the most tourists in Montreal. The tourists are not a big deal, just find a little and convenient hotel room that allows you to roam Old Montreal.

With plenty of art galleries, antique shops and spacious patios that are ideal for enjoying the sunshine, you will not have enough of Old Montreal. When it’s time to eat, the Bar a Beurre is ideal for having a salad and some tasty desserts.

The common restaurants such as Olive and Gourmand are too busy. If you are planning to go out for dinner, make reservations at Auberge Saint-Gabriel or Le Bremmer. Call off the night by club hopping through the wine bars and watering holes.

The Best Hotels in Old Montreal

LHotel – This 19th-century building with vintage furniture and an art gallery is simply amazing. Daily breakfast is available and LHotel is within walking distance to the favorite eateries, shopping spots, and the Metro.

Auberge Bonaparte – Located close to the Notre Dame Basilica, the hotel serves daily breakfast and there is a restaurant dedicated to serving lunch and dinner. You can enjoy the city from this hotel as it’s close to the Metro.

Hotel Epik – A historic building with a cool design that is ideally located within minutes of the Metro Station, favorite shops, and restaurants. There is no elevator in this establishment.

Hotel Nelligan – Minutes away from the Notre Dame Basilica and many other attractions. Also has all the amenities and is a walking distance to the Metro.

W Montreal –This establishment has a spa, a fitness facility, and a lounge. The Old Port, Notre Dame Basilica, the World Trade Centre, the Metro and Place des Arts are all within a walking distance.

Embassy Suites by Hilton – Close to all the favorite spots in Old Montreal and serves to order breakfast and evening drinks from the bar.

Hotel Gault – A modern boutique hotel with some added touch of brilliance like heated floors and a library with a fireplace to chill in. Close to the Old Port and the Notre Dame.

Hotel Place D’Armes – A favorite hotel for many with a minibar, comfortable rooms with bathrobes. The Japanese restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa add to the brilliance.

Intercontinental – This establishment has a sauna and spa, a gym and an indoor pool.

Plateau Mont-Royal

A francophone community made up of artists, students, foreign culture, languages and young families. You can sit back in a café, having some of the best delicacies and admiring the vibrant street art.

Have some smoked meat sandwich in the morning at Schwartz’s Deli and once you’re done, take a stroll through the neighborhood and you will find everything that you need.

Mont-Royal

Casa Bianca – A small 5 room bed and breakfast located across Mount Royal Park. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom with all the amenities. The hotel also features a shared kitchen and a terrace.

Le Metro Mont-Royal – 3 bedrooms, self-catering apartment with a terrace, a full kitchen and close to the Metro. It is ideal for a family or a large group planning a long stay.

Montreal: Griffintown

A town that is a little gritty around the edges but has undergone a restoration process to bring back locals and visitors.

This blue-collar neighborhood, the oldest in North America is now known for cool cafeterias, chic boutiques, celebrity chef restaurants, bars and art galleries.

The Griffintown café is known for its wonderful brunch from the Filipino cuisine to the cupcakes.

Griffintown is amazing and has lots of Instagram worthy spots.

Best Hotels in Griffintown

Hotel Alt Montreal – This is your spot if you’re looking for a chic establishment. It’s a green hotel and has a gym.

Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain – A hotel for the business person that is close to the Metro and other places of interest. There is a fitness spot offering concierge services.

Mile End

Mile End is a part of Plateau Mont-Royal. It is a small neighborhood with a lot going on such as a vibrant art and culture scene, trendy boutiques and delicious cafes. This is a place for artists and foodies.

One thing that you have to try in Mile End is the bagels. Two of the most popular bagel shops in Montreal, namely St. Viateur and Fairmont are here. Taste the bagels from both shops and decide which one is the best, don’t rely on reviews for this one.

The favorite place for having brunch is the Sparrow. Order the egg Benedict and you will be blown away. For night partying and snacking, try Beauty’s Luncheonette and Wilensky’s Light Lunch.

For shopping lovers, there are plenty of spots to try such as Boutique Unicorn and Annex Vintage.

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, check out Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway.

Extra Cool Neighborhoods to Live In Montreal

The big hotels are in downtown Montreal but few spend the time there when discovering the city. Old Montreal and Old Port are most popular among tourists, this is possibly the most eye-catching area of Montreal that should be visited by all. Be sure to check out other neighborhoods, these places will give you the real taste of Montreal. The following are some of our top picks:

Mile Ex

This is the newest, up-to-the-minute neighborhood in Montreal that is smaller than Mile End. It is located near Little Italy, a place that you should check out and Marche Jean Talon. While you’re here, you must eat at Restaurant Mile Ex, with its L.A vibe and elements of Southern France. Depanneur is a cool spot to grab some comfort food.

When it’s time to take it slow and relax, the top bars in this area are Micro-Bar Le Ritz PDB and Alexandraplatz.

The Village

This is a Gay Village and one of the best places to party in the city, regardless of your sexual preferences. The Village has a blend of century-old triplexes, patios where you can sunbath, fashion boutiques, outdoor art installations and street art. Sky is one of the best clubs in this neighborhood. Don’t forget the pride parade that takes place every year.

Places to Stay

Le Relais Lyonnais – Ideally on Rue St Denis with lots of cafés. Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, and Place des Arts are within walking distance. The hotel has comfy rooms fitted with a fridge and a desk; there’s also an on-site restaurant.

Auberge Le Pomerol – This establishment is close to the Metro and within walking distance to Basilica Notre Dame and Old Port. The rooms are clean and comfortable.

Hotel Visitel – Basic and clean and minutes from the Metro, you will get to top Montreal attractions with ease from this hotel. One thing that you should know, there is no elevator.

Saint-Henri

A laid back and cool neighborhood near Little Burgundy. It has the feel of a home and you should definitely stay here if you’re after a relaxed visit. Shop at Rue Notre-Dane Ouest, enjoy Quebec cheese, fruits and baguettes at Marche Atwater and have some dessert at Rustique.

There are many restaurants in Saint-Herri but Ludger and Tacos Victor are on another level.

Conclusion

Montreal is a fun place to stay in and where you decide to settle depends on your preference. Mile-End is trendy, artsy and classy and the Village is where the party doesn’t seem to stop. Mont-Royal is a place for artists, professionals and young families; there are lots of locally owned bistros, cool boutiques, and cafes. Griffintown is a gritty neighborhood that has undergone tremendous retouch and is well on course to become a funky and hip place for both locals and visitors. Old Montreal and Old Port is a place full of tourists and it’s a place that you must visit. Mile–Ex is a new city and still going through changes.

In general, Montreal is a safe city to live in. The party doesn’t stop and you will find a café or restaurant serving your favorite dish or one that you’re always willing to try. During summer, Montreal bursts into life with popular festivals like Just For Laughs, and the Igloofest is on in the winter.

Montreal is Quebec’s fashion central and home to some of the best celebrity chefs and restaurants. The cafes are so many that you’ll have to spend months to cover them all.

No problem if you can’t speak French in Montreal but do not assume that everyone speaks English because they do not. All you have to do is smile back because someone will be already smiling at you, and make your best efforts to speak French.

Revel in your time in Montreal and get out and about on foot, on public transportation or on a Bixi bike. Eat all you can and don’t forget the favorites like poutine, bagels, and smoked meat sandwich. Visit the Village and party until you can’t anymore. Go for shopping in the farmer’s market, admire the Montreal streets and don’t hold back.