It’s no surprise that Montreal is the most popular place to visit in Eastern Canada.
With its rich 17th-century French history, reflected throughout the old buildings and cobbled Old Town streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t forget to brush up on your French before heading to Montreal as French is their official language!
Montreal has a funky art and culture scene – from comedy to jazz, you’ll be sure to find a show at the Place des Arts that’s up your alley. If museums and art galleries are more your thing, don’t worry these aren’t in short supply here either.
The city is also known for its mouth-watering cuisine. Montreal is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and I can assure you, it has the food to show for it.
Deciding to head to Montreal is the easy part, who can resist this cultural melting pot? But deciding where to stay when you get there, now that’s more of a challenge. There are many different areas in Montreal that each offer something slightly different.
But don’t worry, I have you covered. In this guide on where to stay in Montreal, I’m going to take you through the city’s top five areas and the best places to stay. I’ll even let you in on the best activities in each area.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
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- Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Montreal?
- Montreal Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Montreal
- Montreal’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Montreal
- What To Pack For Montreal
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Montreal
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Montreal
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Montreal?
From the old cobbled streets of the Old Town to the nightlife in The Village, Montreal has something to offer every type of traveller. It’s not a place you’ll want to miss on your Canada backpacking itinerary.
If you keep scrollin’ I’m going to take you through my top picks for the best places and areas to stay in Montreal. But if you’re short on time, here is my favourite hotel, hostel and Airbnb.
Hotel Épik Montréal | Best Hotel in Montreal
In the heart of Montreal, housed in a building rich with history is the modern and rustic Hotel Épik Montréal. Luxurious and urban, this hotel features stylish décor, high-end amenities and a relaxing atmosphere.
Walking distance to many of Montreal’s most noteworthy attractions, you won’t find a better hotel in the Old Town.
M Montreal | Best Hostel in Montreal
Modern accommodations housed in a historic building, M Montreal is the best hostel in Montreal. It is conveniently located in the centre of The Village, this hostel is close to one of the city’s best bars and hottest clubs.
Enjoy comfortable dorms or spacious private rooms at this oasis in the city. It’s my top pick for the best hostel in Montreal.
Historic Loft with stunning view of Grande Roue | Best Airbnb in Montreal
This picturesque apartment located on a cobblestone street in the historic corner of Old Montreal is one of the best Airbnbs in Canada because of its location in the city. The apartment is just steps away from Marché Bonsecours the famous Notre Dame Basilica and the lively notorious Saint Paul Street.
The loft is equipped with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and an OUTSTANDING view of the city life and the Grande Roue. Lastly and most importantly, you have a pool table!!
Montreal Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Montreal
Old Montreal
Old Montreal (or Vieux-Montreal) is undoubtedly the heart of the city and is our top pick for where to stay in Montreal for first-timers. The oldest district in the city, Old Montreal was founded as a fur trading post by Samuel de Champlain in the early-17th century.
Griffintown
Close to Montreal’s main commercial areas, Griffintown is a neighbourhood with all the perks of downtown without the high prices. A former blue-collar neighbourhood, Griffintown was home to a high concentration of heavy industry and factory warehouses.
The Village
Home to Montreal’s lively LGBTQ community, Gay Village, or simple The Village (Le Village) is where you’ll find the hottest nightlife scene in town, no matter your sexual orientation.
Le Plateau
Le Plateau is one of Montreal’s coolest and most famous neighbourhoods. Known for its colourful row houses with wrought-iron staircases, this neighbourhood is home to the largest number of artists per capita in Canada.
Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
Located in the centre-east of the city is the peaceful and residential borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. Home to a series of urban villages, more than 50 parks and a myriad of community gardens, these two neighbourhoods have a very distinct vibe and flare. This area is our top pick for where to stay in Montreal for families.
Backpacking Montreal is a wild and wonderful experience. It’s the cultural, economic and social centre of the Province of Quebec. The second largest city in Canada, Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the Americas. More than 1.7 million people call the city home, with more than 4 million dwelling in the urban area – it can get pretty busy!
Situated on an island between the Ottawa River and the mighty Saint Lawrence, Montreal is a city comprised of 19 boroughs or arrondissements. These boroughs are further divided into neighborhoods, each with its own distinct energy, population, history, architecture and flare.
The heart of Montreal is Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal). The oldest district in the city, here you’ll find quaint cobblestone streets, stunning architecture and many of the city’s top tourist attractions, which makes it my top pick for where to stay in Montreal for your first time.
For a lively and exciting night on the town, head to The Village. Home to Montreal’s hottest clubs, trendiest restaurants and its vibrant LGBTQ community, The Village is the city’s top destination for a great night out.
Heading northwest of the Village you’ll find one of Montreal’s coolest neighborhoods, Le Plateau. Famous for its colourful row houses, life in this area revolves around good food, great drinks, and an ultra-hip scene.
Just beyond Le Plateau is Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. A trendy neighborhood, Rosemont-La Petite Patrie is one of the greenest areas of Montreal, which is why this is my pick for where to stay in Montreal for families or nature lovers. There are loads of amazing things to do in Montreal here.
And finally, located on the southwest edge of downtown is Griffintown. A former blue-collar neighborhood, it’s now one of Montreal’s up-and-coming spots. Griffintown is close to some of Montreal’s most famous locations. Here, you can enjoy all the perks of being downtown without the high prices.
Still not sure where to stay in Montreal? Keep reading as I break down the top five neighborhoods in the city.
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Montreal’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Montreal boasts an extensive public transit system that includes the third busiest metro (subway) in North America. This far-reaching and efficient network is clean, and safe, and is one of the easiest and best ways to explore the different areas of Montreal.
Although it’s easy to get around, you’ll want to base yourself in the area you want to spend the most time in. So you can spend your holiday enjoying the city, rather than on public transport.
To help you plan your visit to Montreal, I’m about to break down the top five best parts of Montreal to stay in by interest. Read on to find the best neighborhood for your stay!
1. Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal – Where to Stay in Montreal for the First Time
If you’re wondering “Where should I stay in Montreal for the first time?” Old Montreal (or Vieux-Montreal) is undoubtedly the heart of the city. The oldest district in the city was founded as a fur trading post by Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century.
Today, this neighborhood maintains much of its old-world charm with quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful old buildings. This is a district where antiquity and modern design meld seamlessly.
Home to Montreal’s major tourist attractions, it is perfect for visitors who are interested in exploring the city on foot. With its picturesque pedestrian streets and beautiful cultural sights.
This neighborhood is the best place to stay in Montreal for tourists and a wonderful base for your first visit to Montreal. Whether you’re just visiting Montreal for a weekend, or longer, this is a fantastic place to base yourself.
Hotel Épik Montréal | Best Hotel in Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal
In the heart of Old Montreal, housed in a historic building is the modern and rustic Hotel Épik Montréal. Luxurious and urban, this hotel features stylish décor, high-end amenities and a relaxing atmosphere.
Walking distance to many of Montreal’s most noteworthy attractions, this is the best boutique hotel in town.
The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal | Best Hostel in Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal
A short walk from Montreal’s top attractions is The Alternative Hostel. Conveniently located near Montreal’s Old Port, this hostel is housed in one of the town’s beautiful historic buildings.
Featuring spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you won’t find a better hostel in the Old Town. The hostel prides itself on being eco-friendly and artsy, it welcomes travellers and artists alike for a bohemian experience.
Historic Loft with stunning view of Grande Roue | Best Airbnb in Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal
This picturesque apartment located on a cobblestone street in the historic corner of the Old Town is one of the best Airbnbs in Canada because of its central location in the city. The apartment is just steps away from Marché Bonsecours the famous Notre Dame Basilica and the lively notorious Saint Paul Street and Rue de la Commune.
The loft is equipped with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and an OUTSTANDING view of the city life and the Grande Roue. Lastly and most importantly, you have a pool table!!
Top Things to Do in Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal
- Be amazed by Notre Dame Basilica, the city’s most spectacular church and one of the largest in North America.
- Visit Point-a-Calliere Museum, a modern museum built above the ruins of Montreal’s first settlement.
- Explore the Old Port (Vieux-Port), a large waterfront park that is home to many attractions including Cirque du Soleil and the Clock Tower.
- It’s pretty cool to join a night tour of Montreal visiting multiple landmarks in a small group of others.
- Walk down Place Jacques-Cartier, a pedestrian street lined with street artists, musicians, fine restaurants and delightful art galleries.
- Enjoy a taste of Quebec from the 1700s at Le Saint-Gabriel restaurant.
- Wander Saint Laurent Boulevard, one of Montreal’s main commercial and cultural streets.
- Learn all about science and technology at the exciting and modern Montreal Science Centre.
- Explore the past at Chateau Ramezay Historic Site, a former Governor’s residence and gardens that are home to historical artefacts from 18th-century daily life.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Griffintown – Where to Stay in Montreal on a Budget
Close to Montreal’s main commercial areas, Griffintown is a neighborhood with all the perks of downtown without the high prices. A former blue-collar neighborhood, Griffintown was home to a high concentration of heavy industry and factory warehouses. If you’re backpacking Montreal on a budget, this will be your go-to area!
Recent years have seen Griffintown undergo a significant revitalization. Factories and industrial machinery were replaced with bike paths, trendy restaurants, and pleasant green spaces.
One of Montreal’s up-and-coming districts, Griffintown is where you can find great value, good accommodation, and interesting cultural attractions.
L’Hotel Particulier Griffintown | Best Hotel in Griffintown
Housed in a historical building, this hotel is an urban B&B right in the heart of Griffintown. Just 10 minutes from the subway and 20 minutes from Old Montreal, this hotel is well-situated to explore the neighborhood.
Enjoy rustic décor and comfortable beds at this boutique B&B.
Auberge Saintlo Montréal Hostel | Best Hostel in Griffintown
Auberge Saintlo Montreal Hostel is just one of those stand-out hostels that you stay at. They offer a FREE pancake breakfast and daily activities – from pub crawls to bike tours. For those of you rockin’ that digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll be happy to hear that this hostel has a co-working space and fast Wi-Fi.
Just outside of Griffintown, the hostel is located just a block from Lucien-Allier metro station. So, you’re in a great spot to explore the city.
Executive Canal View | Best Airbnb in Griffintown
This gorgeous one-bedroom Airbnb is located in the sought-after area of Griffintown, just a five-minute walk from Downtown Montreal. You’ll be right in the action.
The apartment is set up perfectly for a super comfy stay. You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and a dryer, a TV (with FREE Netflix) and a bathroom with an epic rain shower. You will also have a balcony that you can hang out on and soak in the view.
Top Things to Do in Griffintown
- Explore the history of sound at Musée des ondes Emile Berliner, a museum dedicated to the audio industry and Emile Berliner, inventor of the Gramophone.
- Eat some of the best poutine in the city at Paul Patates.
- See contemporary works of art at Parisian Laundry, an art gallery located in the Parisian Laundry building.
- Explore Montréal Underground City where you can walk the streets, eat and shop.
- Join a Quebec City and Montmorency Falls day trip.
- Take a bike ride along the scenic and exquisite Lachine Canal.
- Enjoy a cool night out at Centre St-Amboise, an outdoor microbrewery hidden along an unlikely strip of shipping yards.
3. The Village – Where to Stay in Montreal for the Best Nightlife
Home to Montreal’s lively LGBTQ community, Gay Village, or simple The Village (Le Village) is where you’ll find the hottest nightlife scene in town, no matter your sexual orientation. If you’re wondering where to stay in Montreal for nightlife, this is your spot.
Situated along Saint-Catherine Street between The Plateau and the St Lawrence River, The Village is a small neighborhood that packs a big punch.
This exciting and vibrant neighborhood is home to more than 80 bars and restaurants catering to anyone looking for a wild night out. Whether you want to dance the night away or drink on the city’s most scenic rooftop patio, The Village is the best neighborhood to stay in Montreal for nightlife.
Bed and Breakfast du Village BBV | Best Bed & Breakfast in The Village
This B&B in the Village does not disappoint. They exceed comfort-wise and breakfast-wise! The hosts of this B&B go above and beyond to ensure that you have a wonderful stay.
You’ll be staying in the heart of Montreal’s gay village and will have restaurants, shops and public transport all within walking distance. You’ll also have Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port and The Latin Quarter all close by too.
M Montreal | Best Hostel in The Village
Modern accommodations housed in a historic building, M Montreal is the place to be in The Village. Located in the centre of the neighborhood, this hostel is within walking distance of the city’s best bars and hottest clubs. Enjoy comfortable dorms or spacious private rooms at this charming oasis.
Irresistible Two Bedroom Condo | Best Airbnb in The Village
This cosy apartment is an ideal spot in the village. You’ll be away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Montreal and closer to local Montreal life. You’ll be close to Beautry metro and La Fontaine Park. As well as restaurants, markets and shops in this relaxed area of town.
The apartment is comfy for three, but you’ll have to rock off for who gets the big room! The apartment has one spacious double room and a second smaller room. You can definitely squeeze a four-person, especially if you’re two couples or happy to share a bed.
Top Things to Do in The Village
- Enjoy drinks on the terrace of Pub Sainte-Elisabeth, a unique Montreal hotspot that feels like a trendy greenhouse.
- Sample beers from Quebec and all over the world at Le Saint Bock, a brewpub that offers 20 beers on tap at all times.
- Laugh your face off at La Comedie de Montreal.
- See the Boules Roses, a canopy of pink spheres that hang above a one-kilometre stretch of Saint Catherine’s Street.
- Zip around the city on a scooter sightseeing tour in Montreal.
- See extraordinary and legendary drag queen, Mado, perform.
- Browse the Amherst Street antique market to pick up a unique souvenir or two.
- Party in the streets during Montreal’s pride celebrations and parade (late-July/early-August), the world’s largest LGBTQ gathering in the francophone world.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Le Plateau – The Coolest Place to Stay in Montreal
Le Plateau is one of Montreal’s coolest and most famous neighborhoods. Known for its colourful row houses with wrought-iron staircases, this neighborhood is home to the largest number of artists per capita in Canada.
Photo: Alexandria Zboyovski
Brightly painted and covered in funky murals, Le Plateau is as much a living gallery as it is a neighborhood. An area where life revolves around the little pleasures, Le Plateau is where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, hip bars, boutiques and coffee shops.
Enjoy great meals, delicious coffee, bright and cheerful scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere in Le Plateau, the ultra-hip and cultural heart of Montreal.
Hotel Kutuma | Best Hotel in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Hotel Kutuma is a four-star hotel that features spacious, fully equipped suites. Enjoy a full kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and relaxing atmosphere all just a short walk from the centre of the district.
This hotel is great for travellers or couples who want to enjoy the finer side of Montreal.
Le Gite du Plateau Mont-Royal | Best Hostel in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Less than a 20-minute walk to all of Montreal’s major attractions, this hostel is located at the heart of Le Plateau. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, a stunning rooftop terrace, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast at this modern and joyful hostel.
With dorm-style accommodations and a variety of private rooms, you’ll love all the options available to you at Le Gite du Plateau.
Super Stylish Apartment | Best Airbnb in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
This gorgeous apartment is located in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal, which makes it the perfect base to explore the neighborhood. The Airbnb itself is super modern, spacious and bright, thanks to lots of windows.
You can enjoy a comfy bed, a brand-new and fully equipped kitchen, and even a little balcony where you can sip your first coffee in the morning. There’s an HD TV with Netflix, high-speed wifi and even a little workspace – ideal for Digital Nomads visiting Montreal.
On top of that, you’re just meters from the nearest public transport station, which connects you efficiently to all other areas of Montreal.
Top Things to Do in Le Plateau
- Dine on a delicious smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen, a Montreal institution famously frequented by author Mordecai Richler.
- Bike throughout this safe, clean, and pedestrianized district.
- See exhibits by local artists at Maison de la Culture de Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Taste the best poutine in the city at La Banquise, where more than 25 varieties of this classic Quebecois fare are available.
- See the Rialto Theatre, an Art Deco picture house dating back to the early 1920s and one of Montreal’s most iconic buildings.
- Rest and relax in Parc Lafontaine, a well-manicured green space that features an artificial lake, bike paths and an outdoor amphitheatre.
- Catch a show at Theatre de Verdure, a 3,000-seat outdoor theatre that showcases dance, music, movies, and theatre throughout the summer.
- Enjoy the intimate and ultra-hip atmosphere at Bily Kun, a large bar and Plateau district favourite.
5. Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie – Where to Stay in Montreal for Families
Located in the centre-east of the city is the peaceful and residential borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. Home to a series of urban villages, more than 50 parks and a myriad of community gardens, these two neighborhoods have a very distinct vibe and flair.
Well-connected to the centre and other parts of Montreal, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie is the best place to stay in Montreal for families. Home to Little Italy and a delicious array of restaurants and eateries, there’s so much to see, do and explore in this trendy district.
From the largest public market in North America to the chic shopping district of Rue Saint-Hubert, you won’t run out of options in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie.
Hotel Universel Montréal | Best Hotel in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
Located just north of Montreal’s Botanical Garden, this contemporary hotel is the best option for families looking to stay in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie district.
Clean and comfortable, each room features relaxing beds and in-room coffee machines. Enjoy the indoor and seasonal outdoor pools at this four-star hotel in the city.
La Carte Bed & Breakfast | Best Bed & Breakfast in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
From pancake and fruit-filled crêpes to omelettes and sausages, this B&B does a Canadian breakfast damn well. Not only does this B&B pull through on the food front, but they have also created a super comfy and welcoming ambience for your stay. You can relax in the library or soak in the sun on the terrace.
You’re in a great location here. Jardin Botanique de Montréal is a just 20-minute walk away and you’ll have access to public transport just a few minutes walk away.
Comfortable, Three Bedroom Apartment | Best Airbnb in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
If you’re looking for your home away from home in Montreal, look no further. This three-bedroom apartment in La Petite-Patrie will be the home away from home you didn’t know you needed.
Again, this apartment is in a great location for exploring. You’re close to Space for Life of Montréal, Maisonneuve Park and Olympic Stadium. However, the area is also perfect if you’re after a quiet escape, as you’ll be located just outside of the busy Downtown area.
Top Things to Do in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
- Browse the stalls and pick up a snack (or two) at Jean-Talon Market, a year-round indoor farmers market.
- Relax and play a game of bocce or two in Dante Park. Montreal Insectarium.
- Marvel at the glorious Church of Madonna della Difesa, an early-20th-century Romanesque church.
- Enjoy traditional Italian fare in Montreal’s bustling and vibrant Little Italy.
- Push the boat out and see Montreal from the top on a helicopter tour over the city.
- See and smell the stunning blooms in the Montreal Botanical Garden.
- Head over to Mount Royal Park for a day of relaxing.
- Enjoy a cup of tea and a moment of Zen at the 15-acre Japanese Garden.
- Learn to fly through the air with the greatest of ease by taking trapeze lessons at Trapezium.
- Sample Produits du terroir (local Quebec products) at Le Marché des Saveurs.
- Go window shopping on Rue Saint-Hubert, home to more than 400 boutiques.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Montreal
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Montreal and where to stay.
What To Pack For Montreal
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Montreal
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Montreal.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Montreal
Buzzing with cultural activities, nightlife, and restaurants, there is plenty to do to keep you occupied in this bustling city.
After reading this guide, I hope you feel more equipped to decide which neighborhood to stay in Montreal. Each of these areas is awesome, but they do cater to various interests.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Montreal, I’d recommend locking in my top hotel in Montreal: Hotel Épik Montréal. Located in the historical district. A great choice for couples, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed holiday.
If you’re solo travelling or looking for a more budget-friendly option, my top hostel pick is M Montreal due to its location in the historical district and proximity to hip bars and restaurants.
Wherever you end up staying, you’ll be in for a treat with Montreal. It’s a wonderful city to explore.
Did I miss any other great spots? Let me know below in the comments.
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