For Julia: Montreal Recommendations
A comprehensive list of recommendations for the city of Montreal (and some McGill specific things), after my four years studying here.
Neighborhoods
Plateau Mont Royal
I know, it’s basic, but it’s loved for a reason. This whole area is so insanely beautiful. You can find amazing cafes and restaurants around every corner. It’s also very residential, which is nice when you’re trying to get away from the McGill student life a bit. Some mandatory parks to chill at are Jeanne Mance and Parc La Fontaine.
Mile End
Just a bit farther north-west than the plateau. Very similar vibe, but you’ll find a lot more Francophone and immigrant communities here. Again, amazing cafes and food spots. If you live in Mile End you’re basically automatically cooler just because it’s a bit further.
Mont Royal
Obviously, not really a neighborhood, but couldn’t really find a section for it. Highly recommend hiking up here, or going for a run through the trails. Beautiful views and always a ton of people out and about. Beaver Lake is extremely beautiful during the fall, and during the winter you can skate on it for free! Great date/picnic spot.
Old Port
I recommend coming here once or twice to explore the piers and the beautiful architecture, but it’s honestly too expensive as a student and once you’ve seen it once you don’t really need to go back. There’s a couple cool speakeasy’s but apart from that, save your money.
Atwater/St Henri
Westmount/NDG
You’ll likely only come here if you end up making friends from these areas. These are basically just residential areas, kind of like our narberth burbs in philly but closer to the downtown areas.
Food
- Cheap/Faster
Kahwa Cafe Antep Zeez Dunya Farrouj Express Bonyard Chillax Dino Mono Dumpling Hut Arepera Coco Rico Fairmount Bagel
Nicer Spots La Panzeria Mandy’s Masakali Indian Bawarchi Epicerie Pumpui Pichai Satay Bros Mano Carnuto Place Carmin Yum Yum Soupe Dumpling Petit Poisson Kazu Joe Beef Oh Miso
Poutineries
Wouldn’t be a Montreal recommendation list without a Poutinerie review Poutine List
- Ma Poule Mouille
- La Banquise
- Patati Patata
- La Belle Province (LBP!)
- Dunn’s
Bars
Atwater Cocktail Honey’s Else’s McKibbins Ye Olde Bar Suzanne
Cafes
Dispatch Nocturne Osmos and Marusan Olimpico Cafetteria
Thrifting/Clothes
Jeans Jeans Jeans Renaissance Value Village Marche Floh Eva-B
McGill Resources
- MOC Cabin
- EUS Cafe and SNAX
- Japote Vinh’s
Libraries
- Westmount Library