J’aime Montréal {Travel Guide}

Montreal was so beautiful I honestly can’t say it enough! We travelled there for David’s birthday because it is his favorite city-I had never been. He had been quite a few times and always talked about how gorgeous and fun Montreal was {so true!} so I couldn’t wait to go and explore!

Even though David had visited a few times before most of the places we explored he’d never been. It’s just a testament to how much there is to see. Even in the 4 days we were there we didn’t hit everything we wanted to, but that just means we’ll definitely be returning!

So here is our guide to Eats & Drinks, Things to Do, and What to Wear Montreal edition!

TO DO

{Mount Royal Park}

I couldn’t wait to see the view from Mount Royal. It is breathtaking!

Let me tell you though I was sweaaating by the end of the hike up so I seriously earned some extra champagne after that walk! So worth it though.

{Atwater Market}

I found this market on Pinterest and knew I had to see it while we were here. It is such a cool spot with gorgeous flowers and fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. We grabbed some paella which was amazing and later a cappuccino and chocolate cake. The market is huge and there are so many cute spots to see.

If you walk down a bit you come to the water and can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddle boats. The weather was so gorgeous we walked all along the water back to downtown. Seriously the perfect day!

{Old Port}

Walking around Old Port gave me all the European vibes. Gorgeous architecture and beautiful views of the water!

{The Gay Village}

Our airbnb was located in the Gay Village and it was seriously an amazing location and adorable spot. There are so many cool things to see in the Gay Village and one of them had to be the rainbow ball installation that hangs over Saint Catherine Street. Usually the balls are just pink but this Summer they were transformed into a rainbow. It was so gorgeous-photos do not do it justice!

{Fireworks}

During the Summer Montreal hosts the Montreal International Fireworks Competition every Saturday. This year it began July 1st and runs through August 5th. We were so lucky it fell on David’s birthday-I mean a giant fireworks display on your 30th birthday?! So perfect.

The fireworks are so gorgeous and it was about a 30 minute show-sooo magical! We were recommended to walk over to the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to get an amazing view. We raced over there and it was so stunning!

{Notre-Dame Basilica}

Located in Old Montreal a definite must see!

TO EAT & DRINK

{Le Robin’s Square}

We stumbled upon this tiny family owned and run restaurant by chance. The reviews were incredible and when we left there was a line out the door. But it is so worth the wait!

The mac n cheese was probably the best I’ve ever had in my life. Yes, the best!

{Reubans Deli}

Our airbnb host recommended Reubans Deli for a smoked meat sandwich, something Montreal is known for! It was really good and I highly recommend splitting one, unless you’re starving-it was huge!

{L’oeufrier}

A super cute breakfast/brunch spot. We ate outside and it was so cute and delicious! The Nutella Crepe with strawberries and bananas was so GOOOOOD. Get it!

{Dominion Square}

I told you I earned that champagne after that walk up the Mountain! And I just so happened to drink it in this cute little bar downtown. We also ordered an amazing cheese board {so good I didn’t even get a picture!}.

{O Thyme}

Such a quaint little French spot! Bring your own wine {don’t have to tell me twice!} The type of spot I wish was here in Tampa so I could go all the time.

{Sea Salt & Ceviche}

A really pretty spot in Old Port to get some delicious sangria. They have quite a few varieties and we ordered a tequila based version-really delish! Sit outside for some amazing people watching and views of the water! They also have a neon Rosé All Day sign inside- ya know for those Insta pics!

{MUV Box}

This is a restaurant in an abandoned shipping container-I mean how cool is that?! We ordered lobster and shrimp rolls and they were delicious. There are so many cute seating areas and you are right on the water!

{Marche De Eclusiers}

This is right next to MUV Box on the canal. Such a cool place with multiple different venues inside-everything from baked goods to acai bowls to an awesome bar with a DJ. We sat at the bar and had champs & poutine! A really cool meeting spot for people of all ages. I highly recommend checking this place out.

{Cadet}

Our last dinner in Montreal and Cadet came highly recommended! It was amazing to say the least-so many unique dishes that are served to share. Such a delicious last meal!

COFFEE 

Now the coffee spots here are so gorgeous they are deserving of their own category!

{Pourquoi Pas}

We frequented this spot everyday since it was a block from our airbnb. Delicious coffee and really cute vibes inside. Highly recommend ordering the fortte if you are a caffeine addict like myself!

{Cafe Tommy}

Another spot I saw on Pinterest that I knew I had to see. Such an adorable shop, I wanted to move in. The Nutella Cronut was soooo good!

{Crew Cafe}

Now Crew Cafe looks like the inside of a European cathedral. It was actually a historic 1920s bank building that was converted into this coffee shop and co-working space. A definite must see!!

TO WEAR

Every person we spoke to from Montreal kept telling us how happy everyone was because of the gorgeous Summer weather. The weather was incredible-70’s with a breeze-hello dreamlover!

I brought a jacket but I never wore it until the last day when the weather was rainy and chilly. The other days I sported flowy dresses {to compensate for the eating and drinking haha} shorts and T’s, and jeans at night.

I brought heels but never wore them, I wore my converse and flat sandals for walking around. We walked A TON so I probably would’ve been better off in my Nike’s but ya know-fashion.

If you’re from Montreal or have been previously we’d love to know your favorite places and recommendations!

On our next visit we definitely want to hit up Piknic Électronik, Atwater Cocktail Club, and the Mile End area of Montreal.

Thanks for reading & happy travels!