Plan Your Getaway to Downtown Montreal
Ideally located boutique hotel to discover all the things downtown Montreal has to offer
During your stay in Montreal, the HONEYROSE Hotel team will be happy to recommend unmissable activities and locations, whether close to the hotel or further away. Here are a few suggestions to help you experience Montreal to the fullest!
Montreal culinary experience
Experience a typical Montreal culinary adventure by tasting our local classics.
Sugar Shack
One of the most typical foodie activities in Quebec is definitely the sugar shack! You can enjoy maple taffy on snow, pea soup, meat pies, maple smoked ham, crispy pork rinds, and more! Visit one of the many sugar shacks in Montreal and the surrounding area to experience a fun and sweet tradition.
La Banquise
Try the famous national dish of Quebec, poutine! It consists of fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy, but it can have endless variations. It’s so delicious, you’ll be coming back for more!
St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel
When you visit Montreal, be sure not to miss the famous Montreal bagels, renowned as the best in the world! Their unique preparation, in a distinctive setting, makes them unbeatable elsewhere. Each bagel is handmade, dipped in honey-sweetened water, and then baked in a wood-fired oven. Two must-visit spots compete for the reputation of serving the most delicious, so it’s up to you to try them and decide for yourself!
Schwartz's Deli
This place is a must-visit for the best Montreal-style smoked meat in the city! It’s a beef brisket seasoned with spices, slowly smoked, then cooked at low temperature before being sliced thinly. It’s typically served between two slices of rye bread with yellow mustard, but it can also be served in a less traditional form!
Vibrant neighborhoods
Montreal is full of neighborhoods, each with its own charm and personality. Check out our recommendations to find the ones that suit you best.
Little Italy
Little Italy in Montreal is a vibrant neighborhood, known for its Italian restaurants, cafés, and the Jean-Talon Market. Perfect for a stroll, enjoying fresh produce, or savoring a pizza on a terrace, it offers a warm, typically Italian atmosphere.
Plateau Mont-Royal
The Plateau Mont-Royal is a vibrant neighborhood in Montreal, famous for its colorful streets, spiral staircases, and trendy cafés. It’s the perfect place to wander, discover street art, or enjoy the famous Montreal bagels. The atmosphere is laid-back and artistic, making it ideal for a day out with friends or a leisurely stroll.
The Old Port of Montreal
The historic port of Montreal is now a vibrant 2km district featuring restaurants, food trucks, shops and outdoor activities, events and entertainment for all ages.
Mount Royal Park
A lush, 200-hectare sanctuary in the heart of Montreal, Mount Royal Park is the place where you can snowshoe, tube and skate during winter and barbecue, bike and enjoy concerts in the summer.
Jean-Drapeau Park
Known for its rich and diverse cultural and sports programming, this park only 5 minutes from downtown Montreal features open, green spaces, wildlife, a rock climbing wall, amusement park rides and a live music venue.
Quartier des Spectacles
Montreal's premier cultural district features Place des Arts, a complex with several performance halls, and the Musée d’art contemporain. There are also year-round outdoor events and festivals and public art installations and light projections to create a festive vibe.
Things to do in Montreal
Wondering how to have fun and make the most of our vibrant city? Here's a list of our must-visit attractions in Montreal!
Olympic Stadium
This iconic site was built to host the 1976 Olympic Games. It’s also home to the tallest inclined tower in the world. You can take a guided tour of the stadium, ride up to the observation tower, stroll through the Olympic Park, or attend a sporting event.
Montreal casino
Located in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Montral Casino is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable entertainment experience, with free shows, restaurants, a wide variety of casino games, a cabaret, and the immersive ARcade experience by Moment Factory.
Maison symphonique
Experience a grand musical performance at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, a modern concert hall located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles. It is home to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) and also hosts classical music concerts, jazz performances, and world music events. With its exceptional acoustics and elegant design, it’s a must-visit destination for music lovers.
La Ronde
Looking for thrills? La Ronde, the largest amusement park in Quebec, is waiting for you! With its many rides, there’s something for all ages and tastes. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show by Lotto-Québec, a breathtaking experience, which takes place for several months each summer!
Biodome, Insectarium, Biosphere, Planetarium, Botanical Garden
These facilities will allow you to explore wildlife, flora, astronomy, art, society, and science. You can visit them and enjoy many must-see events. To purchase your tickets and get more information, visit the Espace pour la Vie website: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en
Bell Center
The 21,105-seat Bell Center is the largest ice hockey arena in the world and home to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). It has also hosted major concerts and mixed martial arts and professional wrestling events.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
This bold, cutting-edge and meticulously curated museum showcases all disciplines such as the visual arts, history and science. It is the largest art museum in Canada.
Aura Light Show Montreal at Notre-Dame Basilica
Experience this stunning light and music show that is displayed against the dome of the Notre-Dame Basilica. It's a spectacular union of art and architecture.
Best places to shop
Whether you're looking to shop indoors because it's raining or you want to discover beautiful boutiques with street-facing storefronts, here are our top recommendations!
Jean-Talon market
It is one of the largest markets in North America, where you will find local artisans and producers offering both local specialties and international product discoveries.
Eaton Center
It’s the perfect place for shopping or enjoying a meal in its dining area. Its multiple floors house a variety of popular stores. Additionally, it is connected to Montreal’s underground transportation network, making access easy.
Sainte-Catherine Street West
Stroll down Sainte-Catherine Street, Montreal's main commercial thoroughfare, where you'll find the Eaton Centre and the Cours Mont-Royal, lined with restaurants and famous boutiques such as Ogilvy, Holt Renfrew and Simons.
Getting around Montreal
Looking for the best way to get around Montreal? Here are several options available to you!
Public transportation
With the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) network, you can easily get around Montreal by subway or bus. You can purchase tickets or an OPUS card at subway stations. Visit their website for more information on schedules and fares: https://www.stm.info/en.
BIXI bikes
Getting around by bike has never been easier! You can rent your bicycle directly at the station or via the BIXI app. It's free for the first 45 minutes! After that, the price is based on the additional minutes. There’s no need to return the bike to the original station—simply drop it off at any of the many stations. For more information, please visit their website: https://bixi.com/en.
RESO
The RESO, also known as Montreal’s underground city, is a vast covered pedestrian network spanning over 30 km. It connects shopping centers, subway stations, offices, hotels, and downtown attractions. Perfect for getting around warm in the winter or sheltered from the elements, it’s a must-try for exploring the city in a different way. Click HERE to view the map of Montreal’s underground network.
Spa
Treat yourself to a moment of calm and relaxation.
Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, this urban spa preserves the ancient tradition of Scandinavian baths. Authentic and contemporary, it provides the ultimate relaxation experience combining the benefits of hydrotherapy and massage. Experience the feeling of complete escape right in the city, at Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal.
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau
Bota Bota is unique in its location. The spa is located on a boat moored in the Old Port of Montreal. From its whirlpool, the view of Montreal is breathtaking.