Vieux-Montréal, or Old Montreal, is one of the top tourist destinations in the city. A hub for shopping, dining, recreation, and scenery, I found myself here multiple times during my trip soaking in the aesthetics. The majority of attractions line Rue Saint-Paul; you can spend a fair amount of time browsing the shops or grabbing a bite to eat. One of the biggest attractions here is the Notre-Dame Basilica, as well as the Old Port which has several carnival rides, food trucks, and a beach. The area is also filled with historical architecture, monuments, and statues. I noticed they offer walking tours of the area if you are into that, but I opted to explore on my own. One of my favorite features of Vieux-Montréal is the fact that some of the streets are closed off to cars, so you can stroll along with peace of mind. Definitely take the time to visit here, especially if it's your first time in the city. read more

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"Walking slow down the avenue Through my old neighborhood" (Jackson Browne) Old Montreal is just a fantastic place to experience It's the oldest neighborhood of the city (1642) and is world renowned for its cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and European charm. Key landmarks include the Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, the Old Port, and Pointe-à-Callière Museum. There must be hundreds of statues, memorials, monuments, and pieces of public art on every corner. As for shopping and dining, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better city for that. Boutiques, artisan shops, patisseries, restaurants, galleries, and cafes are everywhere. We had a crepe lunch at Chez Suzette, breakfasts at La Fabrique de Bagel and Le Petit Dep, a Polish dinner at Stash Café, and a late snack of coffee and pastries at a different Le Petit Dep. The quality of the food, and the smiling welcoming staff was consistently high wherever we went. Old Montreal is clean, safe, and devoid of panhandlers or vagrants. As we walked through the streets and visited the shops in Old Montreal, it was very cool to listen to all of the different languages being spoken -English, French, Russian, Chinese, and Lord knows what else. Merci and Au Revoir Montreal, we had a wonderful visit. read more

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Old Montreal was such a pleasant surprise. It is the historic part of Montreal, and is so charming. The streets are cobblestone, and there are old stone buildings with beautiful architecture, and a European atmosphere make you feel like you've stepped back in time. There are several small shops, art galleries, and cafés, along historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica. We enjoyed our time in Old Montreal. read more

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You can't really come on a first trip to Montreal without visiting Old Montreal and the adjacent Old Port area. The neighborhood is almost 400 years old, and it is home to several well-preserved streets and buildings constructed during the colonial era. Simply wandering the curving cobblestone streets, with 19th-century buildings as your historical backdrop, is the most popular thing to do here. The whole area is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, with interesting shops and restaurants tucked in hidden areas. Old Montréal is best explored on foot, we started from Norte Dame Basilica. Vieux-Montreal is where the city began, and its old buildings and cobblestone streets make it the most picturesque neighborhood in the city. This is where you'll also find the popular waterfront promenade along the Vieux-Port (Old Port). many things to explore, naming a few. 1. Explore the Old Port of Montreal 2. Notre-Dame Basilica 3. Stroll along Rue Saint-Paul 4. Place Jacques-Cartier 5. Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) 6. Pointe-à-Callière, Musée d'archéologie et d'histoire 7. Place d'Armes 8. Dining In Old Montréal 9. La Grande Roue de Montreal 10. Montreal Science Centre 11. Clock Tower 12. MTL Zipline 13. City Hall 14. Go Shopping If you're interested in history and/or architecture, you might enjoy a walking tour through the neighborhood with a local guide to provide that additional context. read more

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This is one of the top tourist destinations in the city of Montreal. I have been coming here for more than 20 years and I have seen many changes through the years. They used to have an alley with artists painting right on the spot, not anymore. There are some of them on Place Jacques Cartier. The area is full of great restaurants and cafes, albeit overpriced, but great and convenient for those visiting and not caring much about their travel budget. Most of the area is pedestrian only, so it's convenient for strolling. Parking is a bit of a challenge with some street parking, parking lots and parking garages nearby. There are at least two metro stops blocks away from Place Jacques-Cartier. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

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We walked around Old Montreal at night and during the day time, and both settings had beautiful scenery. The narrow streets, high buildings, and street performers/vendors really give you an old world feel right in the middle of a big city. Many of the shops around here are souvenir shops, though, so I wouldn't recommend Old Montreal for serious shoppers. There were many ice cream shops/restaurants/gelato stands, though, and anyone can enjoy those! read more

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Old Montreal is a must stop when visiting the city. Just walk around, dine, drink, shop, visit a museum. The Old port is included in this area where there are plenty of spots to keep you entertained from a giant Ferris wheel, to a zip line, to a 'beach'. What I like about old Montreal is the narrow alley ways. Tree lined streets. Gas street lamps. Small public spaces, some 'green', most with benches, art and/or water features. Many of the buildings are stone from the cities colonial settlement. The lovely Notre Dame and Notre Dame Bon Secours Chapel are here and free to enter. There is a bike path that runs along the river side road Rue Commune. Be sure you are not walking on the bike path! A tree lined, grassy pathway runs between Rue Commune and Prom du Vieux-Port. The Montreal museum of science, Archaeology and history museum, Chateau Ramezay and others are all located in this area. You can spend a week here and keep busy. Whether you like night life, history, shopping, dining or entertainment Vieux-Montreal has something for you. read more

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A charming, historic old part of Montreal that is definitely a place visitors should see when visiting Montreal. We took an Uber to the Rue St-Paul area where there are many many restaurants and bars all lined up for many blocks. Even though it was 9 degrees out, we walked a few blocks and checked out a few places and enjoyed the area. Definitely worth visiting! read more

Vieux-Montréal is "Old Montreal," and - of course - you can't miss it on your first visit to Montreal. I just spent five nights in Montreal a week or so ago, and I knew I had to sign up for a walking tour of Old Montreal for one of my days in the city. The neighborhood was founded in 1642 and was declared a historic district in 1964, but most of the buildings date to somewhere in between those years. But there's some gorgeous architecture (especially some of the financial services/bank buildings on St. James Street), the Notre-Dame Basilica, monuments/statutes, historic buildings, and more! It's a must see when you visit Montreal whether you explore on your own or do a guided tour! read more

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We explored the old Montreal Square which was nice walking tour of the city. Cobblestones so wear comfortable shoes. Lots of cafes and restaurants. Locals entertaining tourists with songs and dances. The place is pricey. So check their menus. Love the feel of Old architectural building . Souvenirs are all same price . Watch for pickpockets. read more

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No visit to Montreal is complete without a stroll through the neighborhood of Old Montreal. This historical neighborhood has many very old buildings that date back to the time when France colonized this area. With its narrow cobblestone streets and the surrounding architecture, walking around here feels like being in a European city. The highlight of this area is definitely the Notre Dame Basilica church, with its beautiful interior. I also recommend walking around the Old Port which has a nice clock tower. There are a good amount of cafes and restaurants as well. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

Love visiting Old Montreal. It is like going to Paris but in Canada. I love the old architectures. There are many great food spots here. There is so much to see. I also love how they blocked off the roads in Old Montreal for pedestrians or tourists only. The roads in Old Montreal are made out of cobblestone or brick. It really has that old European feel/touch to it. I love it. A great place to take pictures. Old Montreal can get very busy in the afternoon. This is a tourist attraction spot. The feel is different if you come here during the day vs during the night. I say at night it feels very romantic even if it is just going for a stroll. read more

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There are plenty of advantages to be had when you stay in Old Montréal: countless of dining options, art galleries and many of the city's hot spots to visit. Old Montréal's cobblestone streets are super narrow, could be a little chaotic, they go all which ways and many sidewalks, are single-file tiny- but that just adds to the charm. Because our first Fall visit in 2017 left such a big impact, we returned a few months later in December in that same year- with two more times in 2018 and '19. Hubs and I try our hardest to avoid some of the touristy locations as much as possible and venture wayyy out the beaten track. It's never a daunting task for us though- because even when we're driving to different towns outside of Old Montréal, there's nothing a GPS won't do! Old Montréal is known for style, it's history, food, and so much more! Aside from the "south side", there are neighborhood clusters in Montréal- that are chic, funky or family-friendly. Montréal's history is very lengthy and not getting into that now- but walking along Old Montréal gives you plenty of its rich history to absorb- plus it's dominated by Notre Dame (I wanna say it's in the middle of everything). And with so many stunning and picturesque building façades, and sooooooo many other destinations- you'll be amazed you visited at least once. We've never had a bad experience here. Montréalers are pleasant in general. Even more so when I practice my French every chance I get when we come here. One pastry café even gifted me Macarons for carrying a French conversation in detail. I consider a few places my "home" but since our first visit here, Montréal is super close to my heart. If and when the time comes, I'd pack up our bags and come to Montréal in a heartbeat! read more

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Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal) is a beautiful part of the city. I love the cobblestone streets. You might even see some horse-drawn carriages around. The area reminds me of parts of Old Quebec City. During the warmer months you'll see artists set up shop on the streets offering to sell you caricatures of yourself, or for a higher fee, a life-like portrait. Some of the artists sell paintings, photographs, jewelery, and more. Marché Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market) is in Old Montreal. It's open year-round and has several boutiques selling made in Quebec items. It also houses a few restaurants and galleries. Sometimes there are special exhibits there too. Old Montreal is home to lots of unique shops and restaurants. Most things in this area are quite pricey though, so don't go expecting a deal. I don't get down to Old Montreal all that often when I'm in Montreal, but when I do, I definitely enjoy the old architecture and beautiful scenery. read more

Our group enjoy walking on the street market and shopping around seeing arts exhibition and historical architecture and monument. Lots of souvenirs stores and restaurants. We went to the area so many times during our visited, day and night gives different vibe and feeling. Other than going to another tourist area, this street area is one of our favorites in Montreal. read more

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Long... ... ago... ... he unpacked the last stack of rocks for the day, only one more stack until the day was over and he could go home to her. Just as he had done hundreds of times that day, and tens of thousands of times over the last year, he began picking through them to find just the right stones to continue the cobbles of the street he was laying down beneath him. This one? No, too tall. This one, just a bit too wide. This one! He didn't even really think about it, his body knew the motions and he laid the stone down and packed it in. One stone. One of thousands. Years later I stepped into the city and touched the stone, stepping on each carefully placed paver as I made my way down the narrow streets, past the tiny shops, by the massive old buildings and towering cathedral. Old Montreal. The old streets, the old buildings, the new dreamers. The massive river lumbers by, tumbling by the old port; its course inevitable and unwavering. It marches on, going where it chooses, and it chooses not to walk the same stone path. Old Montreal is a treasure, and yes, while it is packed with tourists, you can navigate with the Yelp app to avoid the traps, and even find the great art galleries and interesting food around the edges; tiny pockets of local and original discovery. Let the regular road trippers have the bad Chinese buffets or the tacky gifts--I'm going to the art gallery, sitting down for a warm drink, plotting my next move, and maybe stealing a few bites from a local chocolatier I've tucked into my bag. read more

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Any visitor to Montreal should definitely check out Vieux-Montreal or Old Montreal. It's one of the most touristy spots in Montreal, but for good reason. Visiting Old Montreal is like visiting a European city in the 1600s. With cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 19th, 18th, and 17th centuries, it certainly looks very different from other parts of Montreal and Canada. It's charming, picturesque, and filled with all sorts of history. There are historic churches and buildings such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, museums, the Montreal Science Centre, and many hotels, restaurants, and shops. Old Montreal stretches about 10 city blocks, north to the south, and is about 2-3 blocks wide. It's big. The neighborhood sits along the Saint Lawrence River. We spent most of our time at the Old Port, on the northeast corner. I highly recommend visiting Old Port. We checked out the shops there (bought some maple syrup), went to La Grande Roue de Montreal (Canada's tallest Ferris wheel: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-grande-roue-de-montr%C3%A9al-montr%C3%A9al-2) and saw the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (https://www.yelp.com/biz/chapelle-notre-dame-de-bon-secours-montr%C3%A9al-2), next to the popular Bonsecours Market. We also went jet boating with Saute-Moutons (https://www.yelp.com/biz/saute-moutons-jet-boating-montr%C3%A9al-montreal), which is situated right next to Old Port's famous Clock Tower. While I don't recommend it for everyone, jet boating with Saute-Moutons was, for sure, one of the highlights of our trip. Additionally, we ate all sorts of poutine, deeper inside the old city, at La Baraque du Vieux St-Vincent (https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-baraque-du-vieux-st-vincent-montr%C3%A9al). If you've never been to Old Montreal, it's worth carving out some time to do so. read more

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As close as you will come in North America to EUROPE. OLD... far more interesting architecture than majority of USA/CANADA. The challenge with it being so TOURIST BASED; LOT of crappy shops (similar to niagara falls/times square, etc), bad t-shirts for way too much $$$, gotta be picky with eating/restos; some really good ones, also tourist junk. And a terrible city for shopping (no vintage to speak of, second hand, tj maxx/winners type stuff, all missing). I would say every 30-40 years or so it's a nice visit....? read more

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One of the best part of my summers is walking, biking, sitting anywhere in Vieux-Montréal. I make sure to do it at least once every summer and on a perfect day (sunny and warm) It really just transports you. It's charming and old-timey. It's the quintessential Montréal tourist activity. You can have a queue de castor while walking down all the beautiful shops, you can head to Vieux Port to see some boats or zipline, you can try out a number of escape the room games, you can see Cirque Du Soleil, you can go to Bota Bota, and etc! The possibilities are truly endless. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

Simply amazing. If you like the French Quarter in New Orleans or the River Street area of Savannah, then you'll fricking love Old Montreal. So much to do and see, whether you've got a destination in mind or just want to get lost. read more

You can't miss going to Old Montreal when you're visiting here. This is a must visit for anybody, regardless of whether you are a tourist or not. If you don't come here, you really are missing out. Other than Quebec City of course, this is the closest you'll get to feeling like you're in Europe as you walk down this beautiful neighbourhood. The architecture is absolutely stunning and will leave you awed as you stroll down the cobblestone streets. I love how the City of Montreal blocked off the streets to traffic so the streets are for pedestrians only. Great move, Montreal. The only thing I would say is that it can get quite crowded here - but this is to be expected in such a touristy area of the city. Be aware of tourist trap shops too, those are quite common here. Other than that, I highly recommend you make a stop here regardless of what season it is. There's lots to see and do here, and you won't leave disappointed. The hype surrounding Old Montreal really lives up to its expectations. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

The proximity of our downtown Ac Marriott hotel from here allowed us to make frequent forays to Old Montreal near the waterfront, either for breakfast or dinner at one of many restaurants there, or just take leisurely stroll on quiet cobblestone streets to admire the old stone buildings that still stand solemnly in this historic district. The area is safe, clean, well-maintained, and well-lit at night. On a weekend it got a bit more crowded. Truth be told as a first time visitor I found the Old Town boundary demarcation a bit ambiguous. For me, the Norte Dame Basilica, a gothic masterpiece with beautiful stained glasses, was the star of Old Town attractions. It more than rivals its namesake across the pond. read more

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Good Old Montréal! We strolled up and down the cobblestone streets filled with so much history. The architecture is so beautiful. I wanted to do the Tyrolienne Zip Line but my friends were so not about that life..lol Not to mention it was 40 degrees outside. Who am I kidding, but there were so many other cool things to do like the Ferris Wheel, pedal boats, museums, and shopping. We visited once during the day and again for nightlife. Walking on cobblestone in heels is an art! I will definitely consider doing the Old Montreal Food Tour on my next visit. I just want to eat my way through Montréal next time. The local food was absolutely amazing. We also stopped by the Notre Dame Basilica but the line was ridiculously long and seemed to never end. There was also a wedding ceremony in progress at the time of our visit as well. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

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Old Montreal is one of the top spots that tourists need to visit. We walked past the Norte-Dame Basilica and strolled around the cobblestone streets. We didn't explore too much since it was cold. If you want the European experience without leaving North America, come here. read more

Walking through the area of Old Montreal close to the waterfront-there was an enormous inflatable igloo and seats for the public to sit in front of a fire place which was a nice touch. It was also fun to see the history of the structures which were stone at one time and then covered over later with bricks. There is an historic boutique Hotel Bonaparte that looked elegant and had a restaurant attached that I would like to explore next time. read more

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I have been to Old Montreal numerous of time in various season. I would not comment on all those cheesy souvenir stores as I never set foot in any of them. I would not comment on those overpriced restaurants as I never ate in any of them. I just love wandering around the cobble streets and admire the beautiful historical buildings. A great area to have a stroll and take some photos. read more

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The well preserved old world architecture takes you back to the 1600s and 1700s of French Canada. The tourists, shops, galleries, and restaurants remind you that this is beautiful but touristy modern day Montreal. Pleasantly, I didn't notice any corporate chain stores, most seemed unique and independent, though you'll find Starbucks and McDonald's on the outskirts of Old Montreal. As nice as it all is, I found Old Quebec City more charming than Old Montreal. Nevertheless, definitely stroll around, take some pictures, and maybe pick up some souvenirs. read more

Very beautiful feel of Montreal that resembles a European setup with the cobbled steps and architecture. Simply wandering the streets alone is a pleasure with its romantic appeal. Even the McDonald's looks gorgeous. It's also conveniently close to Old Port and China Town in case you'd like to check out other tourist attractions. There are many nice places to dine at or grab a drink although some of these options are pricy. Take a stroll through this dreamy part of Montreal. I'm sure you won't regret it. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

"Old Montreal" is lots of old architecturally elaborate buildings, gorgeous turrets, and ornate touches. Tons of history in this neighborhood. First settlers to Montreal made this the location of choice. Right along the Saint Lawrence's, it was perfect for the shipping industry. The old port, the first market in Montreal, the Montreal Science Center are prime examples of the changing landscape over the last 400 years. I strongly suggest you reserve a spot and go on the FREE walking tour. It goes all around town, stopping in many of the neighborhoods, while highlighting points of interest from history. You will get a great explanation of if Old Montreal!! PS, take your camera! There's so many awesome structures, you'll enjoy the trip down Memory Lane!! read more

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I don't tend to hate on other Yelper's reviews but really, how can you not give Le Vieux Montreal five stars?! I'm questioning your review skills all of yous who deemed this historic center and old port four stars. For those who've never been, Le Vieux Montreal is the old part of Montreal consisting of an area made up of cobblestone streets, amazing restaurants and ever so hip pubs and bars, the St. Lawrence River, museums, beautiful old churches, European architecture, art galleries, and so many more uncovered gems. I have spent days walking along these streets and enjoyed every second of it. I have yet to be during the summer but, even in dead of winter, with snow blanketing everything, and the cold numbing your face, I can't imagine a more special place in a North American city. You fall in love with everything around you. Yes, it can be touristy but, that's because it's f*%&$* amazing. J'adore Montreal, j'adore le Vieux Montreal. read more

There is so much to see and do at Le Vieux Montreal, and a lot of it can be seen by just walking around the old cobblestone streets. In fact, a lot if it won't even cost anything! Grab a cup of coffee and have at it. Window shopping and taking pictures won't cost a dime. When we were in town not too long ago we did the touristy thing and strolled these streets a bunch of times. Many are blocked off to auto traffic and most restaurants offer outside seating. Exploring, shopping, eating, drinking. There is so much to experience here - culture, galleries, amazing old structures, historic churches, pubs, eateries, and more. Easy to get to by bus, metro, cab, or Uber. Yes, be a tourist! Buy that cheesy magnet for the fridge. Do the touristy thing and enjoy it for what it is. read more

So beautiful at night! The architecture is just amazing. I would come back just to be able to see these buildings during the day. I sat in front of Notre Dame with my dinner and just stared at the buildings and people watched. Nothing can beat cobblestone streets and tall historical buildings! read more

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Does not seem like we are in North America. Seems like we are in Europe. I cannot recall anywhere else in North America that has so many cobblestone streets. There is something for everyone here. If you like art, then they have plenty of art galleries. If you like history, then there are museums here to visit. If you like shopping, then there are plenty of options here. If you like eating, then there are many restaurants from which to choose to fill your belly. The beautiful Notre Dame Basilica is located here in Old Montreal. Do Not Miss visiting this beauty! When in Montreal, make sure to stop by Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal)!! Your visit to this wonderful city would not be complete if you missed coming here! read more

I had been to Old Montreal couple times and still love this place. The favourite travelling seasons will be between early Summer and early Fall. The weather is usually nice and warmer for walking and exploring the very European-style cafes, boutique shops, historical scenery and buildings around this old town. The Horse & Carriage tour is a must try. The driver takes you to all major historical scenes with informative guides and humorous tales. As far as I remember, the tour charges a minimum of a half-hour tour. It is expensive for one person for sure. However, it worths to try when you have a group of two or more. The Carriage is spacious enough to accommodate four adults and just enough for add two more kids. read more

We spent a good few hours here on Canada day yesterday. The cobblestone road and old buildings was quaint and refreshing. There were people making balloon animals/superheroes/disney characters for kids. There is a zipline across the water that lasts about twenty seconds. There was also a play area on a pirate ship where kids and adults could swing from obstacle to obstacle fifty or so feet above ground. There also pedal boats for 2-4 and remote control mini sailboats. Food trucks selling poutine and ice cream were also scattered in the area. Overall, there was a lot that you could do in the area, though at least half the people are probably tourists. read more

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My first time back to Montreal in 10 years and had to re-visit Old Montreal. It's one of those rare historic areas in Canada where you can pretend you are in the 1800's. From the cobblestone road to the Old Port to Notre Dame, there are plenty of historic buildings and structures to tour. I loved walking on the Old Port as you get a great view of the St. Lawrence river and see some other attractions such as the Science Centre. In addition, there are plenty of benches. Verdict: One of the must-visit sites in Montreal. Don't miss out. read more

Vieux-Montréal - Local Flavor Near Me

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I loved wandering around Old Montreal. Montreal by itself is a great city for pedestrians and public transportation users. Old Montreal kicks it up a notch with its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, restaurants and their outdoor dining, small boutique shops, souvenir shops, open plazas and statues, etc. Definitely walk down Saint Paul street. You can't miss it, it's the oldest street in Montreal. I highly recommend checking out Le Robin Square (small family restaurant) and Notre Dame Basilica (closes ~4pm) while in Old Montreal. read more

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Touristy. However, with a lot of history attached. Some interesting areas, but somewhat disappointing to see all the tchotchke shops and stores hawking tasteless tee shirts. A lot of high end restaurants and bars, which were nicely designed. At any rate, any trip to Montreal is worth a visit here. read more

I love the Old Montreal. It's got this amazing, old feeling that makes you travel back in time. The buildings all have wonderful architecture (even though I don't know much about architecture), the restaurants are good and not much pricey compared to some other places (depends on where you go) and everything's so pretty at night here. Perfect for a romantic stroll. read more

Vieux-Montréal - The Old Montreal at night, in the rain - Local Flavor Near Me

It's a must to get the feel for Montreal. Suggested things to do (all within reasonable walking distance): Norte dame basilica and square Walk along river's north bank Visit any of several museums Strolling: lots of courtyards and monuments in the neighborhood that help fill in the city's history Bypass as many horse carriages and souvenirs shops as possible. Unless that's your thing, they have really popped up a lot. read more