The romantic historic heart — Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal), a beautiful quarter of cobbled streets, 18th-century stone buildings, the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, boutique hotels, galleries and the lively Old Port on the river. Atmospheric, central and endlessly photogenic, walkable to the main sights; the classic base for a first visit who wants Old-World charm and the top sights on the doorstep, though it's the priciest area. Montreal at its most beautiful. Utterly charming.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€260–480
typical per night in Canada
You pay for the postcode
One of the pricier addresses in Montreal.
Where it sits
The circle is Vieux-Montréal and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- The summer festivals12 min walk1.0 km
- The Underground City15 min walk1.2 km
- Street art & the murals25 min walk2.1 km
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts27 min walk2.2 km
- Mount Royal Park8 min taxi2.6 km
- The Plateau & spiral staircases8 min taxi2.7 km
- Montreal bagels & smoked meat12 min taxi4.1 km
- Mile End & Jean-Talon Market17 min taxi5.7 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 1.Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal) — The romantic soul of the city — Vieux-Montréal, a beautifully preserved quarter of cobbled streets, 18th- and 19th-century grey-stone buildings, horse-drawn carriages, the lovely Place Jacques-Cartier square, boutiques, galleries and cafés, all with a distinctly European feel. Simply wandering its atmospheric lanes down to the Old Port, admiring the architecture and soaking up the charm, is the essential Montreal experience. Go by day for the beauty and evening for the glow; it feels like a slice of France in North America. Utterly charming and unmissable.
- 2.Notre-Dame Basilica — One of the most beautiful churches in North America — the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, whose Gothic Revival exterior hides a breathtaking interior of deep-blue, star-studded vaulted ceilings, intricate wood carving, gold leaf and stunning stained glass depicting the city's history. Step inside to gasp at the sheer beauty, or catch the spectacular 'Aura' light-and-sound show that illuminates the interior after dark. A jaw-dropping, essential highlight and the city's most magnificent building. Unmissable; the light show is magical. Simply stunning.
- 4.The Old Port — The revitalised waterfront along the St Lawrence — the Old Port, a lively riverside promenade with a giant Ferris wheel, a zipline, boat cruises and jet-boat rides on the rapids, a science centre, urban beach and, in winter, an atmospheric outdoor skating rink. Stroll the waterfront, take a river cruise, ride the wheel for the views, or skate under the winter lights; it's a fun, scenic playground beside the historic old town. A lively, family-friendly highlight in every season. Great for a relaxed few hours by the water.
- 7.Poutine & the food scene — Montreal is one of North America's great food cities, and Quebec's beloved comfort food, poutine — crispy fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy — is essential (and gloriously indulgent). Beyond that, the city dazzles with French bistros, superb Portuguese chicken, Haitian and Vietnamese food, buzzy markets like Jean-Talon and Atwater, and a world-class fine-dining scene. Tuck into a late-night poutine, graze the markets, and book a great bistro; the quality, variety and value are outstanding. A delicious highlight of any visit. Eat well and often.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Vieux-Montréal; flights via Google Flights.