Where to Stay in Montreal (Best Places & Areas)

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I spent the summer of 2024 living in Montreal and getting to know the city. During that time, I became very well-acquainted with all of its one-of-a-kind neighborhoods and who they’re best for. 

Downtown Montreal is ideal for first-time visitors since it’s within walking distance of top attractions and other neighborhoods. It’s also home to the city’s best hotel in my opinion, Hôtel Le Germain. This accommodation has friendly staff, a solid location, and amenities for any type of traveler. 

The Downtown area is just one of Montreal’s many amazing districts, though. For the details on each neighborhood’s pros and cons, the best hotels, and tips for making your time in Montreal exceptional, read on.

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Best Places to Stay in Montreal

If you’re short on time, these are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hôtel Le Germain
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel St.Thomas
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – The Ritz-Carlton Montreal 
• 👪 Best for Families – Le Petit Hôtel Vieux-Montréal
• 💻 Best for Business – HONEYROSE Hotel 
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Hotel Gault
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Auberge du Plateau
• 🍻 Best Near Nightlife – Lofts du Parc LaHaie

Now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area in Montreal: 

6 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Montreal

Among all the destinations around Canada, Montreal is by far one of the best cities. It’s a walkable (and bikeable) community whose neighborhoods encircle the emblematic Mont Royal Park. All of its districts have a unique personality with different offerings that can be perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. 

Downtown Montreal

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Montreal Hotels: HONEYROSE Hotel • Hôtel Le Germain • Le Mount Stephen • The Ritz-Carlton Montreal 

Downtown Montreal is in the heart of the city surrounded by other popular neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter and Old Port. Thanks to this optimal location, staying Downtown will put you right next to many of Montreal’s biggest attractions. 

Inside the district, you’ll find the Montréal Underground City, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and my personal favorite, the Barbie Expo. This art exhibit features thousands of dolls dressed up in designer attire. 

Just a short walk away are all the family-friendly things to do around Old Port, such as the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal and Voiles en Voiles. 

There is no shortage of amazing accommodations in Downtown either, including my choice for the #1 Best Montreal hotel – Hôtel Le Germain. 

The reviews for this place are off the charts and visitors rave about the staff’s attentiveness. Plus, they have useful amenities for any type of traveler, like babysitting services for families and meeting rooms for business travelers. 

The only potential downside of staying Downtown is that it gets quite busy. During the high season from late June to September, Downtown is crawling with tourists and prices can rise significantly. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Montreal Neighborhood:

• Centrally located
• Near Chinatown and other MTL neighborhoods
• Close to attractions 
• Access to public transit 
• Endless accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Downtown Montreal Neighborhood:

• Busy 
• Expensive 

Latin Quarter

👉 Best Area For Central Location | ✨ Best Latin Quarter Hotels: Manoir Sherbrooke • hotel & spa Carré Saint-Louis • Hôtel de l’ITHQ

Visitors who only have a couple of days to get a feel for Montreal should stay in the Latin Quarter as it’s right in the middle of the city. Downtown, Old Port and even Plateau Mont-Royal can all be reached on foot from this area if you’re willing to walk about 20 minutes. 

The Latin Quarter is a very lively part of Montreal with lots of college students around and a varied nightlife scene. There are intimate little wine bars like Le Psy Bar vins et fromages, and more boisterous spots such as La Distillerie no.1. 

You can happily recover from a night of partying at the Latin Quarter’s adorable cafes, like Café Lulu and Le Café Big Trouble. The restaurants around this neighborhood are very diverse as well. You can get Mediterranean at Menthe et couscous or traditional Korean dishes at :JOA. 

The major con of the Latin Quarter is that there aren’t as many hotels or attractions around since the area is compact and mainly caters to longer-term residents. 

That’s why you should book a spot like Manoir Sherbrooke in advance. This exceptional hotel has huge, luxurious rooms for a surprisingly reasonable price. 

Pros of Staying in Latin Quarter Neighborhood:

• Heart of the city 
• Easy to walk anywhere 
• Great cafes
• Many young people and students
• A diverse array of restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Latin Quarter Neighborhood:

• Few hotels 
• Limited tourist attractions

Old Port

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Old Port Hotels: Maison Sainte-Thérèse By Maisons & co • Hôtel Uville Montréal  • Le Petit Hôtel Vieux-Montréal • Hotel Gault 

Old Port is typically recommended as the first place visitors should check out in Montreal because it’s so gorgeous. It’s also the best fit for families considering it’s one of the safest parts of the city right near the water with a wealth of kid-friendly activities.

There are cultural sites that will keep youngsters entertained, like the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. A ride on the city’s famous La Grande Roue de Montréal is a great experience for all ages. 

Old Port even has a pirate adventure park right by the water called Voiles en Voiles with climbing walls, ziplines, and rope courses. 

The culinary scene around Old Port is a big reason why visitors flock to this district. With spots like Gibbys, L’Usine de Spaghetti, and Dandy available, you’ll never go hungry. 

Old Port has lots of beautiful boutique hotels as well. Families will love Le Petit Hôtel Vieux-Montréal for its comfortable beds and delicious breakfast. Hotel Gault is another lovely boutique hotel. It feels very regal and the staff will even arrange tours around Montreal for you upon request. 

As you might have guessed, Old Port is one of the most popular places to stay in Montreal. Expect it to be saturated with people and a little more expensive than other parts of the city. 

Pros of Staying in Old Port Neighborhood:

• Famous MTL attractions 
• Family-friendly things to do 
• Safe area near the water
• Lots of nice hotels
• Many upscale restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Old Port Neighborhood:

• Pricey 
• Crowded 

Plateau Mont-Royal

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Plateau Mont-Royal Hotels: Hotel Kutuma • Auberge de La Fontaine • François-Denis Apartments • Auberge du Plateau 

Plateau Mont-Royal is consistently recognized as one of Montreal’s prettiest neighborhoods. I have to agree. Simply walking around the plant-covered streets of this district makes for a pleasant afternoon, and it’s great for travel photographers.

This can be a solid place to stay for budget travelers because there are a few really nice, low-cost accommodations. For example, Auberge du Plateau is a hostel that’s incredibly clean and has a welcoming staff that makes you feel at home. Visitors can get a bed in a 6-bed dorm for less than $50 per night or a private room with breakfast for less than $150. 

Many of the eateries around Plateau are suitable for visitors on a tight budget. La Banquise and Ma Poule Mouillée are two of the best places to try the Canadian specialty of poutine for a low cost. Omnivore St-Laurent and Bocadillo also serve tasty cheap eats. 

The final piece to the budget-friendly trifecta: Plateau Mont-Royal’s main activities are all affordable to free. You can hike up to viewpoints at Mount Royal or check out the neighborhood’s distinctive street art along Graffiti Street. 

My personal favorite affordable activity to do around Plateau Mont-Royal was browsing all the trendy vintage shops, such as Marché Floh and Club 777 Vintage. The neighborhood is also surrounded by pretty nature like La Fontaine Park. 

The limitation of Plateau Mont-Royal is that it’s a bit of a hike from the city’s big tourist attractions. It’s also difficult to find parking, so it can be tough if you’re driving while visiting Canada. Additionally, it’s not quite as affordable to live here full-time as apartments can be pricey. 

Pros of Staying in Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood:

• Aesthetic streets 
• Affordable accommodations 
• Restaurants at a variety of price points
• Great vintage shopping 
• Surrounded by nature
• Cool nightlife scene

Cons of Staying in Plateau Mont-Royal Neighborhood:

• Not many attractions
• Limited parking 
• More expensive for long-term stays 

Mile End

👉 Best Area For Food & Nightlife | ✨ Best Mile End Hotels:  Lofts du Parc LaHaie • APARTMENT HOTEL ST-DENIS

If you’re a foodie visiting Montreal there is no better place to be than Mile End. Many of Montreal’s most famous restaurants are conveniently located in this neighborhood. 

Iconic shops in Mile End like Fairmount Bagel, Wilensky’s Light Lunch Inc., and Boulangerie Cheskie have been feeding Montrealers for generations. Despite their fame, many of these places have maintained cheap prices over the past century. 

Mile End has a bunch of fun spots to drink, too. Bar Henrietta has a really nice, extensive wine list and lots of snack options. Pub Bishop & Bagg feels like visiting England without ever leaving Canada. And, Taverne du Pélican is the perfect cozy watering hole to relax and shoot pool. 

This neighborhood is extremely walkable. So, you won’t have to worry too much about ordering Ubers or getting back home from far away. The big caveat of staying in Mile End is that there are basically zero traditional hotels around this area.

Instead, your best bet is to do a short-term rental on Booking.com. Alternatively, you can book a spot like Lofts du Parc LaHaie, which offers comfortable studio apartments in the heart of the neighborhood. 

Pros of Staying in Mile End Neighborhood:

• Iconic Montreal eateries 
• Budget-friendly food 
• Walkable 
• Fun bars
• Short-term apartment rentals are available

Cons of Staying in Mile End Neighborhood:

• Pretty much no traditional hotels
• Removed from other neighborhoods

Saint Henri

👉 Best Area For Peaceful Atmosphere | ✨ Saint Henri Accommodations: Browse Top Rentals in Saint Henri

While Montreal’s central neighborhoods are beautiful and entertaining, they can also be hectic and crowded. Visitors who want to be removed from this busy environment, but still have easy access might prefer staying in Saint Henri.

This area is about a 20-minute metro ride into the city center and the distance provides a much more peaceful atmosphere. 

Located right on the Lachine Canal, Saint Henri is very charming and quiet but still has a pretty good nightlife scene. Terrasse St-Ambroise is right next to the water and it’s dog-friendly. Bon Délire is a funky little dive bar with tasty cocktails. 

There are a bunch of inviting brunch spots around this neighborhood too, such as Arthurs Nosh Bar and La Luncheonette. Alternatively, you can grab some gourmet groceries from Marché Atwater and make your own feast in Saint Henri. 

The calm energy of Saint Henri does come at a cost though, which is that it takes some effort to reach Montreal’s attractions and other districts. Additionally, there aren’t really any hotels around this area. 

Luckily, there are plenty of vacation rentals to choose from on VRBO. Many of them are quite affordable for anyone traveling in large groups as well, such as this 3-Bedroom Apartment in Saint Henri with an outdoor patio for less than $250 per night.

Pros of Staying in Saint Henri Neighborhood:

• Quiet
• Less touristy
• Near Lachine Canal
• Laidback but plentiful nightlife scene 
• Yummy brunch spots 

Cons of Staying in Saint Henri Neighborhood:

• Only apartment rentals are available
• Far outside the city center 

Tips for Staying in Montreal

Eat your heart out in Chinatown

The tiny district of Chinatown located between Downtown and Old Port isn’t the best area to stay because it’s so small. However, it is a fantastic place to eat if you’re on a budget in Montreal. 

I’d recommend getting pastries from Pâtisserie Coco, a steamed bun from Patisserie Bao Bao Dim Sum, and juicy pork dumplings from Sammi & Soupe Dumpling. 

French is the primary language in Montreal (but practically everyone knows English too!)

The official language of Montreal is actually French and almost everyone you speak to will start the conversation off with it. It’s always helpful to know key French phrases (please, thank you) to get around. However, most people are also fluent in English if you request it. 

Take a hike up to Kondiaronk Belvedere for views over the whole city 

One of the best places to get a clear view of the city is Kondiaronk Belvedere on Mont-Royal. It’s interesting to see all the MTL neighborhoods from a different perspective.

It takes around 25 to 45 minutes to climb the steps up to this spot, but it’s well worth the exertion. Just make sure you bring plenty of water because it can be quite tiring.

The easiest way to get around Montreal is biking (try Bixi as a visitor)

I quickly noticed the overwhelming amount of bikes all over Montreal during the summer season. It’s a very bike-friendly city and it’s the best way to cover distances that are just a bit too far to walk.

Visitors without their own bikes can sign up for Bixi to use the city’s public bikes. You can purchase one-way rides or get a $22 membership for a month of unlimited rides up to 45 minutes each. 

Winters are freezing and summer is very humid

Montreal, like other places in Canada such as Winnipeg and Vancouver, gets very intense weather. 

In summer, the weather is relentlessly humid and gets over 85°F on many days. In the winter months from December to March, it turns frigid and snow-covered. You must plan strategically and consider the season before deciding the best time to visit. 

Go thrift shopping at Club 777 Vintage, Marche Floh, and Eva B. 

Montreal’s thrift shopping scene is up there with the greats, like New York City and Tokyo. There are tons of stores to choose from and they each have a different flavor.

Marché Floh is the most famous thrift store in the city. However, the lesser-known Club 777 Vintage was my favorite because they had such a good dress and jacket section. Eva B. is a funky second-hand shop that doubles as a cafe and Le Ninety’s specialty was their jeans. 

These were just a handful of my favorite shops I visited on my own and when my best friend came to visit me in Montreal.

Try Montreal-style bagels at Fairmount or St. Viateur in Mile End

I’m a New Yorker, so I definitely raised an eyebrow at Montreal claiming they were so famous for their bagel. After trying many of them, I can confirm that the bagels here are quite good. They’re denser and sweeter than NY bagels. 

The best places to try the signature Montreal-style bagels are St. Viateur or Fairmount Bagel. These two shops are just a couple of blocks away from each other and they have a little rivalry going. Personally, I preferred Fairmount.

When it’s warm, the best free activity is simply walking around

The accommodations and food around Montreal aren’t always the cheapest, but you can pad your budget by taking advantage of the city’s amazing free activities. Namely, walking around and getting to know the neighborhoods on foot when the weather is nice.

From June until September, I practically spent every day weaving my way through Montreal’s neighborhoods without a definitive direction. Funnily enough, those ended up being some of my favorite days. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Montreal for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Montreal for first-timers are Downtown and Old Port. These neighborhoods are both centrally located within walking distance of major attractions, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and the La Grande Roue de Montréal. Plus, both of these areas have tons of hotels, great restaurants, and access to public transportation. 

What are safe areas to stay in Montreal?

The safest areas to stay in Montreal are Old Port, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Saint Henri. These areas tend to have a calmer, more family-friendly atmosphere than other areas. With that being said, Montreal is considered fairly safe to visit as long as you’re alert and wise. Read our guide on safety in Canada for more information. 

What are the best parts of Montreal to stay with kids? 

Old Port and Plateau Mont-Royal are the best parts of Montreal to stay with kids. Old Port has child-friendly activities nearby, including Jacques-Cartier Pier and the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. Alternatively, Plateau Mont-Royal is laidback, easy to walk around, and near the city’s big parks. 

What are the best parts of Montreal for a weekend? 

The Latin Quarter, Mile End, and Downtown are the best parts of Montreal when you’re staying for a weekend. The Latin Quarter and Downtown are both right in the middle of the city, making it easy to see everything in just a few days. Alternatively, staying in Mile End will put you conveniently near some of the best food and bars in all of Montreal. 

***

I had so much fun exploring all of Montreal’s neighborhoods during the summertime. Hopefully, you’ve found the perfect neighborhood for you after reading my guide. 

If you’re traveling to other parts of the country, don’t miss all of Travel Lemming’s other travel guides on Canada.