Montréal neighbourhood: Discover Old Montréal

The Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology and History Complex marks the spot where Montréal was founded in 1642 and houses a plethora of artefacts from throughout the city’s early history. The museum also offers a rare opportunity to head underground to the city’s foundational roots via the Memory Collector, a cutting-edge visual and sound experience in the neighbourhood’s old river-routing sewer system.

After exploring underground, it’s time to go up!-up!-up! to take in the stellar views across Old Montréal’s angled rooftops and the St. Lawrence River atop the La Grande Roue de Montréal ferris wheel. With heated, comfortable cars perfect for groups or a romantic moment, La Grande Roue’s calming vistas make for a picturesque rest on a bustling day and looks darn good in a photo too.

And if you want to get up close and personal with the the St. Lawrence’s rushing waters without getting your feet wet, the Montréal Science Centre on King Edward Quay offers great views over the waters and creative programming and exhibitions to keep you learning and dry. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss the ultimate experiences of the MTL Zipline and Montréal Bungee, Canada’s highest bungee drop from a height of 210-feet. Both are perched over the Old Port’s quays, but can also easily be found by just following the joyful screams of those brave enough to take a ride!

The photogenic Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up nightly over the expanse of the St. Lawrence River, but it’s controlled by much more than just flipping on a switch. Determined both by season and by the city’s mood—collected throughout the day from social media using the hashtag #illuminationMTL—the bridge is a must-see at any time of day, reaching across the mighty rushing waters of the St. Lawrence River. Each ½ hour a specially animated sequence also takes place, and the year’s major events are all commemorated with special lighting effects.

Old Montréal is home to several cutting-edgearts spaces, featuring works by leading names in contemporary art. PHI's focus on trend-setting VR, digital arts and unique concert experiences will keep your finger on the pulse, while its partner the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art hostsenticing exhibitions featuring both big names and the latest up-and-comers. At Old Montréal’s border, the Fonderie Darling houses monumental works within the shell of the former Darling Brothers Foundry, and its open-air Quartier Éphémère terrasse space is a gathering spot for artists and art lovers alike through the warmer months.

Explore Montréal’s rich Indigenous history at the Sacred Fire Productions Cultural Space's galleries (and their online boutique Ashukan 2.0) and artisanal creations at Heritage Gallery, Galerie d'art Images Boréales and Galerie Le Chariot.

The AURA Experience (created by the magicians at Moment Factory) at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal presents an eye-popping marvel of video mapping, awe-inspiring light and a thrilling soundtrack, transforming the Basilica into a living, breathing immersive environment you won’t soon forget.

Housed in the Palais des congrès de Montréal, OASIS immersion is Canada’s largest immersive destination with regularly changing themed exhibitions that offer a complete head-to-toe sensory experience. There’s so much to take in, we’d suggest booking a second ticket for another look.

Old Montréal’s cozy cafés cover a full range of moods from the breathtaking Crew Collective & Café to the design-savvy Tommy, the film set worthy local chain Le Petit Dep’s Saint-Paul and Saint-Sulpice locations, to the Mile End mainstay Cafe Olimpico's charming outlet on Saint-Vincent Street. Bringing a taste of the west out east, Vancouver’s 49th Parallel's unique blends have recently arrived to McGill Street (and they’ve brought their famous Lucky’s Donuts along for the ride too). And if you’ve got some things to catch up on, bring a laptop and enjoy some of the best co-working spaces you'll ever see.

Old Montréal has long been a culinary hot spot in the city, packed with classic favourites and bold new flavours. With a taste palette as colourful as the neighbourhood itself, Old Montréal’s restaurants are sure to sate any appetite.

Makaō aims for a cultural harmony between cuisines, blending traditional Asian cooking with modernity and experimentation. Try the vegan mushroom medley dumplings and the shangdong noodles with beef and shrimp.

Mama C explores Greek cuisine with a forward-looking twist, head chefs Michalis Merzenis and Anastasios Roussis combining years of culinary experience in Athens and Mykonos into a creative environment entirely their own. There’s a load of expertly crafted mezzes and sharable plates on the menu.

Offering a new twist on Mediterranean favourites from Morocco to the Middle East, Babacool is not only delicious but its monochromatic backdrop makes for a great selfie backdrop.  Restaurant Sauvage also explores Mediterranean flavours, drawing from Italian, French and Spanish cuisine.

Nestled in Montréal's old Saint-Paul Street and close to Place Jacques-Cartier, the Pangea restaurant, bar and club offers a Mediterranean escape with indoor trees and abundant greenery, providing a tranquil atmosphere for locals and visitors to enjoy meals and drinks in a casually elegant beach house setting. There's even a terrace, perfect for a summer evening.

Serve your cravings for classic French brasserie fare at Place Carmin, the latest restaurant from the creators of Cadet and Bouillon Bilk. Discover lesser-known pastas including the capunti and stuffed triangoli at Stellina, and rediscover old favourites with all-new flourish at Buvette Pastek.

Chef Alexandre Payton and mixologist Jake Cristofaro join forces at Vandale, a graffiti-covered speakeasy-themed spot tipping its hat to Montréal’s rebellious spirit while 212 offers gourmet eats in a Euro-club atmosphere, transitioning into a neon cocktail bar after dark.

Experience Old Montréal lists Antonopoulous Group’s eleven old city restaurants, every one a must-eat: Pincette Lobster Bar, Jacopo, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Taverne Gaspar, Maggie Oakes - Brasserie Montréalaise, Modavie, Méchant Boeuf Bar-Brasserie, Kyo Bar Japonais, Brasserie 701 and BEVO Bar + Pizzeria.

Chef Alexandre Payton and mixologist Jake Cristofaro join forces at Vandale, a graffiti-covered speakeasy-themed spot tipping its hat to Montréal’s rebellious spirit while 212 offers gourmet eats in a Euro-club atmosphere, transitioning into a neon cocktail bar after dark.

Experience Old Montréal lists Antonopoulous Group’s eleven old city restaurants, every one a must-eat: Pincette Lobster Bar, Jacopo, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Taverne Gaspar, Maggie Oakes - Brasserie Montréalaise, Modavie, Méchant Boeuf Bar-Brasserie, Kyo Bar Japonais, Brasserie 701 and BEVO Bar + Pizzeria.

Sometimes there’s no better reward after a long day of exploring than a cocktail at one of Old Montréal’s wealth of deluxe options. Bisou Bisou specializes in aperitifs so good it’s been ranked one of Canada’s best bars, while El Pequeño Bar brings a piece of Havana’s celebrated drinking culture to MTL. Grab a quiet corner at Philémon Bar or keep it like a secret at Clandestino mezcal and tequila bar. Try the latest in mixology at Flyjin or turn back to the clock to the roaring ‘20s when Montréal was a prohibition-free party town at Bord’elle and the tucked-away Coldroom (if you know you know, and in this case you want to know).

Old Montréal’s hotels define deluxe comfort, from the all-suite Hôtel Saint-Sulpice next to the Notre-Dame Basilica, to the magnificent Hotel Gault and the elegant Hôtel St-Paul, guaranteeing the most modern of amenities in distinctly historical settings. The Le Petit Hôtel pair of hotels—one on Saint-Paul Street and the other on Notre-Dame Street West—were awarded Michelin Key ranking for their blend of comfort and old-school charm. Hôtel Nelligan’s complete update of buildings dating back to the 1850s are so beloved by visitors it was ranked Canada’s Best City Hotel in Travel & Leisure (and the view from the rooftop patio is to die for too). And speaking of views, those from the Hôtel Hyatt Centric Montréal overlook Viger Station on one side and the waters of the St. Lawrence on the other—and a rooftop pool to boot.

The Antonopoulos Group’ portfolio of boutique hotels in the district includes some of the city’s shining gems of accommodation including the Hôtel William Gray, the Loft et appartements du Vieux-Montréal's two locations on Saint-Vincent Street and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street, Hôtel Place d'Armes and Auberge du Vieux-Port. Trust us, you’ll feel like royalty stepping out onto the cobblestones after a sound night’s sleep, ready to take on another day in Old Montréal!