Sin City or The City of Saints - You Decide
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Montreal is famous around the world for all of the right reasons.
Here, you'll find world-class shopping, a thriving music scene, some of the world's best restaurants and bars, and a cultural heart that beats louder than any other city in North America.
Montreal is a mish-mash of many different backgrounds, and while the core language and culture is French, the city has been blessed with many different influences from all over the world.
Take advantage of the nightlife, and don't forget to stop and admire the old-world architecture mixed in with the new-world charm that has made Montreal one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And there are enough churches that you can probably get a confession in if you need to before you head home.
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Jazz (and Rock and Blues and on and on) Fest
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There's nothing about Jazz Fest that is not just frickin' amazing. It's the largest jazz festival in the world. While that may sound like the best thing ever to some, the thought of all kinds of jazz all over the place may not float everyone's boat.
The best part about the Montreal Jazz Fest is that there really is something for everyone. From Dixieland to Smooth Jazz, and from rock to blues, you'll find it all here. Not to mention the fact that there are more than 1,000 concerts, (the majority of which are free!) held in 15 concert halls and on eight outdoor stages.
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You're Gonna Gain Weight
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Look, that's just a simple fact. Whether you want to or not, a couple of days in Montreal is all it takes. You can work it off when you get home, but while you're here, just enjoy as much of the amazing food that this city has to offer as you can. Smoked meat, poutine, Montreal bagels, shepherd's pie, and a whole lot more all await you. You're welcome.
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Schwartz's
A Montreal tradition since 1928, Schwartz's smoked meats have been enjoyed by everyone from Hank Aaron to Angelina Jolie. Schwartz's does their smoked meats the old-fashioned way—by marinating the meat for 10 days in a special blend of herbs and spices—no preservatives!
Web Site: http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/index2.html
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La Banquise
If you're hankering for a late-night snack, you can't go wrong with La Banquise. Open 24 hours, this place is best known for its tasty poutine, a French fry/gravy/cheese curd concoction that is totally delicious and likely extremely bad for you.
Web Site: http://www.restolabanquise.com/
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Brunch at l'Avenue
Situated in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, which is considered by many as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the entire continent, Brunch at l'Avenue is known for long lines—likely due to its out-of-this-world Eggs Benedict and delectable French toast served with caramelized fruits. Aside from its great food delivered in generous portions, this funky scene also offers a unique visual experience—be sure to visit the restrooms (yes, the restrooms!) to check out the wall art and red lights.
Web Site: http://montrealbreakfastreview.com/lavenue-922-avenue-du-mont-royal-est
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Beauty's Restaurant
If you walk up to Beauty's Restaurant for brunch and see a long line, and wonder if you should stand in line or go somewhere else, take our word for it: stand in line! The number one breakfast/brunch spot in all of Montreal, Beautys has the best smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel you have ever eaten in your life. And to think you almost let a little line get between you and that bagel!?! Not feeling in the bagel mood? Try their MishMash omelet, a tasty egg dish that also includes peppers, onions, hot dogs, and cheese. Yes, we said hot dogs.
Web Site: http://www.yelp.com/biz/beautys-restaurant-montr%C3%A9al-3
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La Binerie Mont-Royal
Lunch at La Binerie Mont-Royal a place to sample authentic Québécois food, including such delicacies as meat pie, meatball and pig's feet ragout, shepherd's pie, beef and vegetables, and pea soup. With just a few tables and a long counter, this tiny eatery has been welcoming patrons since 1940.
Web Site: http://www.labineriemontroyal.com/
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Au Pied de Cochon
Well-known for its tasty juxtaposition of foie gras on poutine, Au Pied de Cochon is a must-visit Montreal eating experience—but make your reservations early, as a month-long waiting list is not out of the question. Chef Martin Picard frequently works both sides of the house, leading the cooking in the kitchen and then talking and drinking with his customers. Bring your appetite and your cholesterol-lowering medications, as you'll probably need them both for this truly unique culinary experience!
Web Site: http://www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca/index_e.html
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Fairmount Bagel
Which is better—a Fairmount bagel or a Saint-Viateur Bagel? Try them both so you can take sides in this friendly rivalry. Both bagel stores sell fresh bagels 24 hours a day, and both offer a delightful alternative to the New York style bagel many of us are used to, with bagels that are a bit smaller, a bit less chewy, and oftentimes on the sweeter side due to the addition of malt syrup or honey.
Web Site: http://www.stviateurbagel.com/main/
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Irish Embassy
Your visit to Montreal isn't complete until you've had a drink at the Irish Embassy--and if beer is your drink of choice, you're in luck! Known for its huge selection of beers on tap, the Irish Embassy is smack dab in the heart of downtown Montreal nightlife, making it a great place to start the night or grab the last drink of the evening. And if all that drinking makes you hungry, consider the fish and chips--they're delightful!
Web Site: http://www.irish-embassy.com/
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Restaurant Beijing or Pho Bang New York
If you're looking for authentic (and authentically delicious) Chinese food in Montreal, head over to Chinatown! There, you'll find two restaurants that the locals flock to when they're in dire need of their Chinese food fix. Restaurant Beijing is known for its seafood and its homemade noodle dishes, while Pho Bang New York is coveted for their super-crispy, super-tasty spring rolls, as well as their delicious Pho soup.
Web Site Restaurant Beijing:
http://www.restaurantbeijing.net/
Web Site Pho Bang New York:
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/pho-bang-new-york-montreal-2
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Tourism Montreal:
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Get to know Montreal before you get here. These two documents, courtesy of Tourisme Montreal, will provide you with all of the information you need to make sure you get the most out of your stay.
And don't forget, when you get here, we'll give you a 'Delegate Passport,' full of coupons for restaurants, museums, spas and tons of other fun activities. It's everything you need to make your stay in Montreal absolutely unforgettable.
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