Here’s where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.
Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size, he says.
Theres obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.
Theres a bigemphasis on food, too.
Its a little gem of a city that has world-class dining and world-class junk food, says Seivewright.
The city is even planning to create a24-hour nightlife district.
Here’s everything you better know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.
Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront.
Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.
Uville is part design hotel, part museum a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and ’70s.
This hotel is very cool, says Seivewright.
They did a great job.
The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing.
What more could you want from aworld-class Montreal hotel?
And in the summer, you could go biking and walking.
Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here.
The Pointe-a-Calliere museum is amazing, says Seivewright.
Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town.
These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal.
Theres even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called theQuartier des Spectacles.
While there arefestivals year-round, May to September is the citys busiest period.
But poutine continues to get more upscale.
La Banquise is a classic.
A lot of people knock La Banquise because its popular, but I stand by it.
Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs.
Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crete and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way.
This is my favorite place, says Seivewright.
Sushi Momo
Sushi Momo, from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreals best vegan sushi restaurant.
It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates.
Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.
Its one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world, says Seivewright.
Its hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler.
Its very exclusive feeling.
If youre three people and you all like the same thing, theyll create three different drinks.
Im a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze, says Seivewright.
Its a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.
It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.
The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Elisabeth is about the ambience.
It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.
Simons
Simonsis originally from Quebec City, but its popular in cities across Canada.
Im a big fan of Simons, says Seivewright.
I buy half my clothes there.
The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that its a local brand.
You could go all the way up to Little Italy and its still amazing.
Still, it retains pockets of its former self.
Its got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe.
Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English.
You’ve got old people, young people its a neighborhood where everything mixes.
Best Time to Visit
Montreal is a four-season city.
The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare.
For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal.
Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May.
However, there are not as many stations as in summer.
Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not.
Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.
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