Montreal : book your hotel

French finesse meets Canadian charm in the pretty city of Montreal. Famed for being one of the major cultural players in North America, Montreal is a striking delight with its endless array of festivals, indulgent food scene, and historic architecture.

The Québécois know how to live well and Montreal reflects that love of the finer things in life. Staying in the city introduces travellers to a whirlwind of elegant architecture in Old Montreal, a heady dining scene inspired by the many cultures who meet here, and plenty of museums and markets. Considered to be one of the most Eurocentric cities in North America, swathes of Montreal are French-speaking but there are also Portuguese, Italian, Irish, and other world cultures that help make Montreal such a diverse and characteristic place. In the winter months, the city embraces the cold with a certain cosiness that elevates its joie de vivre with warm and welcoming pubs and microbreweries, and locals ice skating and skiing on the lakes and in the nearby mountains.

Montreal is easy to get around with Old Montreal and the downtown area being a simple and scenic spot to stroll - especially in the summer months. Even in the winter months, Montreal sets up a savvy public transport system to help people get out and about across the different areas and neighbourhoods - including a 30km underground passage that keeps you cozy rather than wandering the streets. The bus and metro set-up connects all corners well and the buses are timetabled so that late-night entertainment doesn't have to be cut short. The warmer months are also a great time to pedal and push your way through the city with its 500km of bike paths.

Beautiful buildings and brilliant food are two things that make Montreal a real treat to visit. With a wealth of restaurants, a parade of food trucks, delis that have been thriving for decades, and markets that could rival the best in Paris - you are sure to find your soul food in this city. the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy is a must for exploring edible seasonal delights as the stalls here come laden with gourmet cheeses, deli cuts, fresh baked goods, the best fish and everything you need to pack the perfect picnic. One of the must-try dishes is the national snack of poutine - french fries laden in gravy and cheese curds. Walk off all that delicious food by strolling the city and admiring the wealth of architecture. From 18th-century ornate facades flanking old-world cobbled streets to the gothic revival style of the Notre Dame and even a hint of art deco and brutalist beauties, from heritage architecture to creative museum curves, Montreal has the prettiest urban face.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Canada, Montreal boasts plenty of reasons to come and visit. From blooming botanical gardens to intricate basilicas, sprawling parks and museums and galleries stuffed to the hilt with works by the masters - art, culture, and history collide in this place.

Old Montreal is one of the prettiest places to stay in Montreal and brims with beautiful romantic hotels, elegant eateries, boutique shops and blissful galleries. This is where you can see architecture and fancy facades - some of which date back to the 17th century. Along with a wealth of history, you will also find some of the top things to do in Montreal within this area. When evening falls, the summer cobbles come alive with al fresco dining opportunities and trendy rooftop bars offer sunset cocktails and plenty of style.

Bringing autumnal shades and a glut of green to the city centre, Mount Royal Park climbs above the city and offers beautiful views across Montreal along with walking trails, the Sir George Etienne Cartier Monument, and the cold blues of Beaver Lake. Summer fun comes to Mount Royal with festivals and picnics whereas winters see the park turn into a frozen land of fun with tobogganing and skiing.

Dating all the way back to the 17th century, the Notre Dame Basilica is the oldest church in the city and boasts a splendid scene of rising spires, gothic styles, and a 7000-pipe organ along with an enchanting carved pulpit. From sparkling stained glass windows to hidden crypts, this beautiful basilica is well worth the tour. For an extra special encounter, the AURA experience invites you to enjoy Notre Dame with an immersive and multisensory performance showcased across the basilica's arches, walls, altars, and vaulted ceilings and illuminates the history and the stories of this iconic building.

The oldest museum in the whole of Canada, the Musee des Beaux-Arts is home to a huge array of sculptures, paintings, and archaeological delights spanning thousands of years of Mediterranean history. There are plenty of big names under this roof - from Goya to El Greco, Cezanne, Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky, Rodin, Matisse, and all the masters.