Is Montréal Worth Visiting? My Honest Thoughts After 3 Trips

Is Montréal worth visiting? After 3 separate trips to this modern, historic, and overall cool city, I can say without hesitation that yes, it absolutely is!

But if you’re not too sure about it just yet, or what exactly makes Montréal all of the above, it’s completely understandable.

Even though I always had Montréal on my list of cities to visit one day, I also had some doubts and uncertainties about what the city would actually be like.

For example, do they only speak French in Montréal? How European is Montréal really as a city in North America? Plus a few more.

However, what I found instead was a city full of culture, incredible diversity, character, and community that doesn’t just come alive in the summer months, but thrives all year round, plus so much more!

In this post, I’m sharing what actually makes Montréal worth a visit (and a few things that might surprise you), based on what I’ve seen, eaten, biked through, and experienced across different visits during different seasons.

So, whether you’re planning a trip or just debating if it should go on your list, this will help you figure it out a bit more!

1. Montréal has an unshakeable cool vibe

One of the first things I noticed about Montréal is just how cool the city feels.

There’s a mix of youth, art, and energy that hits you as you walk through it, especially with students everywhere from major universities like McGill and the University of Montréal in the center.

It’s a city where people use public spaces for socializing. They walk, bike, and sit at cafes for hours, fill up parks in every season, and even have unofficial social events like the weekly drum circle on Sundays at Mount Royal Park, which was awesome to see!

Montréal is such a diverse city that goes beyond English and French speakers. You’ll hear different languages spoken all over, see cool cultural neighborhoods as you explore on your own, and find amazing food to try.

And it’s no surprise, since Montréal is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, right after Toronto.

So if you love visiting a city that emphasizes community, appreciates public spaces and has plenty of them, is walkable, and has great transportation, you’ll experience it all, as well as the youthful, forward-thinking culture that Montréal offers, which is really refreshing.

2. The city’s celebration of diversity

One of the things that makes Montréal so dynamic is how naturally diverse it is, and how much that shows up in everyday life.

You’ll hear French and English spoken almost everywhere, but that’s just the start! Montréal is home to communities from all over the world, and it shows in the restaurants, neighborhoods, languages, and cultural celebrations that shape the city.

It’s not unusual to walk down one street and pass Caribbean restaurants next to Middle Eastern bakeries, Latin American markets, and cafes run by first-generation families, all in a matter of a few blocks.

On my last visit, we even found Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine, a Mexican bakery owned by a talented pastry chef from Mexico. Inside, the glass cases were filled with conchas, puerquitos, and other traditional pan dulce, alongside French croissants and guava-filled pastry tarts (which were incredible).

The way pastry chef Mariana blended Mexican flavors with French baking traditions and, of course, some Canadian influences was something I hadn’t seen before. To me, the mix of cultures and identities is a perfect example of what makes Montréal so layered and special.

That kind of representation makes Montréal both interesting and super welcoming, which, as a traveler in Montréal, makes you feel a sense of welcome and safety.

If you’re someone who values multicultural environments and wants to visit a place where diversity is for real, Montréal is it!

3. It’s the closest you’ll get to Europe in North America

If you’re craving a European-style trip without flying across the Atlantic, Montréal might be exactly what you’re looking for.

From the French signage everywhere and cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, to the architecture, language, and café culture, there’s definitely a strong European influence everywhere, even in daily life for Montréalers.

People walk everywhere, take public transport, meet up with friends during the weekday for long coffee chats, and take the time to enjoy their neighborhoods in ways that feel more like Paris than Toronto.

You don’t have to leave the continent to experience that blend of history, style, and slower living, while still having that city experience in Montréal.

If that is what you’re looking for without the extra flight hours, this is your next city to visit!

4. Montréalers are out and about all year long (no matter the weather)

One of the most surprising things about Montréal for me was how people embrace being out, even when the temperature drops.

In the warmer months, you’ll see locals filling patios, strolling wide sidewalks, and relaxing in community gardens that used to be parking spaces!

I actually learned on a bike tour through the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods that some of these changes came from the community itself, after residents voted to narrow streets and make more room for walking paths, green spaces, and improved public life.

It’s amazing to see that kind of unity come together for the public good, and for all to enjoy. Including visitors.

And that same energy doesn’t stop when winter rolls around. Montréal is known for embracing the cold with seasonal events that bring people outside, even in sub-zero weather!

Festivals like Igloofest (January-February), Montréal en Lumière (March), and La Poutine Week (February) are just a few winter activities that draw big crowds.

So whether you’re visiting in the middle of summer or the depths of winter, you’ll find that staying indoors just isn’t the norm, and that’s part of what makes Montréal so worth visiting in any season.

5. Montréal’s list of cool things to do (which extends beyond Old Montréal)

There’s no shortage of activities to fill your itinerary in Montréal, no matter what you’re into.

You can go from visiting the historic cobblestone streets of Old Montréal and iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica to checking out modern art installations or biking around scenic neighborhoods.

After exploring the historic center (because of course, you’ll need to spend some time there!), you’ll have to explore some of the best local experiences just outside the tourist-centric areas. Places to start include neighborhoods like Mile End, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Saint-Henri.

Here, you’ll see tons of local shops, colorful murals, and some of the best food and coffee in the city. It’s where you really start to feel and see what modern Montréal is really like, which is absolutely worth it.

If you’re wondering how you can explore outside of Old Montréal without getting lost or needing a car, consider taking public transport and exploring the neighborhoods at your leisure.

However, for something a bit more structured, especially if it’s your first visit, my recommendation is signing up for a walking tour or a bike tour of Montreal’s neighborhoods. I’ve done both a few times (because they’re so fun) and can’t recommend them enough!

I joined a bike tour that took us through quiet backstreets, where we learned more about what local life is like, including local markets and creative spaces I might not have found on my own.

Speaking of local life, don’t skip Mount Royal Park, a beloved green space in the city that locals head to for city views, picnics, and fresh air year-round. Here, you’ll get the best views of Montréal from above, hands down!

Lastly, for a totally different experience, check out Montréal’s Underground City, a massive network of tunnels that connects shops, metro stations, and more, which is especially helpful in the winter.

If you need help visualizing how to plan it all, whether you only have 1 day in Montréal or a full weekend, check out my perfect 3-day itinerary for Montréal for ideas and inspiration!

6. Montréal vs. other Canadian cities I’ve been to

If you’re trying to decide between visiting Montréal or other Canadian cities, here’s what might help you decide.

Compared to places like Toronto or Vancouver, I found that Montréal feels more artistic, offering a unique mix of a modern North American city with an undeniably bold European influence, which balances the pace of life for locals and visitors.

And if you’re coming from the U.S., Montréal is much closer than Europe, especially for East Coasters or travelers from cities like New York.

Toronto has a fast-paced, corporate energy similar to Chicago’s, while Montréal is more creative, community-focused, and multilingual, a way that influences everything from street signs to the way people interact.

Vancouver is beautiful and outdoorsy, no doubt, but Montréal’s culture and personality feel more concentrated, and plus, it’s more walkable in my opinion, so you don’t need a car to get around!

Even compared to Québec City, which also shares French influence, Montréal feels bigger, younger, and more diverse simultaneously.

It’s less polished and more expressive, in my opinion, and you’ll still find history and cobblestone streets, as well as street art festivals, and a bold food scene in everyday life.

If you’ve been drawn to cities that feel walkable, multicultural, and a little different from the usual North American city vibe, Montréal is 100% worth considering.

Good things to know before traveling to Montréal

There are a few helpful things to keep in mind that can make your first trip to Montréal smoother.

For starters, you won’t need a car. The city is very walkable, and its public transport system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate.

You can also rent bikes or take guided bike tours to explore the neighborhoods like Plateau, Mile End, and beyond, which I highly recommend if you want to see the local side of the city.

If you’re wondering which part of the city makes the best home base for your visit, near specific sights you may want to see, check out my post on where to stay in Montréal for first-timers, including the best neighborhoods and top-rated hotels to consider!

Also, if you have extra time in your trip and want to explore beyond the city, I have also put together this list of the most incredible day trips from Montréal to inspire you to explore a bit beyond the city!

One of the most popular options is taking a day trip to Québec City, which is not only doable, but absolutely worth it! To plan the best trip there from Montréal, here’s a list of the best Montréal tours to Québec City for some ideas.

Most people speak both French and English, and in most tourist-friendly spots, you’ll be fine speaking English. However, locals do appreciate it if visitors at least try a few basic French words.

Another fun fact is that Montréal is actually an island! The island-city is in the St. Lawrence River, which gives it a unique mix of bridges, waterfront views, and scenic neighborhoods to explore.

To learn a few more quirky, interesting, and helpful tips on local culture and more, check out my full post on 21 helpful things to know before going to Montréal, where I share everything I wish I had known before my first visit!

Still debating? Here’s a bit more I’ll share about visiting Montréal as a repeat visitor

Go for it if you…

• You want a city that blends European charm with North American culture
• You love exploring neighborhoods on foot or by bike
• You’re excited by diverse food scenes, multiple languages, and local art
• You’re craving a destination that feels both exciting and easygoing
• You want a year-round destination with things to do in every season

Maybe put off your trip if you…

• You’re looking for tropical weather or beach-style relaxation
• You prefer road trips or wide-open nature over city life
• You’re not interested in slower-paced, artsy, or café-style travel
• You want a trip that’s fully English-speaking and culturally familiar

Ready to explore Montréal for real?

If Montréal is starting to sound like your kind of place, here’s how to take the next step:

• Start building out your trip with my guide on how to easily plan a trip to Montréal
• Curious what else to expect? Read my top 21 helpful things to know before going to Montréal

However you decide to explore Montréal, I hope this post helped you picture it more clearly, and maybe even feel a little more excited to go!

To more travel moments like this,