Where To Stay in Montreal [7 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Montreal is a beautiful city in Quebec – Canada’s French speaking province. As the largest city in the region, it is a bastion of French Canadian culture and the economic heart of the region!

Montreal is a truly unique city, with some of the best cuisine in Canada as well as some unmissable historic and cultural attractions.

It is, however, a large city that can be difficult to navigate. Though most locals are bilingual, a lot of the information is in French and can be difficult to understand if you only speak English. It’s important to gather your bearings a little bit before you even arrive so you can be prepared to have a great trip.

That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured online reviews, consulted experts and asked the locals about the best places to stay in the city. In this guide, we have seven fantastic neighborhoods, each categorised based on what kind of traveller they are best for.

So let’s just jump right into it. Allons-y!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Montreal

Where to Stay in Montreal

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Montreal.

Best AirBnB in Montreal: Bohemian Loft

AirBnB Plus apartments are hand picked by staff for their gorgeous design and fantastic reviews! This Old Montreal loft is the perfect getaway in the historic heart of the city.

Ideal for getting those all-important Instagram shots, the interior carefully blends traditional design with contemporary aesthetics to create a warm and inviting space.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Montreal: Le Dauphin Montréal

As far as budget hotels in Montreal go, Le Dauphin is one of the best!

With excellent reviews thanks to their attention to detail and great service, you’ll barely realise you’re in a hotel that’s so inexpensive. It also straddles the boundary between Downtown and Old Montreal, giving you easy access to two of the best neighborhoods.

 

Best Hotel in Montreal: Hôtel Birks Montréal

This impressive five star hotel is one of the best rated luxury hotels in Montreal! Its location in the heart of Downtown makes it the perfect option for getting around the city easily.

There is also a restaurant on-site which is popular with locals and tourists alike. Breakfast is included in the rate.

 

Montreal Neighborhood Guide

Montreal is the centre for French Canadian culture and is increasingly becoming one of the most visited destinations in the country! Alongside the unique culture, Montreal also has a hip bar and restaurant scene that draws visitors from across the world.

There is plenty to see in Montreal, and many of the best neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other.

By far one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit is Old Montreal! Known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, this is where the French influence on Quebec is most visible. It also stretches along the side of the St Lawrence River, giving you some great photo spots.

Downtown is right next to Old Montreal and is actually quite a big area – so for this guide we have split it into three neighborhoods! The area we consider to be Downtown is the main business district, and this is where you will find some of the more modern attractions in the city.

It is also a major transport hub for Quebec – making it easy to get around the city and elsewhere in the province.

Also within Downtown are Chinatown and Quartier Latin. Chinatown is a small neighborhood sandwiched between the business district and Old Montreal that, as you would expect, has a large Chinese expat community.

It is also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city centre, making it a great choice for those on a budget! Quartier Latin, and the neighboring Gay Village, on the other hand, is a major nightlife spot with some of the busiest bars and clubs in the city.

Just south of Downtown, Griffintown is sometimes considered as part of the city centre but has its own unique vibe! Once a working class neighborhood, Griffintown has become a major hub for the city’s youth. Like Chinatown, this is a great neighborhood if you are on a budget.

Heading to the other side of the city centre, both Le Plateau and Rosemont are popular destinations for those wanting something a bit more peaceful!

Le Plateau is one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, with a multicultural vibe and wide green spaces where you can enjoy the inner city nature. Rosemont is quite similar, but is a little bit further from the city centre so has a quieter atmosphere – though we do prefer Rosemont for shopping.

Still undecided? Check out our bigger guides to each neighborhood below for our favourite things to do and places to stay in each area!

Montreal 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the seven best neighbourhoods in Montreal. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right

for you.

Neighborhood #1 - Old Montreal

(Where to stay in Montreal for your first time)

Known as Vieux Montreal in the local French tongue, Old Montreal is the historic centre of the city and a must visit for anyone spending some time in Montreal! Easily recognisable by its quaint streets, this feels like a completely different world from the rest of Canada, and perfectly exemplifies the French culture in the province.

This area is packed with gorgeous restaurants showcasing the way French and North American cuisine combines in Quebec. There are also some excellent art galleries open year round, and street performers during the warmer months. For first time visitors, this is where you will find many of the best known attractions.

More awesome things to see and do in Old Montreal

• The Vieux Port is the historic epicentre of the city and now forms a large public greenspace with various exhibits and performances on offer
• Notre Dame de Bon Secours is the oldest church in the city, and an enduring symbol of the Quebecois people – it also has a museum attached
• Head to the waterfront where you can try out the public ice skating rink in the winter – or hire a boat in the summer
• Montreal en Histoires offer a self guided tour of Old Montreal – perfect if you want to explore the area at your own pace
• Le Jardin Nelson is a must-visit restaurant during the summer thanks to their large outdoor seating area and live jazz bands

Best AirBnB in Old Montreal: Bohemian Loft

This gorgeous apartment is one for the most style conscious visitors that want to feel right at home in the city’s Old Town! It has lots of luxury extras – including a jacuzzi bath, rainfall shower and aromatherapy bath salts. Set within a building dating back to the 19th Century, this is an attraction in its own right.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Old Montreal: Auberge du Vieux Port

This gorgeous four star inn comes with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere! The rooms are beautifully restored, with exposed brick and modern furnishings. There is a restaurant on-site serving typical North American cuisine.

They provide valet parking 24 hours a day as well as concierge service.

 

Best Hotel in Old Montreal: Hotel Le St James

If you want a bit of an upgrade, this five star hotel is truly the pinnacle of luxury in the Old Town. On one of the most prestigious streets in the city, staying here will let you experience the high life during your time in Montreal.

There is a huge library on-site – which even has some antique books!

 

Neighborhood #2 - Downtown

(Best neighborhood in Montreal close to everything)

There’s no doubt that Downtown is the best place to stay in Montreal for business travellers – but it also offers some great attractions for tourists! This is where you will find some of the biggest hotel chains, as well as global restaurant brands and high-end entertainment venues. Downtown is the modern hub of the city.

As the economic heart of Montreal, Downtown is also the best place to stay if you want to be connected with other parts of the city! Most public transport lines finish here, and the main bus and rail stations here take you further afield in Canada and the United States.

More awesome things to see and do in Downtown

• The Underground City originally formed to support the Metro network – but is now an interconnected series of malls that are popular during the winter months
• The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is free to enter and is home to the largest collection of artworks in Quebec
• Climb to the top of Mont Royal – this surprisingly small hill is the city’s namesake and comes with great views across the area
• There are plenty of cheap bars on offer in Downtown thanks to the university, and one of our favourites is Vinyl
• Café Crystal is an inexpensive restaurant offering typical Montreal cuisine – it is close to the university, and is great for breakfast

Best AirBnB in Downtown: Industrial Studio

This trendy studio is only a short walk away from the Notre Dame Basilica, and comes with great views towards the church and of the Downtown area! As an AirBnB Plus property, it is stylish and sleek and has everything you need for a short stay in the city. It has excellent guest reviews.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown: Le St Martin Hotel

Le St Martin is an ultra-modern hotel right in the heart of Montreal’s business district! Rooms come with modern conveniences and spacious bathrooms, as well as stunning views across the city centre. There is an impressive pool area in the hotel, with a dedicated waterfall and water jets.

 

Best Hotel in Downtown: Hôtel Birks Montréal

Right in the heart of Downtown, this is the perfect pick for those wanting to easily get around Montreal and further afield! Alongside a world-class restaurant, it is also home to one of the most famous spas in Canada. Some rooms come with private terraces with views across the city.

 

Neighborhood #3 - Chinatown

(Where to stay in Montreal on a budget)

Chinatown is officially part of the Downtown neighborhood, but has its own unique atmosphere! The third largest Chinatown in Canada, this is of course home to one of the largest expat communities in the city. The abundance of Chinese restaurants, as well as the proximity to the university, makes this a great neighborhood for budget conscious travellers.

As it is located in Downtown, staying in Chinatown gives you the same easy access to the public transport network! It is only a short walk away from Old Montreal, and there are even a few great tour operators based in the area. Many of the hotels and restaurants are locally owned, but there are a few great chains nearby too.

More awesome things to see and do in Chinatown

• Simply walking around the area is a delight in itself – head into the local restaurants and try some of the best Chinese food in Canada
• Place Sun-Yat-Sen is the main public square in the area, with large murals decorating the walls and great spots to relax
• Head to the Pavilion just off the square where you can check out the market offering cheap electronics and souvenirs
• Cao Thang is actually a Vietnamese restaurant however it is nevertheless popular with locals and offers some great prices
• Peel Pub is located just outside Chinatown – a bit of a dive bar, it is a local institution that offers cheap drinks and sports nights

Best AirBnB in Chinatown: Private Apartment

This open plan apartment is spacious and stylish, and is located right on the boundary between Chinatown and the Old Town! The hosts have superhost status – meaning they have been specially selected for their excellent customer reviews and great levels of service. It can sleep either two or four guests.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Chinatown: Le Dauphin Montréal

Right in the heart of Montreal’s business district, Le Dauphin is a firm favourite with budget travellers visiting the city! It is only a two minute walk from Chinatown, and is right next to the Convention Centre.

Rooms come equipped with modern technology, and breakfast is included every morning.

 

Best Hotel in Chinatown: AC Hotel by Marriott

Marriott are known for their high quality hotels, with AC being their modern luxury brand! This particular hotel towers over the city centre, giving guests gorgeous views across the city.

There is a large business suite – ideal for corporate travellers – as well as a popular spa area with a variety of treatments available.

 

Neighborhood #4 - Rosemont

(Best neighborhood in Montreal for families)

Rosemont, and neighbouring La Petite Patrie, is a spacious and verdant neighborhood that is perfect for those that want a calm retreat from the bustling city centre! Though still well connected by transport, this neighborhood is known for its leafy streets and abundant natural attractions.

It is also surprisingly multicultural, with Little Italy being a must visit for anyone in Montreal! This is where you will find some of the best restaurants in the city. Outside of Little Italy, there are plenty of excellent retail destinations. For families, Rosemont is a good balance between things to do and having a calm atmosphere.

More awesome things to see and do in Rosemont

• Church of the Madonna della Difesa, in Little Italy, is a massive symbol of the neighborhood, featuring frescoes by a famous Italian artist
• Montreal Botanic Garden is only a short walk away from Rosemont, and is a calm oasis filled with indigenous flora and fauna
• Dante Park has a large bocce court, as well as Montreal Insectarium with the largest collection of bugs in Canada
• Rue Saint Hubert is a must see for shopping fans – with plenty of local boutiques offering everything from clothing to books
• Little Italy is, of course, packed with excellent Italian restaurants – we recommend checking out Pasticceria Alati-Caserta and their unbeatable pastries

Best AirBnB in Rosemont: Newly Renovated

This gorgeous apartment is not only newly renovated – it is also well placed in the centre of Rosemont, giving you easy access to all of the major attractions! The spacious kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for a few weeks in the city. It sleeps up to five people in two bedrooms.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Rosemont: Hotel Rosemont

This budget friendly hotel is popular with backpackers as it also has some great communal spaces where you can mingle with other guests! It is only a short walk away from the Olympic Stadium, as well as the Botanical Garden. There is a restaurant on-site that offers discounts to guests.

 

Best Hotel in Rosemont: A La Carte Bed & Breakfast

This quaint little bed and breakfast is the perfect getaway from the busy city centre! Rooms are somewhat basic, but come with great guest reviews thanks to the attention to detail. They also offer an apartment which is perfect for large families staying in the area. Breakfast includes vegetarian and gluten free choices.

 

Neighborhood #5 - Le Plateau

(Most creative neighborhood in Montreal)

Le Plateau has long been one of the hippest neighborhoods in Montreal and it doesn’t look like it will be losing that title any time soon! Packed with colourful murals, Le Plateau simply oozes creativity from every street. There are some great independent art galleries across the area, as well as locally owned boutiques.

Like Rosemont, Le Plateau is a very cosmopolitan atmosphere thanks to the many different communities represented in the area! This has resulted in a huge selection of restaurants and bars popping up across the neighborhood. It is also better connected with the city centre, and directly borders Downtown.

More awesome things to see and do in Le Plateau

• Maison de la culture du Plateau-Mont-Royal is a popular local gallery that showcases up and coming talent from across the city
• Théâtre de Verdure has a huge selection of up and coming talent from across the country, including dance, theatre and music
• Boulevard St-Laurent is the main shopping street in the area with popular brands, whilst Avenue Prince Arthur has some locally owned boutiques
• Le Plateau is packed with excellent coffee shops – Vélo Québec is one of our favourites and is geared towards cyclists
• La Bohème is a small, French style bistro that opens up in the summer with outdoor seating and has a great brunch menu every weekend
• Head to Bily Kun – easily the most popular nightclub with the French speaking youth in the city, with separate dance and chill areas

Best AirBnB in Le Plateau: Quirky but Quiet

In reflecting the creative nature of Le Plateau, this AirBnB is a little bit different from what you would usually expect from a holiday apartment! Part of AirBnB’s Plus range, this small apartment stands out thanks to its unique design. It is newly renovated, and even has some office space.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Le Plateau: Gingerbread Manor

Another great three star bed and breakfast, this accommodation is housed in a traditional colonial manor! It is only a short walk away from St Louis Square, and their daily breakfast offering changes but does always include vegetarian and gluten free options. Rooms are spacious and modern.

 

Best Hotel in Le Plateau: Hôtel de l’ITHQ

Hôtel de l’ITHQ sits on the boundary between Le Plateau and Quartier Latin – giving you quick access to both areas! There ITHQ is Quebec’s main culinary institute, and there is a fantastic restaurant on-site run by the organisation. They offer an extensive buffet breakfast every morning, as well as full concierge services.

 

Neighborhood #6 - Quartier Latin

(Where to stay in Montreal for nightlife)

Quartier Latin, alongside the Gay Village, is the most popular nightlife destination for both locals and tourists in Montreal! Though it tends to attract the English speaking more often than others, it still has a relatively diverse bar scene with a variety of clubs and pubs to suit different tastes. Quartier Latin, in particular, is home to some popular DJ nights year round.

The Gay Village is an immensely popular destination with LGBTQ+ travellers from across the world, and is the largest gay district in North America! The nightclub scene here is open to all, and offers some of the cheapest drinks you will find in the city. Both Quartier Latin and the Gay Village are a short walk from Old Montreal.

More awesome things to see and do in Quartier Latin

• Société des Arts Technologiques – known simply as SAT to locals – is a government funded nightlife venue with innovative art installations and great DJ nights
• Foufounes Électriques, on the other hand, is a great venue for live music and is where you will find all the up and coming rock talent in Quebec
• Unity is the most mainstream gay bar in the Gay Village, with popular music on the top floor and exotic dancers in the underground floor
• Cabaret Mado is another popular gay venue with nightly drag performances spearheaded by the city’s most famous drag queen, Mado Lamotte
• Beat your hangover with brunch at Croissant de Lune – they have a varied menu with French and North American classics
• Galerie de l’UQAM is the largest modern art gallery in the city – it is free to enter and even provides guided tours

Best AirBnB in Quartier Latin: Urban Hideaway

Montreal is clearly a popular city for AirBnB Plus properties – with this contemporary studio being a great option for solo travellers and couples opting to stay in the Latin Quarter! It is based right above the Olympia de Montreal – perfect for culture vultures that want to catch the latest show.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Quartier Latin: À l’Adresse du Centre-Ville

This is personally one of our favourite bed and breakfasts in Montreal – with above and beyond levels of customer service and an excellent breakfast menu! Rooms are beautifully decorated to represent a modern take on Quebecois tradition.

It is only a short walk away from the Gay Village and many of the major nightlife spots.

 

Best Hotel in Quartier Latin: Maison Des Jardins

If you want to level up slightly, this is another great bed and breakfast offering luxurious rooms with comfortable furnishings! They have a large garden terrace which comes complete with a hot tub, and there is also a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Breakfast is, of course, included.

 

Neighborhood #7 - Griffintown

(Coolest place to stay in Montreal)

Like many similar neighborhoods across the world, Griffintown has been transformed from abandoned industrial complexes to upscale housing and businesses over the past few years! This now makes it one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city – and all only a short walk away from the city centre.

Though mostly residential, there are some great accommodation options in Griffintown if you want to stay somewhere that is locally owned! Those that love the outdoors will also enjoy the canals in the area, which are great for cycling along and soaking up the atmosphere of the area. It also has fewer tourists than in the city centre, giving you the chance to live like a local.

More awesome things to see and do in Griffintown

• Head to the Lachine Canal – alongside some great cycling routes, there are also plenty of picnic spots along the length of the waterway
• Centre St-Ambroise is a bit of a hidden gem – this outdoor microbrewery offers some of the best beer in Montreal
• There are plenty of fantastic independent retailers in Montreal – we recommend checking out Boutique La Gaillard for their clothing and accessories
• Musée des ondes Emile Berliner is dedicated to the local hero who is famed as the creator of the gramophone
• Brasserie Capri is one of the oldest bars in Montreal – it has survived gentrification, and now serves some of the best food in Griffintown

Best AirBnB in Griffintown: Urban Cool

This gorgeous apartment in the heart of Griffintown is also popular with couples – especially those that plan on spending a bit longer in the city! It has a huge kitchen and a dedicated recreation area where you can entertain your new Quebecois friends. It is a two minute walk from the central train station.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Griffintown: L’Hotel Particulier

This gorgeous bed and breakfast is a popular choice with couples staying in the city! It comes with stylish interiors and modern technology that will have you feeling like you’re staying in a luxury hotel.

There is a small bakery on-site which prepares fresh food for the continental breakfast every morning.

 

Best Hotel in Griffintown: Hôtel Alt Montréal

Whilst there aren’t any luxury hotels in Griffintown, this three star hotel goes above and beyond to ensure maximum comfort! Rooms are well equipped with docking stations and the latest coffee machines.

They pride themselves on their eco-friendly ethos, and there is a great fitness suite on-site.

 

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Montreal

Montreal is a stunning city with plenty to offer tourists! Whether you want hip restaurants, vibrant nightclubs or a calm getaway amongst the city’s parks, there’s truly something from everyone. It is also quite close to Toronto, Niagara Falls and even New York – making it a great addition to a larger itinerary in North America.

In terms of the best neighborhood we are going to go with Le Plateau! This expansive neighborhood is creative and central, whilst still benefiting from a quieter atmosphere. It is also one of the most multicultural parts of the city, showcasing the cosmopolitan nature of Montreal.

That being said, Montreal is a truly eclectic city and each of the neighborhoods mentioned in this guide has its own charms. Whether you are looking for nightlife or culture, we hope this guide on where to stay in Montreal has helped you narrow down your options for your upcoming trip.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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