Weekend in Montreal (rental car, fit in, 2015)

[mc33433]

Hello, everyone. I'm sure this is a question that you all see on here frequently (I live in NYC and I am on the NYC board and see the question all the time for my city):

My husband and I are planning a long weekend in Montreal. While we have visited Quebec before, we have never specifically been to Montreal. We just have a few questions:

What are some main things that we should see that would fit into 2-3 days?

Where can I read about some highly rated restaurants?

What is a good area in the city to stay that is central/easy to get to the main attractions?

Is it easy enough / recommended to have our rental car with us?

I thank you in advance for your patience in giving a newbie to Montreal a few tips

[mc33433]

Also, I see a few other threads that seem helpful so thanks in advance to any new responses, but I will refer to other threads as well to make sure I see where you've helped others.

[jambo101]

Two of my usual links to start

The Independent Traveler Travel Forums: Canada (http://www.independenttraveler.com/community/topten.cfm?ID=13 - broken link)

MONTREAL - Living in a North American Gem of a City

Plenty of hotels downtown, make reservations.
Unless you are traveling outside the city the rental car will just be a burden as with most major cities parking can be a problem especially when all the parking signs are in French,
http://pages.infinit.net/filmore/ima...rkingSigns.gif
Restaurants? too many to recommend but make sure you get to eat Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich'Schwartzes would be the place for that.
Also Montreal bagels are something,St Viator Bagel has em fresh out of the oven..
A few must sees
Old port area.
Get lost in the underground city.
The park on top of the mountain.
A walk downtown on St Catherine st. between Guy and St Laurent

[pci2k]

I'll answer a few questions for you. I'm from NJ myself, close to NYC, and have been to Montreal many times...

Originally Posted by mc33433

What are some main things that we should see that would fit into 2-3 days?

* Take a horse and carriage ride around Old Montreal. You can find them in front of Notre Dame Basilica. It is light-years better than the Central Park horse/carriage rides.
* Walk around the Old Port in Old Montreal.
* Experience the nightlife on Crescent Street. All the buildings are brownstones, and it looks a bit like Hoboken building-wise.
* You can get an all-in-one access pass (Called 'Get an Eyeful Package') for several attractions. You can see the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium, and Montréal Tower for one price.
Information is here: Ville de Montréal - Espace pour la vie Montréal - Biodôme
* If you like gambling, visit the Casino: http://www.casinosduquebec.com/montreal/

Originally Posted by mc33433

Where can I read about some highly rated restaurants?

Zagat publishes a Montreal guide now.
I always recommend Bonaparte in Old Montreal, for classic French cuisine.
THE RESTAURANT: Bonaparte

Originally Posted by mc33433

What is a good area in the city to stay that is central/easy to get to the main attractions?

My personal recommendation is to stay downtown near a Metro. I like the Residence Inn Downtown on Peel Street, as the Peel Metro is literally steps away. You are also 3 blocks away from Crescent Street, and 2 blocks away from Ste. Catherine's Street.

If you prefer to stay in Old Montreal, I've stayed at the Springhill Suites and loved it. Very easy access to all of Old Montreal from there.

Originally Posted by mc33433

Is it easy enough / recommended to have our rental car with us?

You won't need a car if you stay downtown or in Old Montreal. I recommend if you have one, keep it parked at the hotel lot, and use the Metro (subway), taxis, or walk.

[mc33433]

Thank you both so much!!

[cls88]

I'd like to thank you for the thread and all the wonderful suggestions since I am going to spend 3 and an half days there in mid-October too. I have just started collecting info. This is my first trip to Canada and I do not speak French.

Does anyone know if the park on top of the mountain is half day trip or one day trip? I assume that we have to clime up the mountain and down.

Thanks.

[cls88]

I just found out that there are many tour videos of the city on Youtube. They have helped me a lot visualize the city. Search away and see if you can find some that can help you.

[Speleothem]

Pipe and cigar smokers have to visit
Blatter & Blatter at 375 President Kennedy Ave.
Home Page

[pci2k]

Originally Posted by Speleothem

Pipe and cigar smokers have to visit
Blatter & Blatter at 375 President Kennedy Ave.
Home Page

I agree wholeheartedly. Whenever I'm in the mood for a good Cuban cigar, I trust them there, because I know they'll be authentic, and I won't get ripped off buying a fake.

On a similar note, since Montreal has the indoor smoking ban in place, one of the only indoor places you can enjoy them is Stogie's.

Stogie's
2015 Crescent Street
Montreal, QC
(514) 848-0069

[mc33433]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

My husband is originally from Poland. Is there any Polish influence anywhere in the city? Any restaurants or anything like that?

Also are there any events going on the first few days of next week? We'll be there Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.