RESO, also called the Underground City, is a network of interconnected tunnels in downtown Montreal…read morethat house a variety of attractions. I've seen something like this similar in Houston, partly for people to escape the heat - so I'm assuming RESO is a way to escape the cold Montreal winters. RESO has evolved to somewhat of a tourist spot; it wasn't on the top of my to-do list but I had some time before heading to the airport and figured it would be a good place to check out. I think RESO has a lot going for it - part of its infrastructure is attached to the Metro, so it's easily accessible once you get off a station. The network contains a decent variety of shopping and dining, though from a food perspective most of the options are quick-service; if you're looking for something sit-down you should look elsewhere. Shopping is typical mall offerings, and they also have a lot of seating areas. Since part of RESO's function is to protect from the cold, I can see people utilizing this as a place to convene. Overall, RESO was just fine. It's confusing to navigate, and I'm sure I didn't see all of it - so a return visit may be warranted. It's not at the top of my list, though, as I feel there are more exciting things to see as a tourist in Montreal.

Google's location for the Underground City took us to Centre Eaton, which is technically part of…read moreit, but not the whole thing. Centre Eaton is good for shopping. The World Trade Center is better for sightseeing. The information center gave me this map. It was so freaking helpful.

There is so much going on at the Quartier des Spectacles especially on a weekend or even on…read moreweeknights. You will find a lot of tourist in the area. We arrived on a Tuesday night to Montreal and because we were staying 13 mins walk from Quartier des Spectacles, we came here for a visit. We didn't expect that there would be performance happening at night in the center of Quartier des Spectacles (near Desjardin Complex). At the Quartier des Spectacles, you will find a lot of restaurants and as mentioned before the entrance to the beginning of the Underground Tunnel is located at Desjardin Complex. This part of the city is quite busy after 10 am to 11 pm. Places des Art is also located smack center at the Quartier des Spectacles for those who wants to watch any live orchestral performances. https://www.quartierdesspectacles.com/fr/carte/#places-publiques-animees

Every time I spend time in Montreal, I go to the Quartier des Spectacles because most Ville Marie…read morefestivals take place in this area. In the summer, it's pedestrian only on the area right around St Catherine, so it's easy to get around on foot and see all the stages and sights. The present-day Quartier des spectacles largely overlaps the site of Montreal's former Red Light district, whose history extends back to the beginning of the 19th century. Between the 1920s and the start of the 1960s, the neighborhood was home to an impressive number of cabarets that headlined famous artists. Montreal garnered a reputation as a fun-loving city, and tourists started to arrive in great numbers. The American Prohibition (1920-1933) increased Montreal's popularity, but also created conditions that led to the growth of organized crime, prostitution and illegal gaming houses. It is during this time that the neighborhood was christened the Red Light district. Beginning in the 1950s, professional theatre started to take hold.... in this neighborhood, the new energy took shape in the construction of Place des Arts, the metro system (three stations service the Quartier) and in the establishment of Hydro-Québec's headquarters. The following decade was marked by the building of Complexe Desjardins, which spurred commercial activity in the area, and the campus of the Université du Québec à Montréal, a university founded on the values of the democratization of knowledge and culture. In 1982, the Montreal International Jazz Festival presented outdoor concerts in the neighborhood for the first time. The natural vibrancy of the downtown area along with the many empty lots supported the proliferation and expansion of festivals over the years. Important cultural events became one of the Quartier's motors and one of the principal attractions of the city for tourists and locals alike.

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec Canada known for its unique blend of French and North…read moreAmerican culture. They have a rich history and vibrant arts scene. The city is situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Founded in 1642, it's named after Mount Royal with the hill at the center. It is a major economic and cultural hub with a diverse population and a mix of historic and modern architecture. Primarily French speaking, many speak English as well. Known as the "City of Festivals" with a unique European feel. The city proper population in 2026 is about 1.94 million and the greater Montreal area is 4.4 million. We stayed in the Old Montréal area and enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets, the many historic buildings, restaurants, shops and the port area of the St. Lawrence River. While there we enjoyed the free Jazz music festival, Chinatown, the Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, the town of Mount Royal, and a Cirque du Soleil show.

One of the friendliest cities I have ever visited. I love the mix of French and English cultures…read moreand architectures. Throughout the year, there are always festivals and cultural events. Not to mention the great restaurants and cafes all over. The French culture brings great bakeries (Pâtisseries) all over the city, from local chains to small mom-and-pop stores. The past few years, there have been more and more pedestrian areas for people to enjoy the businesses without the hassle of car traffic. A city for all seasons.

We visited Saint Laurent boulevard in particular to go to Eva B's vintage clothing store which was…read moregreat but the area is also great for street art and cool quirky cafes and bars. We enjoyed this area.

In Old Montreal Rue St. Laurent runs from the river toward down town…read more Starting at King Edwards Quay on the river, cross Rue Commune (the road that follows the river) and you are on Rue St. Laurent. It's a busy road with lots of traffic lights, but follow it and you will cross under the Chinatown Arch. Keep following it, and you will arrive at Schwartz Deli. Walk on, and you arrive in Little Italy. Granted, that is a *lot* of walking. I should know, I did it. But you see a lot of Montreal along the way. Plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs and businesses. The city is very bike friendly, so watch that you are not walking into an oncoming bike from one of the cross streets. Montreal also has a good public transit service, so you might want to hop on a bus and see it all from your seat. In any event, if you find yourself on Rue St. Laurent no matter which direction you walk, you're bound to find something interesting.

Montreal is one of my getaway weekends. It's an escape! I can speak French, eat crepes at "Creperie…read moreChez Suzette, and soak up the ambiance on Rue Saint Jacques in the Vieux-Port de Montreal. Old Town Montreal is like stepping into a European city. It's picturesque neighborhoods and buildings dating back to 17th-19th century surround you at every turn., Cobblestone streets with flower gardens everywhere, history & science museums, shops you will not find in the States and a promenade along the Saint Lawrence River add to the Old Town Montreal experience.. This is where Montreal had it's beginnings with the fur trade in the 1600's. From Old Town Montreal you can access the Gates of Chinatown, the Latin Quarter and Mount Royal. These are neighborhoods with their own charms. In the summer there are boat tours, ziplines, a giant Ferris wheel and a man-made beach at the base of the clocktower.

We were here to attend the Festival de Street Food Festival and enjoyed the variety of options!…read moreThere was an entry fee to enter into the festival. They were many different types of cuisine, desserts and drinks available. A DJ was present as well. In the flip: Since this was an outside food festival, there were port-a-potty's available that ran out of bathroom paper so it helps to check the potty's guest and cone ready - have your own available in your purse ladies stocked for occasions like this. (Me 1 - port-a-potty = 0) There were water buffalos and soap available to wash your hands. It was a nice area for the festival. We had beautiful weather that day. There were various activities. There was a Ferris wheel and we saw someone do the bungee as well. Neat shops were around the port. Nice spot.

A must see event if you're in Montreal on a Sunday. You'll love the feeling you get losing yourself…read morein the music and dancing... or maybe that's just a contact high. It definitely feels like a step back into the 60's with the barefoot dancing, hempen clothing, smell of marijuana, Hare Krishnas, and all. If you like people watching, this is definitely a place to go. Hippies and squares alike can come together in enjoyment of a pleasant afternoon and dance to the music. Maybe try your hand (foot?) at slack line walking, if you're brave try the free cookies from the Hare Krishnas, check out the many wares people sell - mostly jewelry, clothing, pipes and other tchotchkes. Downsides: I didn't see any facilities (not that I think one could accommodate the hundreds of people present) and as a result, a number of people took care of business in the wooded area. There is also a good bit of second-hand smoke (tobacco and pot) floating around, so if you're sensitive to that or are concerned about your children being near that, maybe enjoy from afar. Easy to find/hear from the area surrounding east Mont Royal. If walking's a bit much for you, the #11 bus will take you there from Mont-Royal Metro. Definitely check this out on Sundays!

Sunday's at Tam Tams is a given. If you're here in the summer, it's always a blast…read more Two drum circles for your free entertaining pleasure. On a side note, that pink inflatable chair looks comfy. This was the second drum circle, a little smaller but just as feisty and frantic. I was also watching two guys have the most intense hacky sack session. I ventured up (north) through the woods and walked through people doing yoga, acro yoga, slack lining, throwing frisbees, etc. Just lots of chilling, picnicking and hanging out with good food and drinks. I even found my way to the elusive/exclusive medieval sword fighting battle grounds. All I can say is you can't help but stare. Grown adults and kids combine to battle (ie. play fight) with full on gear and costumes.

It's active along this straight for sure…read more Thought to get out of the car for a walk, but felt it would be best to stay in the car and move it along. Looks like a walkable park. Hotel flanks one side of this park, the Bay Hudson building on another side. Road moved a tad slower, but we were able to pass by eventually.

A street brimming with history, culture, and commerce: Montréal's legendary Sainte-Catherine Street…read morehas as many stories as it does street numbers! Consider it 5th Ave of NewYork It is Montréal's main commercial artery and one of North America's longest and liveliest, for good reason. though the Street stretches 11 kilometers, we started from Place des Arts towards the old port. From Saint-Laurent Boulevard, going west, the street is home to the major department stores, an array of boutiques, restaurants, and several shopping centers. Out the other way is a mix of boutiques, nightlife hotspots, cafés, theatre venues, and more. Sainte-Catherine Street has been the pride of Montréal for over a century.

A wonderful market with vegetables, plants and flowers, cheese, all kinds of things. Great place to…read moreshop if you're a local, great place to wander if you're a visitor. There are a few spots to have lunch and a little food court with tables -- and a full bar! We had pad thai.

A great marketplace with a variety of items all around. This was just a short walk from the train…read morestation and had fruit stands right outside. We got big green grapes that were quite pricey, nearly $20 USD but they were just grapes, they were more juicy though. There are also a few places to eat, we ended up at a bakery cafe at the end upstairs. They had different sandwiches and focaccia similar to a pizza type. They heat these up so it was perfect to eat right away. *Warning* There was a an issue of not being labeled nut and asking the worker if there was any and they said no but after confirming with the cook there was walnut in the bread. So I would be extra careful about that. Other than that they had foie gras for sale as well as many other places that had it as well. There were a few grocery stores and butcher shops so there is a lot to choose from if you are looking for different types. There were a few dessert places but the place isn't too big with more variety for grocery food items.

Well, my friends are gone and my hair is grey I ache in the…read moreplaces where I used to play And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on I'm just paying my rent every day In the Tower of Song... It's the height of cool. The full name of the 21-story-high mural is "Tower of Songs, Hommage à Leonard Cohen". The song is a classic in his songbook. Tom Jones at age 85 does a killer cover version you need to hear if you haven't. This piece of hyper-realistic art is massive, over 10,000 square feet. It shows Cohen wearing his signature fedora with his hand over his heart (Photo 3). Based on a photo taken by his daughter Lorca, the portrait was blown up and recreated through a partnership between American street portrait artist El Mac and Montreal native Gene Pendon under the public art organization MU. In a monochromatic palette of warm sepia tones, it's a beautifully moving tribute, and it makes a helluva selfie, especially if you wear your porkpie hat (Photo 5). Now I bid you farewell, I don't know when I'll be back They're moving us tomorrow to that tower down the track But you'll be hearing from me baby, long after I'm gone I'll be speaking to you sweetly from a window In the Tower of Song RELATED - Exploring Montreal? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/8SsrcIPiOt

The Short Version: Huge portrait of Leonard Cohen painted on…read morethe side of a building on Crescent Street in Montreal. The Long Version: The official name of this mural is "Tower of Songs, Hommage à Leonard Cohen." It was completed in 2017 and was a collaboration between American artist EL MAC (Miles MacGregor) and Canadian artist Gene Pendron. It's huge and is very lifelike. As a work of art, I think it's beautiful. I can't say I'm a huge Leonard Cohen fan, but I recognize his talent as a songwriter, singer, poet, and novelist. I like his song "So Long, Marianne" which is about his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen. I also liked his song "Hallelujah" but have unfortunately heard it at too many funerals so now have mixed feelings about it. If you're a Leonard Cohen fan and even if you're not, the mural is worth checking out. The best views are on Crescent Street up close or from on top of Mount Royal if you want a more distant perspective with a view of the city. Review #13 (2026)

There's a Yelp entry for The Illuminated Crowd? I feel that Art is un-ratable, but not everyone…read morefeels this way, for example, my middle school art teacher who gave me a poor grade on my papier-mâché masterpiece (and in essence deterred me from going into The Arts. That's ok, I think I serve the world better as a scientist than as an artist anyway). But enough about my artistic potential or lack thereof, let's get back to this art installation. So The Illuminated Crowd is apparently the most photographed piece of public art in Montreal. The sculptor is Raymond Mason and material is resin. It was created in 1985. It's a crowd of people, and at the front it looks like everyone is staring and focusing on something in the distance, and as you go towards the back of the sculpture, things start to degenerate and people start attacking each other and some are on the ground wounded and mutilated. What's it all about? Well, that is up to you, the observer, to determine, no? The plaque at the base states that the artist is depicting "the fragile nature of man" and "the flow of man's emotion through space" but I feel that with art, the meaning is also up to the spectator, thus may mean different things to different people. I personally find this work haunting and creepy. I also see it as a sad commentary on humankind and of our potential for hurting each other. It's not the most uplifting of art pieces, but worth a view if you're in the area. It's on McGill College near de Maisonneuve.

Very moving and thought provoking - every human emotion in a concise space in the center of…read moreMontreal, Do not miss and do not overlook.