Easy to get to and easy on the eyes, Montréal—the “Paris of North America” and Canada’s second-largest city—is ready to show you a fun, culturally rich, and deliciously French good time. Not only does their food reign supreme in both quality and quantity (there’s a higher rate of restaurants per capita in Montréal than NYC), but the city—sited in the province of Québec—is safe, with neighborhoods as eclectic as the nearly two million French-speaking residents who call the multinational metropolis home. Here’s everything to know before you go.

Thanks to a five-hour, 30-minute flight from SFO and minimal three-hour time change, jet lag won’t drag you down. Regardless, a good night’s sleep at a high-end hotel should be on your itinerary. Stay in the lap of luxury at Warwick Le Crystal (warwickhotels.com/warwick-le-crystal-montreal). The plush property offers elegant rooms, top-notch amenities, and comfortably chic, spacious suites. Check in then check out the lobby-level eatery Siam, offering tasty Thai food in upscale environs; or make a splash in the indoor saltwater swimming pool and outdoor hot tub. After a spa treatment or sauna soak, you may (finally) be ready to peel yourself away from the premises. Luckily, the lively downtown district (dotted with high-end shops and ample museums to muse over), a main metro stop, and the Quartier des Spectacles (arts and entertainment district) are just outside your doorstep.

Go “back to the future” with a stroll through Old Montréal. The borough’s bustling main boulevards and quiet cobblestone streets strike a perfect balance between past and present, thanks to modern boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet bistros housed in historic buildings from the 19th century. Must-see sights include the state-of-the-art La Grande Roue de Montréal (lagranderouedemontreal.com)—Canada’s famed Ferris wheel that takes tourists 200 feet up in climate-controlled pods for a panoramic perspective of the skyline; and Notre-Dame Basilica (basiliquenotredame.ca/en), a stunning Gothic Revival cathedral that stands as both a symbol of the city's heritage and architectural abundance. Inside, admire the artwork and stained-glass windows or book tickets to The Aura Experience (aurabasiliquemontreal.com/en), a permanent multimedia display of projections, shadows, lights, and orchestral music.

When nature calls, Montréal enthusiastically answers. Huff and puff up the 256-step staircase to the top of the city’s namesake Mount Royal for unforgettable views and plenty of lush green goodness. The surrounding park serves as a four-season space for solace, inspiration, and an abundance of activities (biking, barbecuing, boating, skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and sledding). Down the mountain, discover two of the city’s hippest ’hoods: Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End. From colorful houses and spiral staircases to vintage boutiques, indie bookshops, and boho vibes, the places and people-watching promise endless hours of entertainment.

Those who prefer two wheels over two feet can rent a bike at Ma Bicyclette (mabicyclette.ca) on the Lachine Canal—a well-maintained, roughly nine-mile path that flows from the historic Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. Stop for a picnic, a picture, or grab a bite to eat as you spin past some of Montréal’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods and get a glimpse into how the locals live.
If arts, culture, and music make your heart sing, then Montréal is a destination that delivers; it’s where Cirque du Soleil, Celine Dion, Arcade Fire, and Leonard Cohen all come from, after all. This summer’s lineup includes the International Jazz Festival (montrealjazzfest.com/en-ca) from June 27-July 6, where some 3,000 musicians, including names like Norah Jones and Future Islands, will treat audiences to indoor and outdoor shows, most at no charge; and the complimentary Montréal Complètement Cirque (montrealcompletementcirque.com/en) from July 4-14, when circus performers wow audiences with awe-inspiring acts using streets, sidewalks, parks, and other community venues as their stage.

 

Smoked meat sandwiches stacked a mile high and maple syrup, oh my. There are a handful of iconic eats every Montréal first-timer needs to try. But beyond the bagels and gravy-laden fries with semi-melted cheese curds (poutine)—which you absolutely do need to devour—French Canada’s culinary capital offers much more.

Walk into any restaurant, fancy food hall (Time Out Market Montréal, Le Cathcart, and Le Central are all mealtime musts), or public market (check out the open-air Marché Jean-Talon for all your picnic-day provisions) and you won’t leave hungry—or disappointed. The food here just hits differently; ingredients are top-tier, plates are executed with polished precision, and the service standards go above and beyond.

For one of the tastiest tables in town, snag a seat at Barroco (barroco.ca), which serves up jaw-dropping French, Spanish, and Italian dishes in a dimly lit bicentennial building oozing with old-warm charm. Order the tasting menu and prepare to be impressed; this is fine dining at its finest.

For French diner food with a playful twist, add Foiegwa (foiegwa.com) to your foodie bucket list. The atmosphere is cool and convivial, and the food refined but approachable—from the homemade spaghetti with black truffle, egg yolk, and parmesan; to the burger that gets its French influence from caramelized onions, brioche, and a demi-glace port sauce. Oh, and don’t forget drinks and dessert; the homemade ice cream and Maple Old Fashioned are reason enough to return.

Speaking of spirited sips, mixology in Montréal is next level, especially if you visit Atwater Cocktail Club (atwatercocktailclub.com). Named one of “North America’s 50 Best Bars,” the speakeasy-style establishment—sited at the end of an unmarked graffiti-lined alley—boasts bold décor in an avant-garde ambiance (mirrored ceilings, metallic silver banquettes) alongside inventive, showy drinks crafted with quality ingredients, passion, and serious skill.

It may be the drinks talking, but don’t be surprised if you begin pondering questions like: “Could I…should I…move here?” Yes, Montréal is that magnifique.